Agenda reports pack
Argyll and Bute Council · 17 August 2022
Back to Oban Lorn & the Isles Area Community Planning Group — 17 August 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT Tel: 01546 602127 Fax: 01546 604435 DX 599700 LOCHGILPHEAD 10 August 2022 NOTICE OF MEETING A meeting of the OBAN LORN & THE ISLES COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP will be held by MICROSOFT TEAMS on WEDNESDAY, 17 AUGUST 2022 at 6:30 PM, which you are requested to attend. Douglas Hendry Executive Director BUSINESS 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES 2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST 3. MINUTES (a) Minutes of Oban Lorn and the Isles Community Planning Group - 27 April 2022 (Pages 3 - 12) 4. APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIR (Pages 13 - 14) Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council 5. COMMUNITY PLANNING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE (Pages 15 - 22) Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council 6. PARTNER UPDATES (a) Police Scotland Update (Pages 23 - 26) (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Update - Q1 2022/23 Performance & Activity Report (Pages 27 - 32) (c) Argyll and Bute TSI Update (Pages 33 - 34) Public Document Pack
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(d) Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Update (Pages 35 - 38) (e) Islands Living Well Network (Mull and Iona, Tiree and Colonsay) Update (Pages 39 - 40) (f) Crossroads North Argyll Update (Pages 41 - 42) (g) Staycation Update - Oban Lorn and the Isles Area (Pages 43 - 44) (h) Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership - Public Health Report (Pages 45 - 48) (i) Department of Work and Pensions (Pages 49 - 58) (j) Opportunity for Verbal Updates by Area Community Planning Group Partners 7. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Sustaining Choice - Planning Aid Scotland - Verbal Update 8. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Climate Change Working Group - Highlight Report (Pages 59 - 62) (b) Opportunity for updates on community based initiatives 9. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, 9th November 2022 at 2pm. Oban Lorn & the Isles Community Planning Group Kevin Champion (Chair) Contact: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager – 01436 658717
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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. Page 3 Agenda Item 3a
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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. Page 4
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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. Page 5
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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) Page 6
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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 Page 7
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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 Page 8
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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 Page 9
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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 Page 10
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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. Page 11
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The Chair, Mr Champion thanked Councillor Robertson for her kind words and wished her well for the future. Page 12
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Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership Oban, Lorn & The Isles Area Community Planning Group 17 August 2022 Appointment of Vice-Chair of the Oban Lorn & The Isles Area Community Planning Group Summary The following report provides information relating to the appointment of a Vice-Chair for the Oban, Lorn & The Isles Area Community Planning Group. It outlines the expected time commitment and also gives information on the role. The Area Community Planning Group is asked to consider making an appointment to the position of Vice-Chair. 1. Purpose 1.1 This report asks the Area Community Planning Group to consider the appointment of a Vice-Chair. 2. Recommendations 2.1 The Area Community Planning Group is asked to consider the appointment of a Vice-Chair. 3. Background 3.1 The previous Vice-Chair, Councillor Elaine Robertson, had been in post since November 2021, agreeing to cover the position until the Local Government elections in May 2022. 4. Detail 4.1 According to the Terms of Reference the Vice-Chair, if elected, would serve for a term of 2 years with an option to be re-elected at the end of this time. However, no one person can serve for more than 2 consecutive terms. 4.2 In order to be considered as a candidate for the position of Vice-Chair the person must be a member of the Oban, Lorn & the Isles Area Community Planning Group. 4.3 Some further information on the commitment required for the role:- Attend meetings of the Oban, Lorn & the Isles Area Community Planning Group; Page 13 Agenda Item 4
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Attend meetings of the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee or the Full Partnership, if the Chair is unable to attend; Time commitment of at least 4 CPG meetings per year in February, May, August and November and 4 pre-agenda meetings per year in January, April, August and October; To participate in any Short-Term Working Groups as required; and To engage with officers of the Council in terms of setting the Agenda for the CPG. 5. Conclusions 5.1 The ACPG is asked to consider the appointment of a Vice-Chair. 6. SOA Outcomes 6.1 This report does not link to any specific Outcome as it relates to the administrative arrangements. For further information please contact: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager (01436) 658717 Page 14
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Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership Oban Lorn & The Isles Area Community Planning Group 17 August 2022 Community Planning Partnership Management Committee Update This briefing relates to the meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee which was held on 22 June 2022. The briefing is for noting and relevant discussion. Summary Highlights Matters Arising from Area Community Planning Groups An update was provided on the discussions which had taken place at all 4 Area Community Planning Groups which had been held in April 2022. The meetings had been well attended with a variety of interesting presentations given. The Management Committee noted the current situation in regard to office bearer positions, noting that Alistair Moodie (Lochgoil Community Council) had been appointed as Vice-Chair to the Bute and Cowal Area CPG and that the MAKI Vice-Chair position remains vacant. Shaping Places for Wellbeing The Committee heard from Alex Wilde, Shaping Places for Wellbeing Project Lead - Dunoon. Alex is leading on the project which is one of six case study projects across Scotland that have been established by the Improvement Service with two-year funding from the World Health organisation. The CPP Management Committee met on the 22nd June 2022 with the meeting being held virtually given the current restrictions in place and in line with the Council’s current approach. This update provides an overview of the discussion which took place. Reports which were discussed at the meeting can be found here Browse meetings - Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee - Argyll and Bute Council (argyll-bute.gov.uk) Page 15 Agenda Item 5
