Agenda reports pack
Argyll and Bute Council · 19 September 2025
Back to Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee — 19 September 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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11 September 2025 NOTICE OF MEETING A meeting of the ARGYLL AND BUTE COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP - MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE will be held in the THREE VILLAGES HALL, ARROCHAR on FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2025 at 10:00 AM, which you are requested to attend. BUSINESS 1. WELCOME BY ACTING CHAIR (GARY I'ANSON) (a) CPP Improvement Plan (Podcast, Welcome Pack, National Information) Access the CPP Podcast here (includes the most recent chat with Douglas Whyte on 29th August 2025: Community Planning and the Housing priority) See the updated Welcome Pack at Community planning | Argyll and Bute Council (b) Communications (CPP Bulletin) Access the recent CPP Bulletin here (c) Approval of Last Minutes (June) (Pages 3 - 8) (d) Review of previous actions (including Fair Funding Guidance, Climate Change Update and CWB Charter) (Pages 9 - 26) Note for Community Wealth Building Paper from Takki Sulaiman : “Please find enclosed a template report for partners to adjust and take to their boards in support of the charter which is at appendix 1 of the report. I have included the two comments from Morag. Also included at appendix 2 is an optional section listing the status of our recommendations and this is supported by optional text at 3.6 in the main body of the report. This is for boards who might want a bit more detail.” Public Document Pack
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Note on Fair Funding Guidance : - The paper submitted to Full Council which can be found on page 355 of the agenda pack at (Public Pack)Agenda Document for Argyll and Bute Council, 26/06/2025 10:30 - Council approval that it will sign up to the principles of the Fair Funding Guidance and work towards the aspirations it contains, on page 7 of the meeting minute here. (e) Area Community Planning Groups report (Pages 27 - 34) 2. OUTCOME FROM TRANSPORT SESSION IN JUNE (RONA GOLD AND JOHN MCLUCKIE) 3. ICEBREAKER (JOHN MCLUCKIE) 4. PRIORITY - HOUSING (a) 1.1 Housing as an ABOIP Priority (Rona Gold and John McLuckie) (b) 1.2 Housing Actions in the Pipeline (Presentations) (Pages 35 - 106) 5. BREAKOUT SESSIONS 6. INTRODUCTION TO PRIORITY SESSION: COMMUNITY WELLBEING AND CLOSING REMARKS 7. CLOSE Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee
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Classification: OFFICIAL Minutes of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership Management Committee held at Three Villages Hall, Arrochar on Friday 5 June 2025 at 1000 Present: Pippa Milne, Argyll and Bute Council (ABC) (Chair) Morag Goodfellow, Highland and Island Enterprise (HIE) Fergus Murray, ABC Takki Sulaiman, Argyll and Bute TSI Rona Gold, ABC Colin Buchanan, Chair OLI ACPG Gary I’Anson, Police Scotland Liz Pryor, NatureScot Barrie McCutcheon, Scottish Fire and Rescue (SFRS) Reeni Kennedy-Boyle, Vice Chair BC ACPG Andy Macpherson, ACT Graham Bell, NHS Highland Samantha Campbell, NHS Highland Alex Edmonstone, LiveArgyll Douglas Whyte, Argyll and Bute Council Gill Simpson, Vice Chair HL ACPG Ranald Robertson, HITRANS Cllr Anne Horn, ABC Donna Lockhart, CALMAC Colin Young, ABC Victoria Shaw, CALMAC John McLuckie, ABC Fraser McNab, CALMAC Suzanne Mason, ABC Tony McGloin, SFRS Jonathon Welch, ABC Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland Daniel Farmer, ABC Andrew Boyd, Transport Scotland Iona Campbell, ABC Liz Jack, Transport Scotland Aileen Cameron, ABC Pauline Craig, DWP Rhona Grant, LiveArgyll Susan McRae, SDS Katie MacKenzie, ABC Nicola Reaney, ABC (Secretary) Apologies: Cllr Jim Lynch, ABC Cllr Mark Irvine, ABC Kirsty Flanagan, ABC Mary Holt, ABC Paul McCafferty, Scottish Enterprise Patricia Dowd, DWP Evan Beswick, Argyll and Bute HSCP Alison McGrory, NHS Scotland David Gibson, ABC Joe McKay, SFRS Cllr Julie McKenzie, Vice Chair OLI ACPG Mo McKenna, University of the Highlands and Islands Iain MacInnes, ABC Jean Moffat, Chair BC ACPG Graham Bell, NHS Highland Board 1. Welcome Pippa welcomed everyone to the meeting, giving an overview of the transport focus of the meeting and asking for full contributions from partners in the breakout sessions. Pippa also noted it was lovely to see everyone face to face. 2. Approval of last minutes The minutes of the April meeting were approved with the amendment to remove Gill Simpson and Morag Goodfellow from the attendee list and add Sarah Davies. Page 3 Agenda Item 1c
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Classification: OFFICIAL 3. Area Community Planning Group (ACPG) Report The area community planning report was sent to attendees prior to the meeting. Pippa thanked Sarah Davies, who has stepped down as Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond ACPG, for all her work in that group and her dedication to the role as chair. Pippa said Sarah would be missed and a new chair for the group will be confirmed at the August meetings. 