Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group - 27 April 2022
Argyll and Bute Council · 15 June 2022
Back to Oban Lorn & The Isles Area Committee — 15 June 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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MINUTES of MEETING of OBAN LORN & THE ISLES COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS on WEDNESDAY, 27 APRIL 2022 Present: Kevin Champion, Oban High School (Chair) Councillor Elaine Robertson Councillor Sir Jamie McGrigor Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Becky Hothersall, Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council Nathan Gallogley, Graduate Staycation Officer, Argyll and Bute Council Zalina Dzhatieva, Staycation Project Officer, Argyll and Bute Council Joan Best, Crossroads North Argyll Inspector Ian Hutchison, Police Scotland PC Laura Evans, Police Scotland Catriona Petit, Hope Kitchen Laura Corbe, Oban Community Council Marri Malloy, Oban Community Council Duncan Martin, Oban Community Council Sue Barnard, Oban Community Council John Sweeney, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Petra Pearce, Argyll Third Sector Interface (TSI) Jen Broadhurst, Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Brian Smith, Live Argyll Robert Kincaid, Oban Community Harbour Development Association (OCHDA) Samantha Campbell, NHS Highland Sandy Neill, Oban Times Linda Battison, Oban Tourism Group Andrew Galloway, Local Democracy Reporter for Argyll and Bute Theresa Bain, Argyll College Lauren Worrell, NFU Scotland Jim Tolmie, Oban and District Access Panel 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:- Ronnie Kelly, Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) Seonaigh Cameron, Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) Carol Flett, Islands Living Well Network 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTES The Minute of the previous Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group, held on 16 February 2022, was approved as a correct record.
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4. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE The Group considered a briefing note which provided information around matters discussed during a virtual meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee, held on 16 March 2022. Stuart McLean particularly highlighted the attendance of the new Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs); an update provided in relation to the Child Poverty Working Group; an update from Lorna Byrne in relation to applications to the Scottish Welfare Fund; the work of the Digital Communities Group; and an update provided by Fergus Murray in relation to the Strategic Transportation Projects Review 2 (STPR 2). Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the briefing note. (Reference: Report by Shona Barton, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 19 April 2022, submitted) 5. PARTNER UPDATES (a) Police Scotland Update The Group considered an update from Inspector Ian Hutchison, Police Scotland, which highlighted information relating to the work of the Counter Terrorism Liaision Officer; the changes arising as a result of the new Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 and the ways in which this legislation was being promoted; the continued work to reduce incidents of fraud; the gradual increase in events with the restrictions of Covid-19 easing and police resourcing for the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Inspector Ian Hutchison, Police Scotland, submitted) (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update The Group considered a report by John Sweeney highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ4 review of local performance across Oban, Lorn and the Isles for the period 2021-22. The report included information around incidents during this period; recent community safety activity; and new smoke detector legislation.
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Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by John Sweeney, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted) (c) Live Argyll - Community Learning Service Update Consideration was given to a report which highlighted the ongoing work of the Community Learning Service. Information in relation to Youth Services and Adult Learning was provided together with an update on the new and existing Refugee resettlement project/funded programme on Bute, with it being noted that Live Argyll has recruited and is managing a Community Learning and Development Worker, whose role is to recruit volunteer mentors to support New Scots, existing Refugees and speakers of other languages to integrate and take up opportunities being provided as part of the project. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Brian Smith, Team Leader, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll, submitted) (d) Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Update The Group considered an update from Jen Broadhurst, Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). The update highlighted an increased number of queries to the service, with a particular rise in queries relating to debt, specifically energy debt. It was noted that this had resulted in additional funding being obtained for the employment of a part-time energy debt specialist and to increase the debt support provided. The update also included information relating to an increase in clients seeking support to avoid eviction following the confirmed resumption of face-to-face sessions by Her Majesty’s Court & Tribunals Service; an increase in complex client issues and clients suffering from mental health concerns; attempts to seek funding to assist vulnerable clients; the commencement of the Spring 2022 Adviser Training Programme; an ongoing consultation exercise to review the work of the CAB; and research which had been carried out in relation to the private housing market across Argyll and Bute. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.