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It was noted that Alex will report to the Bute and Cowal ACPG, who will feedback on the project’s progress to the Management Committee Alex provided an update on her work so far. Alex started work on the project at the end of April and has been immersing herself in what is happening in Dunoon and across Argyll and Bute. She welcomed the generosity of all those who have shared their thoughts and ideas with. Alex aims to feed into health data collected by Public Health Scotland, looking at where there are public health inequalities and what opportunities there are for potential investments and small scale projects. The project will explore: How places can deliver on wellbeing How an approach to place can be further embedded What are the needs and opportunities Themes arising so far include: mental health; addictions; skills and employment; leisure; people transitioning from school to work; and people transitioning from work to retirement. Key groups identified so far include: carers; and women and children. It was agreed that partners should get in touch with Alex with suggestions of people she should be liaising with. Cross Cutting Themes Climate Change Ross McLaughlin presented on the report, noting that the Climate Change Working Group had been exploring the opportunities available to take forward a Project Manager or similar post to create a strategy for climate change with an Argyll and Bute wide approach at a total cost of around £120k over two years. It was proposed that the post should be hosted by third sector partner, ACT for day-to-day management, with project governance being provided by a Steering Group of members from the Climate Change working group. It was estimated that the post would require funding support of £60,000 per year, for a minimum of two years and that the majority of this funding would likely be sought from external sources. The Management Committee agreed to the following recommendations: (1) that a Project Manager post be created with this proposed management / governance structure of partnership working presented in the paper; and (2) that resources of around £120,000 should be sought to fund the post and its associated costs. Child Poverty Mandy Sheridan provided an update on this theme with it being noted that:- Page 16
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the Child Poverty Action Plan is in hand and will be ready by the end of August. 220 partnership staff and elected members attended the recent poverty awareness events. The Scottish Government has produced the Bright Starts Delivery Plan highlighting the importance of place. Workshops have been held on Child Poverty Data and Intelligence in Remote and Rural Areas, looking at difficulties and solutions in this area. Cost of living and inflation increase will make achieving the targets challenging. The Scottish Government’s first target date for working towards alleviating child poverty is 2023 with the following target set for 2030. Argyll and Bute Council’s Anti-Poverty Strategy and Children’s Rights Plans reach the end of their plan periods next year. Local Authorities have adopted different strategies including combining both plans. Financial Inclusion Fergus Walker provided an update which noted:- The number of applications for crisis grants and the resulting spend has reduced compared with last year. It is expected that the cost of living crisis will result in an increase in applications. The Flexible Food Fund (information found here: Flexible Food Fund Application Form (argyll-bute.gov.uk)) has extended its contract to include fuel and poverty advice. There will be a need for education around eligibility criteria. Poverty awareness training has been delivered to 220 staff and has received good feedback. Key themes identified as areas of work required to address poverty included: - Investment in employment opportunities and progression - Tackling poverty stigma - Public Transport access - Health and Care services - Childcare - Further Education opportunities - Opportunities for young people staying in the area - Affordable housing The Poverty Alliance will also deliver two further training sessions for elected members. Page 17
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School clothing re-use projects are being introduced across Argyll & Bute. These emphasise the re-use and recycling of school uniforms. This is being rolled out area by area. Now established in Helensburgh and Campbeltown and are working well. The next will be Rothesay and Dunoon. The intention is to expand across the islands, MAKI and OLI areas by the end of the year. Digital Nicola Hackett reported that the Community Learning and Development Partnership (CLD) had identified that a new working group dedicated to the cross cutting theme of Digital Communities was needed to take work forward. This has been established and the group’s terms of reference (TOR) have been agreed. Hall Aitken has been commissioned to look at mapping existing provision, volunteers, venues, training needs and connectivity to enable the CLD Digital Skills Plan to be progressed. The project group will also engage with education and other work streams, to identify barriers then look at how to tackle these with interventions and actions implemented with further funding sought as required. Melissa Dundas outlined the bid for Islands’ Infrastructure Funding which proposes to enable 4 pilot village halls (Iona, Coll, Tiree and Islay) to benefit from ICT equipment and establish digital hubs. If the funding bid is successful, the project will support community empowerment, increase digital inclusion, enable business use and recreation and facilitate Near Me clinics. The project will also support 9 of the 13 strategic objectives in the Islands Plan. The project intends to appoint Digital Champions in each community and it is hoped that it will act as a pilot for expanding the concept to other islands and rural mainland locations. Melissa expects to receive notification of the outcome of this funding bid by early August. March 2023 is the deadline for the project’s delivery. Building Back Better (Communities) Rona Gold reported that Ann Loughrey has been appointed to an 18-month fixed- term position of Building Back Better (Communities) Worker, jointly funded by Third Sector Interface (TSI) and Argyll and Bute Council. The post was created with the aim of engaging with community groups in recognition of the issues they may now be facing because of the COVID 19 pandemic. Ann will be reviewing the support needed to ensure that volunteering activities are sustainable. She will also be conducting an evaluation of a micro grant fund for village halls and exploring ongoing needs. Page 18
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Outcome 6: Community Safety Partnership – 2021/22 Progress Update Laura Evans presented the following report: Update: Outcome 6 – People Live in Safer and Stronger Communities. Highlights included: Graphic Mind Map showing challenges, achievements and activities over the year 2021/22 Priority 1 – We live in a safe and positive community Making sure victims of domestic abuse could reach out for support. Signposting information was circulated through Living Well Networks and holiday accommodation providers. This will continue and expand next year to include any small business. Priority 2 – We encourage safer road and water use The Argyll and Bute Partnership Approach to Water Safety (PAWS) group was established. A water safety education package was created and circulated. Improved water safety signage was designed and installed. The focus will now move towards road safety, supporting elderly drivers and working with local transport groups. Priority 4 – Our vulnerable groups are supported and included More than 700 people have received face to face delivery of fraud prevention support. The group is seeking to secure more funding for call blockers. Upcoming CPP Work Rona Gold introduced two new members of the Community Planning team: John McLuckie, who will join on 11th July as Partnerships Lead (Community Planning); and Lucy Dunbar, who has recently taken up the post of Community Planning Officer. John will be looking at how best to identify outcomes for the next Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan (ABOIP). As part of her work, Lucy will support the Community Wealth Building Working Group to map related partner activities. Page 19
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Annual Report Rona Gold informed partners that Lucy will be in touch over the next few weeks to begin gathering case studies and other information for the Annual Report. Working towards a revision of the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan (ABOIP) It was noted that the end date of the current ABOIP is March 2023. As a ten year plan, the document has helped set direction but unforeseen events have arisen during those ten years leading to the need for reflection on whether this is still the best direction to follow. Rona Gold had presented a 2-year plan for conducting this review including extensive engagement, to the CPP in December 2019, however the pandemic seriously affected implementation. A detailed plan outlining how information will be gathered to review the existing, and create the next ten-year Outcome Improvement Plan will be brought to the September Management Committee meeting, with a view to engaging with communities during September and October. Rona proposed that the next 10-year plan may be less text-heavy and would likely include a review of progress on priorities after 3 years. It was agreed that all partners should notify Rona of any community engagement activities planned for the September-October period to enable collaboration where possible. The importance of the Community Planning Partnership in the Argyll and Bute area, and the requirement to be clear on the specific priorities for the new ABOIP to align with partner plans and strategies and with well-coordinated consultation was highlighted. It was also noted that the new plan needs to be understood by communities in plain English and local community plans also need to be recognised. It was also noted that the Council would be setting its political priorities at the Council meeting in September. MSYP Update Ryan MacIntyre reported that the 160 Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament will be meeting next week in Cumbernauld to set their priorities for the next two years. The motion to be brought forward by the Argyll and Bute Members is for the provision of study rooms for senior secondary school pupils. The recent Scottish Youth Parliament priorities debate included discussion on drugs misuse, educational attainment, the right to food and the climate emergency. Page 20