4. Climate Change Project Manager Report Pippa directed attendees to the Climate Change Project Manager paper in the meeting pack, highlighting the two recommendations that: - The Management Committee is asked to approve the Steering Group’s recommendation to use the remaining project funds for Argyll Countryside Trust to keep the project manager in post for 3 days per week from the end of October 2025 to mid-July 2026. - The Management Committee is asked to note the proposal outline and Committee members are asked to provide the Project Manager with any suggestions for priority actions, not tied to any single organisation, that they would like to see included. The recommendation for the use of reamining funds and extension of time using extisting funding was approved. Andy said that while he is still shaping up the action plan it is difficult to confirm the priority actions at this time. The direction of the CPP will determine the available funding streams. Andy proposed a 5 year duration to embed change in partner organisations to a working level. Andy felt today’s session was a great opportunity to see how the climate actions around transport shape up. Pippa noted the Climate Change Steering Group can consider the outputs from today, define what the climate priorities are for the CPP MC and bring them back to a subsequent meeting. This was agreed. ACTION - CCSG to identify the climate priorities for the CPP and bring them back to a subsequent meeting 5. Community Wealth Building (CWB) Charter Pippa noted the CWB Charter brings back the focus on CWB and the new Bill proposes the delivery of CWB as being a Council responsibility, rather than a CPP one. Takki added that a key ask of the Charter is for a CWB governance process. He said the CWB Steering Group work is moving forward with work that can be done now, rather than waiting for the Bill to be finalised. He recommended procurement is the main pillar to work on but this needs CPP support. Pippa suggested the CPP take the paper for consideration in individual organisations and bring back to a future session on CWB. This was agreed. Page 4
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Classification: OFFICIAL ACTION – CPP partners to consider the CWB Charter within their own organisations. 6. Icebreaker An icebreaker exercise was conducted for attendees, with transport themed questions, and attendees finding a new partner to discuss each question. 7. Priority – Transport infrastructure Rona introduced herself and gave an outline of the background information on the process behind the setting of the transport priority in the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan (ABOIP) 2024 - 2034. She noted transport is a significant feature in terms of connectivity in Argyll and Bute, with lots of partners involved in their own organisations. She noted the ABOIP can be sent out to any partners if required from cppadmin@argyll.bute.gov.uk The ABOIP sets out long term objectives that can be achieved over the 10-year period. The actions will look at what the CPP can deliver collectively and within individual partner organisations. The 5 actions for the Transport Infrastructure priority will be looked at in detail today to define what the actions mean, so we can all head towards the same outcomes. Rona also noted the importance of working with the ACPGs for feedback and input into the actions. The Helensburgh and Lomond ACPG has decided to start a working group on transport to link into CPP actions, and feedback from today will be taken to each ACPG to shape actions locally and engage with Community Councils. The CPP has an improvement plan with an action to have better engagement with Community Councils. 8. Transport improvements in the pipeline a) Fergus Murray gave an introduction to his role in Strategic Transport in the Council – noting that due to the size of the Council area, transport connectivity is a top priority. He advised the Council is a key transport provider and enabler in Argyll and Bute – subsidising 90% of bus services, school transport, 4 ferry routes, 3 airports, drones and harbours, as well as maintaining and gritting over 2500km of roads and 500km of pavements - on the mainland and islands. The area has limited public transport options and an over-reliance on cars. Climate change is also impacting transport in the area. The Council remains ambitious, in the face of restricted capital and revenue funding, to growing tourism in the area - with timber, whisky, defence and marine research being other industries benefiting from investments in pier and port infrastructure. A new ferry has been commissioned for Lismore, dial a bus has been trialled in Kintyre, active travel routes are being built and they are trialling tech like drones and EV charging point delivery with the help of partners. Page 5
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Classification: OFFICIAL The Council is trying to do as much as possible with the available resources, £10m will be invested in the road network in 25/26 and the Council are developing growth plans including exploring green tech like hydrogen and a launch local transport issues paper will be completed to identify local transport projects across the area. This will feed into the future transport strategy and the Council will work with regional partners about what the priorities are. b) Victoria Shaw, Area Manager Clyde North for CALMAC gave a presentation on resilience work, vessel updates and port enabling works for new ferries. Victoria advised the MV Isle of Islay is expected in Q3 25/26 after the delivery of the vessel from Turkey and crew testing / familiarisation is completed. The next vessel is expected 6 months later. In regards to operational readiness, CALMAC have been working with communities on timetables and completing retail preparation / marketing etc, prior to the ferry entering service. Port enabling works will be undertaken at Kennacraig, Colonsay, Port Askaig and Port Ellen to prepare the ports. c) Ian Woodcock, Area Manager, Transport Scotland (TS) gave a presentation. The trunk road network in Scotland covers over 2200 miles, split into 4 areas and are operated by BEAR Scotland and AMEY. Approx 250 miles of that total is in Argyll and Bute, looked after by BEAR Scotland. Improvement schemes over next few years include road surfacing, maintaining the network, A83 widening (including rockface removal), addressing road erosion at Furnace and remedial works on landslide areas (landscaping, drainage). Major projects include the A82 Tarbert to Inverarnan – a major trunk road for tourists which is too narrow and has drainage issues – where 17km of new road is to be built. They are also looking at long term solutions for the Rest and be Thankful. 9. Breakout Sessions to discuss and agree actions Before the attendees split into breakout groups, Rona asked partners to bring their knowledge and resources to shape the actions. The breakout groups rotated around 5 actions: - Establish a transport integration working group - Consider establishment of community Active Travel network - Research to understand areas of greatest transport-related inequalities, creating baseline for measuring successful delivery of the long-term objectives - Work with Area Community Planning Groups to promote local options for car-pooling/ sharing - Incorporate EV suggestions within CPP Climate Change Strategy Page 6