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(Reference: Report by Jen Broadhurst, Bureau Manager, Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, submitted) (e) Skills Development Scotland Update The Group considered an update from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) which included school leaver statistics for the 2020-21 period. The update also included a link to the Annual Participation Measures and information relating to current trends. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and noted the information provided; and 2. noted that in the absence of a representative from Skills Development Scotland, any questions would be forwarded to them for a response following the meeting. (Reference: Presentation by Susan MacRae, Area Manager, Skills Development Scotland, submitted) (f) Department for Work and Pensions Update The Group considered an update from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which included statistical information on clients receiving Universal Credit and other benefits across the Argyll and Bute area, as well as information on various initiatives that the DWP were involved in. The update highlighted progress with the Way to Work initiative to assist people in returning to work; support available to assist with increases in energy bills, the cost of living and childcare costs; changes to the amount of time that a claimant is able to seek work only within their preferred sector; changes to the rules for those with a terminal illness; a campaign to encourage those on tax credits to investigate the possibility of transferring to Universal Credit; the roll out of the new Adult Disability Payment (ADP); support available for those fleeing Ukraine; and new guidance available from the Money and Pensions Service. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and noted the information provided; and 2. noted that in the absence of a representative from the Department for Work and Pensions, any questions would be forwarded to them for a response following the meeting. (Reference: Report by Ronnie Kelly, Employer & Partnership Manager, Department for Work and Pensions, submitted)
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(g) Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership - Public Health Update The Group considered an update from Public Health from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership. The update highlighted the launch of the new Community Link Worker service and the progress of the Argyll and Bute Living Well Strategy. Information was also provided in relation to a report by the NHS Highland Director of Public Health, which investigated and provided recommendations in relation to ways to improve mental health and reduce suicide rates across the NHS Highland area. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Alison McGrory, Health Improvement Principal, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, submitted) (h) Islands Living Well Network (Mull and Iona, Tiree and Colonsay) Update Consideration was given to report which highlighted the funding of the Living Well Networks for a further 6 month period and the arrangements in place to hold a further two quarterly meetings of the Network, scheduled to take place on 4 May and 31 August 2022. Information on the ongoing challenges in the provision of dental care on the Islands was also provided. The report also asked that Partners pass Carol Fletts’ contact details to anyone who may wish to join the Islands Living Well Network for Mull and Iona, Tiree, Coll and Colonsay and to any potential, mainland based Network Partners who might like to share information across the Islands of Mull and Iona, Tiree, Coll and Colonsay. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the information provided; and 2. noted that in the absence of a representative from the Islands Living Well Network, any questions would be forwarded to them for a response following the meeting. (Reference: Report by Carol Flett, Islands Living Well Network (Mull and Iona, Tiree, Coll and Colonsay), submitted) (i) MECOPP Gypsy Travellers Carers Project Update
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Consideration was given to a report which provided information on the ongoing work in relation to the Gypsy Travellers Carers Project, which included details on additional funding secured for a number of projects; the development of an action plan to improve the lives of Gypsy/Travellers; the ongoing work of MECOPP to support the community to voice their views for accommodation that is of good quality and is culturally appropriate. The report also highlighted the work of the Highland Health Board Gypsy Traveller Partnership Working Group which is looking to engage and empower the travelling community, to improve physical and mental health. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the information provided; and 2. noted that in the absence of a representative from MECOPP, any questions would be forwarded to them for a response following the meeting. (Reference: Report by Ali Martin, Support and Development Worker, MECOPP, submitted) (j) Opportunity for verbal updates from Area Community Planning Group Partners Joan Best, Crossroads, North Argyll Joan spoke of the current cost of living crisis and the difficulties it posed for unpaid carers. She advised of the substantial increase to service users particularly on the island of Mull and outlined a number of areas where resources had been stretched. Discussion was had in relation to funding opportunities that could be accessed through the Citizens Advice Bureau and the support available from the Hope Kitchen, with Councillor Robertson agreeing to highlight the issues discussed with the appropriate Council services. Catriona Petit, Hope Kitchen Catriona advised of a significant increase in demand for the services of Hope Kitchen. She advised that supply levels of perishable foods that could be heated quickly and easily were dwindling. Petra Pearce, Argyll TSI Petra provided details of the provision of a new online learning platform, open to organisations across Argyll and Bute that need support in terms of learning for staff and volunteers and spoke of the upcoming Volunteer of the Year Awards. She advised that information on both could be