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The Argyll and Bute MSYPs plan a roadshow to tour the secondary schools in Argyll and Bute in August to establish contacts and ensure young people are represented and have their priorities identified. Information on the roadshows will be shared on their Instagram and Facebook pages. Levelling Up Fund Overview Fergus Murray reported that the Council is preparing two bids for the Levelling Up Fund. There will be a bid for up to £20m for regeneration work which will include investment in Rothesay Town Centre around the former Royal Hotel and Guildford Square and around Dunoon Pier, which could tie in with the Shaping Places for Wellbeing - Dunoon Project. There will also be a bid for up to £50m which will focus on transportation and infrastructure. One of the aims is to improve transport connections to Islay and Jura, specifically to unlock the potential of the spirit industry, including the provision of a low-carbon Jura Ferry. Road improvements and active travel routes are also proposed for Port Askaig. A further aim is to provide a secondary entrance to Dunbeg as part of the Dunbeg corridor with a new commercial area and additional housing. The bid also requests funding for improvements to the Tobermory – Salen road, a green fuelling station in Oban and development of the UAV Hub at Oban Airport. Outcome 1 Argyll and Bute Employability Partnership (ABEP) Ishabel Bremner presented a report, which can be found in full here: Employability Partnership Delivery Plan, 2022-25. Ishabel reported that the delivery plan had been created to focus on service delivery requirements and approaches, plus employability interventions for vulnerable residents and communities. The Scottish Government is seeking finalised delivery plans by June 30th. ABEP will provide bi-annual updates to the CPP MC with regard to the new delivery plan. Page 21
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AOCB The Chair offered congratulations to PC Stephen Tanner on Tiree, who had been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal and to John Fraser on Coll, who had been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal. Scottish Government Place Directors Rona Gold reported that the Scottish Government had created a role description for proposed Place Director positions. A Scottish Government Civil Servant would be appointed to the role and will join the CPP. Feedback on Digital Meeting Platform for CPP It was agreed that the CPP Team would circulate a short survey to capture the feedback of everyone on meeting format and preferences. For further information, please contact: Shona Barton, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council (01436) 657605 Shona.barton@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 22
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Argyll and Bute Oban, Lorn and the Isles - Area Community Planning Group Partner Update – Police Scotland Resourcing Following the retirement of Chief Inspector Marlene Baillie, who served the area so tirelessly, we are pleased to introduce our new Area Commander, Chief Inspector Simon Shanks. Simon is based in Oban has provided the following message for the group: “I am very pleased to join the team as the Local Area Commander for Oban, Lorn and the Isles and Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands. I have 20 years policing experience from a variety of areas with Police Scotland and whilst new to this Sub Division, I have been part of L Division for two and half years and previously worked as the Area Inspector for Cowal and Bute, so have a real understanding of rural Policing.” The OLI area has also welcomed two new Probationary Officers to Oban Police Station. PCs Kieran Barr and Rena Timsit are already on patrol in Oban, bolstering the numbers at the station and are looking forward to serving the community as they develop in their careers. Further, following a restructure, the Division is pleased to welcome 3 new Inspectors to the area, recruited from current staff within the division, who will be working in the Response Directorate. Temporary Inspector Alasdair MacLaren will be operating out of Campbeltown, and Temporary Inspectors Karen MacLennan and Ian Hutchison will be working out of Oban. When on duty they will have responsibility for the MAKI area, monitoring and managing the calls for service that occur during their shift. Succession planning is being reviewed closely for the OLI area. Together, with colleagues across Argyll, work is being undertaken to recruit staff into the remote areas of the division and a working group currently exists around recruitment and retention. Local Events Over the coming months OLI Police will be launching an initiative to try and recruit more Special Constables, to increase our Policing footprint and to engage the community more in the Policing that takes place. We will be linking with the larger employers in the area to assist us in spreading this message and to help incentivise participation & recruitment, through assistance with time off so Special Constables can attend key events and support community initiatives. Should you have contacts within large organisations, would like to know more, or feel that you could contribute in some way to this process, please link with PS Christopher Edwards at Oban Police Station on Christopher.edwards@scotland.police.uk Page 23 Agenda Item 6a
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Ongoing Work of Note The Community Team, led by Inspector Paul Collins, is increasing its collaboration with Neighbourhood & Rural Watch, training up local Policing representatives to increase the footprint of this worthwhile enterprise in the OLI area. We will be doing initiatives over the coming months to try and increase the engagement of members of the community. Keep Safe – Ukrainian Support Updates have been provided previously around the Keep Safe initiative, which operates throughout Scotland with Argyll and Bute having over 50 Keep Safe Places throughout its communities. Keep Safe was designed with disable people however it can be used by anyone who feels lost, scared or vulnerable when out in the community. Ukrainian translated Keep Safe materials have been shared with all Keep Safe places and key contacts through the Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership to enable people from Ukraine to be aware and be able to access Keep Safe places if they feel vulnerable when in our communities. Doorstep Crime Guidance A newly established partnership agreement between Police Scotland, Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) and Argyll and Bute Council Trading Standards provides a more robust process for reporting and identifying those who carry out doorstep crimes such as fraud and consumer protection offences. When Police Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council Trading Standards are contacted by the public and notified of an incident where criminals have purported to carry out works such as driveway and roofing repairs, professional trade’s people from ACHA will now attend and provide an independent assessment of the work carried out. Page 24
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL This will provide Police Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council Trading Standards a clearer ability to determine if any crime has taken place and if so what charges are relevant. This process has been used in the Oban area recently. Road Safety On Thursday 28th July 2022, officers from the Roads Policing Unit and Community Engagement Team held a Facebook Live Q&A in relation to motorcycle safety as Bute and Cowal are popular areas not only for resident motorcyclists but also visitors to the area, particularly in summer. This was the first Facebook Q&A live session held in this manner with 21 comments of engagement which was well received. Your Police Survey Police Scotland has continued to meet the needs of our communities during a demanding and difficult period for the people of Scotland. Understanding the views and priorities of Scotland's diverse communities is fundamental to how Police Scotland responds to the needs of the public. Our public engagement activities help us improve how we deliver our policing services in local communities, ensuring they are accessible for everyone. This survey will help us improve how we deliver policing services in your area. Our Annual Police Plan sets out what we will do to keep our communities safe. It has been developed using your responses to last year’s survey – along with focus groups, workshops and other ways we listen to you. They survey is designed to be completed online – you can visit consult.scotland.police.uk What happens with what you tell us? Page 25
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL It is vital that we listen, understand, and take action using your views and experiences. Our Annual Police Plan 2022/23 sets out what we will do to keep our communities safe and this has been developed using your responses to last year's survey, along with focus groups, workshops and other ways we listen to communities. Complete the survey in a different way A British Sign Language version of this survey is available at https://consult.scotland.police.uk/strategy-insight-and-innovation/bsl-version-your- police-2022-2023. You may find this version easier if you use BSL to communicate. Please let us know if you want to complete the survey in a different way (for example, over the phone): InsightEngagement@scotland.pnn.police.uk. Your response is anonymous and you will not be identified through the information you provide unless you choose to identify yourself in your responses. If you are a young person aged 12-25, there is more information about how to claim your 150 Rewards points shown after you submit your response. Not a Member yet? Go to young.scot to sign up. Page 26
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Oban, Lorn and the Isles CPG Briefing Report Q1 2022/23 Performance & Activity Report From: 1st April 2022 To: 30th June 2022 Page 27 Agenda Item 6b
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Introduction Welcome to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Community Board Performance Report. This performance report is designed to provide citizens, stakeholders and partners with information relating to Community Board based activity undertaken by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Whilst using historic statistical benchmarking data, consideration must be taken of the somewhat random nature of fire related incidents and events, and how this can pose difficulties in interpreting emerging patterns and trends. This is of specific relevance where Community Board level data is analysed due to the relatively small number of actual incidents/events that occur in Community Board areas. However, regardless of statistical anomalies, emerging patterns and trends in fire related incidents and events can assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Community Planning Partners plan and implement preventative intervention initiatives to target reducing fire related incidents and events. Local Firefighter Training Plan Below is a list of subjects the operational crews have been focusing on within this period. Each subject has been covered both practically and theoretically and recorded in the Fire Service Training recording system. Training Subjects January February March Hazmat Incident Command Casualty Care Sewers Underground Structures Rural & Wildfire Page 28
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Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADF) Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Oban North & Lorn 1.6 1 0 Oban South & the Isles 1 1 1 Community Board Total 2.6 2 1 ADF Casualties Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Oban North & Lorn 0 0 0 Oban South & the Isles 0 0 0 Community Board Total 0 0 0 Deliberate Secondary Fire Setting Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Oban North & Lorn 2.3 5 2 Oban South & the Isles 3 3 1 Community Board Total 5.3 8 3 Page 29
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Fires in Non-Domestic Property Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Oban North & Lorn 0.6 1 1 Oban South & the Isles 1.6 2 0 Community Board Total 2.3 3 1 Casualties from Non-Fire Emergencies Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Oban North & Lorn 2.3 3 2 Oban South & the Isles 2.6 1 5 Community Board Total 5 4 7 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Oban North & Lorn 11.3 11 7 Oban South & the Isles 18.6 22 23 Community Board Total 30 33 30 Incidents/Activities of Note Page 30
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Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) We are continually working with partners and targeting our top offenders which are Education including Infant/Primary/Secondary Schools, and Residential/Care Homes. A new UFAS Policy is currently being devised by SFRS with an aim at reducing UFAS Incidents further. Regrettably there is no timescale identified for completion of this Road & Water Safety campaigns We have also identified the need for further Road safety awareness, not only to residents, but also those visiting the area with partnership working alongside Police Scotland and Argyll & Bute Council. Our Community Advocates and operation crews have been assisting the PAWS group in delivering Water safety advice and training Community Engagement Activities • Post Domestic Incident Response (PDIR) • Fire, Water & Road Safety Talks –Presentations into schools with practical. demonstrations and interactive scenario floorboards. • Continue to deliver Fire Safety advice via telephone and provision of smoke detection where none is fitted. HFSV’s are carried out where there is a threat of fire from criminal activity. • Represented on the MARAC for those affected by domestic Violence. • Continue to support “Make the Call” Campaign and “On Call” recruitment drive for retained and volunteer stations. • Support and assist Police Scotland with Call blockers training and fitting of units. • Supporting PAWS group and engaging with the public, #RESPECTTHEWATER campaign. •Online training for partners with risk awareness within the training via MS Teams. • Engaging with communities for Summer TAP safety advice. Home Fire Safety As part of our commitment to building a safer Scotland we offer everyone in Scotland a free home fire safety visit. We'll help you sort out a fire escape plan and provide information about smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms. For a Free Home Fire Safety Visit, please: call 0800 0731 999 text "FIRE" to 80800 from your mobile phone. Twitter link: https://twitter.com/abewdhq Page 31
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ARGYLL AND BUTE TSI – CPG OLI UPDATE 10th AUGUST 2022 This was a quarter full of activity with the Volunteer Awards in June, the Social Enterprise Network meeting attended by the Scottish Minister responsible for Community Wealth Building and a conference placing the spotlight on community voices in the design and delivery of health and social care services. The TSI also distributed £40,000 worth of grants for the government under the Community Based Adult Learning fund and supported the Welcome Fairs for the resettlement of Ukrainian Refugees in Dunoon and Oban. We expect the Scottish Government to confirm the year 2 funding for the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund in August 2022, which is likely to be in the region of the original grant size of £285k. All going well the fund will be open for applications in September. The new Joint Commissioning Strategy which was agreed at the Integration Joint Board meeting on 30th March 2022 – see https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s184458/Cover%20Report%20JSCS.pdf enshrines the principles of three year funding for third sector organisations and co-production. Whilst the strategy is an excellent first step it will require a clear delivery plan and will need to be properly resourced. To take this further a very successful meeting on co-production was hosted by the TSI at the Inveraray Hub in June 2022 and a proposed model will be further developed over the coming months. The Inveraray Hub is in great demand and is proving to be a valued regional resource. A Training Needs Analysis survey has been sent out to the voluntary sector, in partnership with the Council, and this will inform the strategy for the future provision of training for our sector over the coming 12 months. Results out