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accessed at www.argylltsi.org Theresa Bain, Argyll College Theresa advised that Argyll College had recently undergone a rebranding and was now known as UHI Argyll. She advised that work was ongoing on the new logo and signage. 6. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Police Scotland Fraud Discussion The Group considered a presentation by PC Laura Evans, Police Scotland. The presentation provided an overview of the work being undertaken by Police Scotland to highlight and reduce incidents of fraud. Background information was provided around fraud and the increase in incidences of fraud since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. PC Evans also highlighted the impact that being a victim of fraud could have on individuals, and emphasised that anyone could be a victim of fraud. PC Evans provided further information about the various methods that were being used by fraudsters; the work which was being undertaken by Police Scotland to combat the increase in fraud activity; and the ways in which partners could assist to prevent fraud within their local communities. PC Evans encouraged people to sign up to Neighbourhood Watch Scotland and to complete the free training which was available. She confirmed that she had posted links to these resources on the Group’s Basecamp site for anyone who wants to access them. Attendees thanked PC Evans for a very informative presentation, and agreed to feedback this information to their respective organisations. PC Evans agreed to share printed leaflets on fraud prevention with any interested parties following the meeting. The Committee Manager agreed to circulate the presentation around the 56 Community Council’s within Argyll and Bute and PC Evans advised that she would be happy to attend any future Community Council meeting’s to provide an update in this regard. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by PC Laura Evans, Partnership Liaison Officer, Police Scotland, submitted) 7. CLIMATE CHANGE
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(a) Minutes of the Climate Change Working Group meeting held on 17 February 2022 The minutes of a recent meeting of the Climate Change Working Group, held on 17 February 2022, were before the Group for consideration. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the minutes of the Climate Change Working Group meeting held on 17 February 2022. (Reference: Minute of the Climate Change Working Group, held on 17 February 2022, submitted) (b) Opportunity for updates on community based initiatives The group were invited to provide any updates on community based climate change initiatives. Laura Corbe, who attended the Climate Change Working Group as a OLI ACPG representative and Oban Community Council member provided a short update on the main messages, which included information on the efforts of the group in seeking funding to create a Climate Change Project Officer post to carry out the actions identified, namely developing an Action Plan for Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation and Engagement for Argyll and Bute. The Chair, Mr Champion advised that he intended that this item be included on the agenda for the next meeting as a significant item for discussion. Mr Champion advised that he would liaise with the Committee Manager and ensure that Partners were afforded time to forward issues for discussion. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the updates provided. 8. OBAN BAY UPDATE Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on the progress made since the decision of the Special Harbour Board meeting in December 2021 in respect of Oban Bay and the next steps which officers require to undertake. Councillor Robertson outlined the background of the situation and introduced Robert Kincaid, member of OCHDA, to the group and advised that Mr Kincaid would attend future meetings of this group as a Partner. Discussion was had in relation to issues encountered by a number of Partners through their dealings with the Council in relation to the submission of a formal Harbour Revision Order, with it being noted
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that in terms of tourism, this issue was fundamental to the economy of Oban, Lorn and the Isles. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and noted the update presented to, and the decision of, the Council’s Harbour Board on 3 March 2022; and 2. agreed that this item be included on agendas for future meetings of the group when there is progress to report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated 20 April 2022, submitted) 9. UPDATE ON TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE The Graduate Staycation Officer, Nathan Gallogley introduced himself to the group and advised that he had recently taken up this position with Argyll and Bute Council. Mr Gallogley provided a short verbal update on the tourism infrastructure within the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area which included information on Environmental Wardens; waste disposal tanks; the deployment of portaloos; the Ulva ferry on Mull and the support for the new carpark in Tobermory. Discussion was had in relation to a number of issues around the Ganavan area of Oban; waste disposal issues and the allocation of funding from the Scottish Government for staycation purposes in 2021. The Committee Manager agreed to seek information from the Development and Economic Growth service on how this money was spent and advise the group of the outcome. The Chair, Mr Champion requested that Mr Gallogley seek further information in relation to the issues raised and feedback to him directly, and he in turn would ensure that the information was disseminated to the wider group. Decision The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the information provided. 10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The Group noted that the next meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group would take place on Wednesday, 17 August 2022 at 6:30pm. Having noted that she would be stepping down at this year’s Local Elections, Councillor Robertson advised that this would be her last meeting of the OLI ACPG. She took the opportunity to thank all Partners for their continued support and for their commitment to the OLI area.
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The Chair, Mr Champion thanked Councillor Robertson for her kind words and wished her well for the future.