shortly. Excellent progress has been made on the database ABCD (Argyll and Bute Community Directory) with over 872 organisations now loaded with full contact details and service information. The aim is to launch a first version of the directory in September. The intention is to achieve something akin to the Glasgow Helps directory (https://www.glasgowhelps.org/) and the Dumfries and Galloway service locator (https://dglocator.org.uk/) which are both searchable and interactive. The TSI is looking to develop a pan-Argyll and Bute approach to identifying and sharing volunteers as well as to underline the distinction between paid and voluntary activity as the public sector prepares to further reduce expenditure from 2024. To advance this the TSI are planning a Volunteer Conference. The conference is likely to be in September with a date to be announced in the coming weeks. The YPG mentor and volunteer placement programme continues to deliver for Young People aged 16-24 with over 30 young people on the programme. The TSI is looking to expand the principles and model of the programme to other client groups such as low-level ex-offenders, people with learning disabilities and those experiencing mental ill health. The TSI CEO has joined the steering group for the Calmac Ferries Fund which will launch in August. It is worth approximately £80,000. Page 33 Agenda Item 6c
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Argyll & Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Community Planning Update August 2022 The Bureau has been extremely busy over the last few months seeing an unprecedented rise in requests for advice and support from clients across all areas of Argyll & Bute. We celebrated our 20th Anniversary in May at a small event for staff, volunteers and invited guests, where we recognised the contribution the Bureau has made over those 20years to the 93,000 clients and increasing the local economy by approx. £12 million. This year is already demonstrating a similar benefit with us securing £1.1 million in client financial gain for around 1100 clients. The costs of living crisis has pushed our energy enquiries up by 89% between September and July compared to the same period the previous year. And the bureau has been working very hard to reduce waiting times which are currently sitting at approximately 6 weeks for non-urgent cases. Our case numbers overall have increased by 31%. We have relocated in Helensburgh to the Helensburgh Community Hub 116 East Princes Street, Helensburgh G84 7DQ and are looking forward to better partner collaborations with other organisations located in the Hub. Our Volunteer Adviser training Programme recommences in September, more information is on our website www.abcab.org.uk and application packs are available for interested trainees from info@abcab.org.uk We have been attending local events, highland games and local shows over the last few months and engaged with the council’s welcome Ukrainian Refugee events in Dunoon and Oban recently. If partners are aware of local events that they think would benefit with the attendance of our selves they are asked to let us know by emailing info@abcab.org.uk The Bureau will hold our A.G.M on the 22nd Nov and invite partners to join the Bureau as a member to help shape the strategic direction and future work of the Bureau. (an application is attached) Page 35 Agenda Item 6d
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Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP Under the Memorandum and Articles of the Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau you are required to become a member in order to be able to vote at the Annual General Meeting. I, NAME (Block capitals) ADDRESS (Block capitals) Post code Signed Date wish to be registered as a member of Argyll & Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, a Company Limited by Guarantee and not having a share capital, under the following category. (Please tick appropriate box below) A) “LOCAL RESIDENT MEMBER” - open to any individual (aged 16 or over) who resides in the Operating Area of Argyll & Bute. B) “LOCAL GROUP MEMBER” - open to any individual who is nominated for membership by a voluntary, statutory or other organisation or body operating within the Operating Area or by a department of a statutory organisation or other body operating within the Operating Area. C) “VOLUNTEER WORKER MEMBER” - open to any individual who is a member of the volunteer staff of the bureau ------------- Charity Number SC030477 Company Limited by Guarantee Number SC231152 Page 36
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Islands Living Well Network (Mull and Iona, Tiree, Coll and Colonsay) 04/08/2022 Encouraging News Funding has been found for the 8 Living Well Networks across Argyll and Bute to continue till the end of the current financial year. During the second half of this financial year, the Health Improvement Team would like to work with the Network Coordinators to find a sustainable way forward. Network Meetings Due to a clash with LPG, the next Islands Living Well Network meeting has been moved to Tuesday 30th August from 1 till 3pm. Guest speakers will be Gill McShea, Development Officer with the Paths for All, Walking For Health Team will be sharing information about free membership and Walk Leader training, available to constituted groups. Gillian McInnes from Social Security Scotland who will be updating us about Adult Disability Payment which replaces PIP on 29th August Rory Munro from the Public Health Team. The team are presenting their findings from a community consultation about how the pandemic has impacted on people's wellbeing, and their ability to get support. They hope to stimulate conversation around what support is needed in Argyll and Bute, this will help inform their response to the Scottish Government's consultation on their Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy it will also help shape future local work in this area. There will be time for partner updates and we will be planning the next 2 Islands Living Well Network meetings. Still a challenge on the Islands…… MSP Jenni Minto received a reply from HSCP which she forwarded to me and I have circulated around the Islands. I have gathered feedback and by the time you are reading this, I hope to have replied to Jenni with more specific questions for HSCP about Dentist provision on the Islands. Business as usual for now…… Information will continue to be forwarded from mainland based Network Partners (currently 100) to Island based Network Members (currently 85). Please pass on my contact details to anyone on the Islands who might like to join the Islands Living Well Network (Mull and Iona, Tiree, Coll and Colonsay). Please also pass on to any potential, mainland based Network Partners who might like to share information across the Islands (Mull and Iona, Tiree, Coll and Colonsay). Many Thanks Carol Flett tcmhwn@gmail.com 07753218327 Page 39 Agenda Item 6e
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Joan Best – Crossroads North Argyll We are currently providing respite support for 47 unpaid carers across Oban, Lorn and the Isle of Mull. We have two new staff members joining us this month, one covering Oban North and the other the Isle of Mull. Referrals continue to come in each week, and we currently have referrals for another seven unpaid carers on the mainland and four on Mull. Our “Monday Group” continues to be well attended. This is a lunch group for carers, former carers and cared for. Those who attend are collected from their homes and everyone really enjoys the camaraderie and for some it is there only outing of the week. The group are taken to places where they can all be together as it is more beneficial socially. As the needs of unpaid carers are changing, we require to be flexible in our approach. In addition to our regular 2-3 hour weekly visits, we have had requests to cover full days and overnight respite. Fortunately, due to our excellent staff, we have been able to provide this extra support when needed. Page 41 Agenda Item 6f
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Staycation Update Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area There is a budget for four wardens for Argyll and Bute for April to October 2022 to raise awareness in respect of camping responsibly. OLI successfully appointed a staycation warden. However they are no longer in position. Roads and Infrastructure are currently looking at recruitment options. We are still working with Police Scotland to meet demands and 23k has been spent on extra policing. In addition to this, £20k has been set aside from the Staycation budget to support four community groups/trusts to employ temporary wardens. £5k of funding for the Appin warden. Groups we worked with within OLI OLI - South West Mull and Iona Development was funded to install a temporary tank at Bunessan ; due to issues with supply this tank was 50% smaller than that approved in the grant; the rest of the grant is agreed to be use for second tank installation at Ardalanish farm; Another tank was funded and installed at Old Post Office Cafe, We are currently in the process of speaking to other organisations/ businesses New updated leaflets have been distributed throughout Argyll and Bute in relation to responsible tourism. Sunny Tiree Campsite, Tiree. Received a grant to help with staycation pressures relating to waste reduction and waste disposal. Deployment of Portaloos was very successful in relieving pressure points. We are funding the portaloos again this year because they were so successful and the extension to include Kilchurn to address the pressure points in the area. We have added extra servicing and portaloo units when they are required. Regular updates from the contractors are reassuring us that they are reducing pressures effectively. Staycation officer has recently made multiple site visits to assess impacts and offer support to local businesses and organisations. This included distribution of staycation leaflets to appropriate outlets. We are currently working with FLS on a funding application through the RTIF for parking sites improvement in Glen Orchy and Glen Lochy. This will be submitted by the 1st of September. We are in discussions with FLS about the option of waste disposal sites within their ‘stay the night’ allocated carparks. We have been working with CAMPrA who have awarded Cologin Campervans have been awarded Page 43 Agenda Item 6g
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We have a budget that can deal with staycation/ tourism related issues and we are happy to speak to communities about future staycation projects. Page 44
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Argyll & Bute Community Planning Partnership Area Meetings Date: August 2022 Partner update – Public Health The Argyll and Bute HSCP Public Health team is pleased to provide an update on three areas of work: Money Counts Training, Smoke Free Hospital Ground’s Legislation and Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Strategy Consultation. Money Counts Level 1 Training Course The Money Counts Level 1 Training is short information awareness sessions, delivered in partnership with Young Carers and Child Poverty at Argyll and Bute HSCP (Health and Social Care Partnership) and the Argyll and Bute Health Improvement Team. The Course Aim Increase understanding of poverty and its impact Increase confidence to ask about money worries Increase knowledge of support services for money matters Six courses have been delivered online with a total of 21 attendees from a variety of the HSCP and 3rd sector organisations throughout Argyll and Bute. Attendees reported an increase in confidence in ability to talk with someone about money issues after the session. For more information contact: Heather.McAdam@nhs.scot Smoke Free Hospital Ground’s Legislation The current NHS Highland Policy prohibits smoking on hospital grounds (https://www.nhshwellbeingatwork.scot.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/NHS_Highland- Smoke_Free_Policy.pdf). The Health (Tobacco, Nicotine etc. and Care) (Scotland) Act 2016 added new legislation to The Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005[3] to strengthen adherence to NHS Board policies. The 2005 Act made it an offence to smoke in wholly or substantially enclosed public spaces, which included smoking inside a hospital building. The additional legislation creates new offences; permitting others to smoke in the no-smoking area outside hospital buildings and smoking in this no-smoking area. The no-smoking area outside a hospital building is specified as 15 meters from the entrance. Page 45 Agenda Item 6h
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The main aims of introducing a formalised no-smoking area around hospital buildings are to: support the de-normalisation of smoking; help reduce the use of tobacco across the population; prevent or reduce exposure to second-hand smoke; and ensure the NHS in Scotland is exemplar in the promotion of good public health. All hospitals will display signage to raise awareness of the legislation which will come into effect on the 5th of September 2022. Anyone who has quit smoking or tried to quit knows how hard it can be. The Argyll and Bute Smoke-Free Service is here to help with network of trained Smoke-Free Advisers who can provide FREE advice and support to anyone who is thinking about stopping smoking. There is a range of specialist support options to suit everyone who is motivated to quit or cut down which includes; Specialist Advisers Regular support, tailored to your needs Ongoing help throughout the process of quitting Quit Smoking Medication Cut down to quit plan Working with Community Pharmacists Go Smoke Free at home and in your car This link will take you to a referral page where your details will be passed to your local adviser: Contact Us | Smoke Free Highland (scot.nhs.uk) or you can contact the Stop Smoking Adviser for your area directly. Their contact details are below: Bute: Mandy Allison Tel.01700501521 Cowal: Kate PatonTel.01369708349 or Kathy Graham Tel.07972678923 Helensburgh and Lomond: Sherry Burns Tel. 07795612590 Kintyre: Caroline Glen Tel. 07812485058 Mid Argyll, Carradale and Muasdale: Jill DentonTel.07707868351 Page 46
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Oban, Lorn and Islands: Sherry Burns Tel: 07795612590 For more information contact: Lynn.Garrett3@nhs.scot Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Strategy Consultation The Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) will publish a new Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan for Scotland, in September 2022. This strategy will be long term, outcomes focused and will replace the Suicide Prevention Action Plan which was published in 2018 which is currently delivered through the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG). The Scottish Government are seeking views on the draft Strategy and Action Plan with the consultation open until midnight on Sunday 21 August 2022. The consultation is hosted via Citizen Space, the Scottish Government’s online consultation platform. You can access the consultation using this link: https://consult.gov.scot/mental-health-unit/suicide-prevention- strategy-for-scotland You may also wish to read the consultation document which contains the same questions as the online version but provides the option to respond ‘offline’. This document can be accessed using this link: https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781804357040 If you have any questions, you can contact the Strategy development team directly by emailing: contact@suicidepreventionengagement.scot Following the launch of the new National Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan in September, Argyll and Bute Suicide Prevention Strategic Group aims to develop a new Argyll and Bute specific Suicide Prevention Action Plan with the input of the wider Argyll and Bute community. The Argyll and Bute Suicide Prevention Strategic Group is also working to ensure that the membership of the steering group has representation from professionals, groups and organisations supporting those who face higher risk factors and are from higher risk groups for suicide. For more information contact: Heather.McAdam@nhs.scot Page 47
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DWP Partner Update August 2022 - Oban Lorn & Isles CPG Count of customers – Universal Credit and Legacy benefits (Stats Xplore 09/08/22) Universal Credit – Number of People on UC by Age Group at June 2022 (all conditionality groups) Jobcentre Plus 18 – 24 25 – 39 40 – 49 50 – 59 60+ TOTAL Campbeltown 114 323 192 155 92 876 Dunoon 158 457 249 216 99 1179 Helensburgh 157 466 239 195 114 1171 Oban 202 701 350 287 176 1716 Rothesay 73 239 155 133 83 683 TOTAL 704 2186 1185 986 564 5625 Universal Credit – Number of People on UC by Conditionality Group at June 2022 Jobcentre Plus C’town Dunoon H’burgh Oban Rothesay TOTAL Searching for work 179 293 206 382 146 1206 Working – with requirements 164 193 243 295 116 1011 Working – no requirements 207 194 228 416 100 1145 No work related Requirements 282 407 407 518 260 1874 Planning for work 5 19 21 19 22 86 Preparing for work 36 66 58 89 38 287 TOTAL 873 1172 957 1137 536 5609 Page 49 Agenda Item 6i
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Jobseekers Allowance as at November 2021 – Argyll & Bute Male 124 Female 54 Total 178 Employment & Support Allowance as at November 2021 – Argyll & Bute Phase of claim Assessment phase 116 Work Related Activity Group 311 Support Group 2211 Total 2638 Income Support as at November 2021 – Argyll & Bute Statistical Group Lone Parent 49 Carer 114 Total 163 Oban Job Centre continue to work with local employers to support their recruitment, either hosting employers on site or advocating on behalf of our customers to support them into paid employment. We also continue to work with partners to identify suitable customers for No One Left Behind opportunities, funding which employers can access via the Scottish Government. Provision DWP has purchased provision for 25 customers who are currently on a health journey. This provision is open to customers across Argyll & Bute and will be delivered virtually by the provider. The aim of this is provision is to support customers in their employability journey with the aim of moving them closer to the labour market. Get Britain Working Website (link) Following a successful pilot, the Get Britain Working website developed by Staffline / PeoplePlus has been rolled out across the country. The website provides the quickest, easiest way to search thousands of job vacancies and book directly onto guaranteed available interview slots. Page 50
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Vacancies across the whole of the UK in multiple industries with thousands of employers on a temporary and permanent basis Guaranteed interviews available for DWP claimants Easy to use fuss free, online chatbot available 24/7 New employers and vacancies added every week Search for jobs based on postcode and industry Check available guaranteed interview slots and book online - over 20,000 to choose from with new slots added daily The participant receives reminders about their interview slot Post interview feedback is provided GBW Claimant and Deskaid Flyer New benefits checker launched on GOV.UK An online tool to help people find the benefits and financial support they might be eligible for has been launched. People will answer up to 10 questions to find out what support is available. The results page will show things they might be eligible for, with links to more information. This first version of the checker(link) includes a selection of benefits and other sources of financial support. A wider range of support from across central government, local government and the NHS will be included in the next few months. How to verify your identity for Universal Credit(link) If you want to claim Universal Credit you must verify your identity. This guide for claimants and people supporting them explains how to do that. Cost of Living Payment Over £15bn in further support has been announced targeted particularly on those with the greatest need. This package is in addition to the over £22bn announced previously, with government support for the cost of living now totalling over £37bn this year. This means that almost all of the eight million most vulnerable households will get £1,200 of one-off support in total this year to help with the cost of living, with all domestic electricity customers receiving at least £400. Energy Bills Support Scheme doubled to a one-off £400: £650 one-off Cost of Living Payment for those on means tested benefits: £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment £500m increase and extension of Household Support Fund Page 51
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This means that, combined with other support, millions of low-income households across the UK will receive at least £1,200 from the Government by Christmas to ease Cost of Living pressures. £326 – the first of two cost of living payments – will automatically hit seven million bank accounts between 14 and 31 July 2022. Those on Tax Credit and no other benefits will receive their first payment by autumn. Second instalment of £324 will follow from the autumn, with separate payments for pensioners and disabled people also coming later this year Read the full press release and Cost of Living guidance. Also, you may have seen in the media that there has been a significant increase in scammers attempting to obtain personal information from customers by sending out texts suggesting that customers are eligible for Cost of Living payments. Please remind customers that they do not have to do anything. If they are eligible: they will not need to apply for the payment they will not need to call us the payment to them is automatic DWP will never ask for personal details by SMS or email. Please help us spread the message by using the assets on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. The toolkit for shareholders has been updated to include adaptable assets for you to add your own branding, as well as downloadable posters, social media and newsletter copy. We encourage you to share this material with your networks. Cost of Living Stakeholder Toolkit 15.07 Cost of Living Payment (link is external) Energy Bills Support Scheme explainer(link is external) Millions of most vulnerable households will receive £1,200 of help with cost of living(link is external) Overall government support for the cost of living: factsheet(link is external) Please find attached 2 factsheets you may find helpful and a link below to the HMT (Her Majesty's Treasury) press notice. Energy Profits Levy Factsheet.pdf Support Measures Factsheet.pdf Full details of the eligible benefits and tax credits for the various extra payments are available on Gov.uk Page 52
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Cost of living: managing your debts (link) People worried about the cost of living or their debt payment plans are being urged to speak with their trustees, insolvency practitioners, or a debt adviser. The government understands that people are worried about the impact of rising prices and its effect on household incomes. The government’s MoneyHelper(link is external) has lots of free information and resources to help you manage your money in uncertain times and how to keep up with essential bills and payments. If you are worried about debt, speaking to a trained and experienced debt adviser(link is external) about your situation could help you decide what to do. And if you are concerned about missing a payment towards your Individual Voluntary Arrangement(link is external), Income Payments Agreement or Income Payments Order(link is external) having early conversations is the best first step to resolving your money issues and avoiding missing payments. New benefit to help with winter fuel bills – Scotland (link) A guaranteed annual winter heating benefit of £50 will be paid for the first time in February 2023 to around 400,000 low income households. Low Income Winter Heating Assistance will be the Scottish Government’s 13th benefit and replaces the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payments. Special Rules for End of Life As outlined in the Queen’s Speech on Tuesday 10 May fast-track benefit access is to be extended to those nearing the end of their life for Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. The Social Security (Special Rules for End of Life) Bill will mean that people considered by a clinician as having 12 months or less to live (rather than the current six months) can have fast-tracked access to these benefits. The extended fast-track access means those eligible are not subject to a face-to-face assessment, or waiting period, with the majority of individuals receiving the highest rate of those benefits. In April 2022 the same changes were introduced for people on Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance. Get help arranging child maintenance digital service Get help arranging child maintenance is a new online service which supports separated parents to understand their options around making financial arrangements for their children. It has replaced Child Maintenance Options in England, Scotland and Wales. The Page 53
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service is available 24/7 and explains customers’ options and includes information about family-based arrangements as well as the Child Maintenance Service (CMS). The digital and telephony services have been streamlined so customers can now make their application in one sitting as there is no longer a need to arrange a call-back. The new service is also quicker to use, taking only 15-20 minutes as opposed to 45 minutes previously. Customers who are unable to use the online service or have no one to help them can speak to a CMS case worker on 0800 171 2345 which is available 8.00 -16.00 Monday to Friday. If your organisation has a website, please arrange for relevant changes to be made to ensure readers are signposted to the new service. Help with the costs of childcare A new cross-government Childcare Choices advertising campaign was recently launched. The digital and radio campaign will seek to ease the pressure on working families by encouraging take up of the range of government support available to help with the costs of childcare. The Childcare Choices campaign brings together all the support in one place and covers: Universal Credit Tax-free childcare 30/15 hours free childcare More information about each of these offers can be found on the Childcare Choices website. Winter Fuel Payment If you were born on or before 25 September 1956 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. The amount you’ll get(link is external) includes your ‘pensioner cost of living payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll only get this extra amount in winter 2022 to 2023. This is in addition to any Cost of Living Payment(link) you get with your benefit or tax credits. Claims will be accepted until 31 March 2023. Page 54
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DWP publishes plan: Fighting Fraud in the Welfare System In May the Government published Fighting Fraud in the Welfare System, which sets out the Department for Work and Pensions’ plan to tackle the growing challenge posed by those seeking to exploit the public purse. The publication sets out transformative plans to take strides in protecting the taxpayer from those who are intent on stealing from public funds. From investing £613m over the next three years to boost the Department’s specialist counter-fraud response, to pursuing a range of legislative reforms, the Department intends to identify, investigate, and recover losses more effectively, saving the taxpayer billions. Find out more Resettlement This publication provides guidance for businesses considering making offers of employment to people coming to the UK from Ukraine. Any offer of employment opportunities are completed via the Vacancy information questionnaire(link is external), which need to be returned to offerwork@homeoffice.gov.uk(link sends e-mail), and your organisation will be contacted by the National Employer and Partnership Team in the Department for Work and Pensions within 5 working days, to discuss the roles available. Job opportunities will then be shared across the DWP Jobcentre Plus network and with the Refugee Employment Network (REN), a charity which works with organisations across the UK to support refugees into work. More than 1,000 Ukrainian pensioners who recently arrived in Britain are already receiving financial support through Pension Credit The figures follow emergency regulations laid by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) in March 2022 which enabled Ukrainians to immediately access benefits and other support upon their arrival. Minister for Pensions Guy Opperman said: 'Our priority is ensuring those arriving from Ukraine can find safety here and get the support they need.' ' I urge those hosting elderly Ukrainians – and all those across the country with older relatives and friends – to check with them and see if they could be eligible for this extra financial assistance.' Page 55
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HMRC (HM Revenue and Customs) urges businesses to move to new customs IT platform now to continue trading(link is external) HMRC is urging businesses to move to its new customs IT platform now to continue trading, and is writing to businesses to support them with the changes. The letters and emails include further information about making the move to the UK’s single customs platform – the Customs Declaration Service – and set out the steps businesses must take now to ensure they can continue trading. They also signpost to online resources to support businesses through the process Best Start Grant School Age Payment applications now open - Scotland(link is external) Families have been urged to check whether they are eligible and apply for the Best Start Grant School Age Payment as applications open for children old enough to start primary school This one-off payment of £267.65 is to help at a key stage in a child’s life and can be used for anything from a new pair of shoes to books or arts and crafts materials. Best Start Grant School Age Payment is available to families who get Universal Credit, tax credits or certain benefits with children born between 1 March 2017 and 28 February 2018. Visit mygov.scot/beststart or call 0800 182 2222 to find out more or apply. Accessing a free TV licence made easier for low-income pensioners New measures to save over-75s on Pension Credit from having to obtain paperwork in order to get a free TV licence have been outlined. Currently those affected are required to obtain and share documentation with the BBC to prove they are in receipt of Pension Credit. Under the new plans – expected to come into effect next year - the BBC will be able to verify automatically whether a person applying for a free TV Licence is on Pension Credit with DWP. This change will support eligible pensioners, struggling to keep on top of their bills, to claim the £159 annual saving more quickly and with less hassle. The Government will not be sharing customer data with the BBC, but instead will be verifying whether free licence applicants fit the BBC’s eligibility criteria. For more information, please visit GOV.UK. Page 56
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Pension Credit toolkit(link) The revised Pension Credit toolkit: advice and guidance for stakeholders - now includes a new ZIP file of posters and flyers to download and use to promote Pension Credit END (09/08/22) Page 57
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Climate Change Working Group Date: 8 August 2022 Climate Change Working Group Highlight Report Argyll and Bute Climate Action 1.0 Executive Summary Over the past year, the Climate Change Short Life Working Group has been revived as a CPP sub-group, known as the Climate Change Working Group. It took a fresh look at its remit and potential outputs, which have ultimately centred on producing a Climate Change Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. The Action Plan is proposed to be produced by employing a Climate Change Project Manager to lead the process. More recently, the Climate Change Working Group has been finalising the details of the work entailed in such a process, and are now actively seeking funding for the creation of the post. 2.0 Highlight Report 2.1 Action Plan The purpose of the Action Plan is to establish a region-wide climate risk assessment and to develop an integrated set of adaptation, mitigation and engagement actions. The proposed post of Climate Change Project Manager will bring organisations, businesses and communities together to develop a shared vision and understanding of climate change risks and opportunities across the Argyll and Bute region. It will identify priorities for communities, areas and sectors that will establish where (both spatially and thematically) and how the region can increase resilience and adapt, mitigate and engage on climate change issues. It will identify, but not reproduce, climate change work either already happening or part of an organisation or business’s own responsibilities. 2.2 Governance Governance arrangements and structures have been developed in order to support the Climate Change Project Officer post. Page 59 Agenda Item 8a
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Various discussions with partners have taken place about how best to create and support this post and the following structure was approved by the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee last month: The post would be hosted by ACT (Argyll and Isles Coast & Countryside Trust) under a Memorandum of Understanding / Agreement with the CPP Management Committee. Ultimate responsibility for the project would lie with the CPP Management Committee, who would act as de-facto Project Board, with day-to-day management supported mainly by a sub-set of the Climate Change Working Group. 2.3 Funding The Climate Change Working Group are currently pulling together a funding package to support the post of the Climate Change Project Manager. Some funds have already been forthcoming from CPP partners, and we are now pursuing external funding sources to complete the planned budget. 3.0 Summary 1. We propose producing a strategic Action Plan process as the best, and most thorough, way to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute. 2. We have an approved governance arrangement for the Climate Change Project Manager post. 3. We are continuing to pursue funding options for the project. Page 60
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Stan Phillips, Chair, CPP Climate Change Working Group For more information, please contact: Stan Phillips, Operations Manager, NatureScot stan.phillips@nature.scot Page 61
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