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Classification: OFFICIAL At the end of the breakout sessions Pippa thanked the CPP team for putting together really structured discussion topics. Comments and feedback from each session will be compiled by the CPP team into actions to drive outcomes. 10. Intro to next priority session: Housing Douglas Whyte thanked the CPP team for a great day, noting he had been working in housing for a long time and it was great to have this level of support for housing, to have a real impact and make links with other partners. He said the Council no longer held Council stock but links to partners are essential in terms of delivery. The Council declared a housing emergency 2023 to address issues in the area including provision of more affordable homes, provision of more homes for local workforce and to make use of existing empty homes/second homes/holiday homes. He said there had been some successes in that and the Council had won an award, in partnership with the HSCP, for tackling housing issues. Iona Campbell, Private Sector Settlement Officer in the Council, then gave a presentation on her project which is funded by the Scottish Government to address depopulation in Argyll and Bute. Iona’s project aims to provide support to landlords and look at challenges faced by rural landlords. There has been a decline in private sector housing delivery in the area with this expected to reduce by a further 33%. Iona’s role is to try to prevent that reduction and find different ways to deliver alternative housing options. She looked at how the ABOIP actions on housing can link with her project, such as “work in effective partnership to access to affordable homes”, noting there may be an ask for CPP partners to get involved in this work. Other areas of the project that CPP partners can be involved in are tracking housing options for the workforce (including housing for younger working age people), reviewing property assets to deliver housing and working to prevent homelessness. Iona also encouraged partners to promote the HomeArgyll site. If anyone is moving, or thinking of moving to Argyll and Bute, they can sign up and this will help to measure housing need and demand in the area. Iona also asked partners to engage in the upcoming Housing survey which she will provide details for nearer the time. ACTION – CPP team to send contact details for Iona to partners - iona.campbell2@argyll-bute.gov.uk ACTION – CPP team to send link to presentations to all partners. Pippa thanked Iona for her presentation and looked forward to partner contribution at the next CPP event which will focus on housing. 11. Fire Service Presentation on Service Delivery Review (SDR) for Argyll & Bute Group Commander Barrie McCutcheon gave a presentation on the SDR which is looking at how the fire service can best resource staff and locate stations to best match demand across Scotland. The strategic priorities of the SDR include: Page 7
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Classification: OFFICIAL - withdrawal of appliances - review of the estate (£800m capital backlog of repairs to stations, some of which have RAAC and Grenfell-type panelling in place) and station upgrades - removal of carcinogenic contaminants from firefighters kit - matching operation response to risk and demand - long term reduction in dormant stations In April 2024, SFRS consulted with the public and partners to see what proposals they would want to be involved with. Over 300 proposals have been filtered down to 23, which have just been approved by the SFRS board and will be open to further public consultation at the end of June. ACTION – SFRS to send the consultation link to cppadmin@argyll-bute.gov.uk to forward to partners to complete. In Argyll and Bute, SFRS are looking to close the long term dormant station at Colintraive and make changes to the crewing of Helensburgh Fire Station. Pop up engagement sessions will follow and Barrie is keen for partners to feedback their thoughts and community feedback on risks in any area of these proposed changes. Rona asked if SFRS could attend the August round of AGPCs to talk on this. Tony advised a paper has already been prepared for that to be a future ACPG agenda item. Fergus noted community concerns around fire risk from battery storage plants in the area. Barrie advised that SFRS are aware what is happening across Scotland on this and confirmed crews are carrying the required equipment to respond with that type of fire. 12. Close and DONM Pippa thanked everyone for attending and hoped attendees had enjoyed the day. She said there had been some positive conversations and asked partners to start thinking about the next discussion session on Housing. Pippa also thanked the CPP team for their assistance in setting up and running the day. She said the previous outcome improvement plan was a lengthy document, however the current plan is really focussed from the great community feedback received and the actions from these sessions have the potential to drive real and meaningful change. Page 8
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Classification: OFFICIAL CPP DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ACTION GRID – 5 JUNE 2024 Complete In Progress Outstanding Please highlight actions as per traffic light system to show progress Date Set Action Who Required by Date 6/12 Partner offers of any support to the delivery of the LOIP recommended actions to be sent to cppadmin@argyll-bute.gov.uk All 7 March 2025 6/12 John to engage with Colin around community council input to the research. John Ongoing 6/12 All members to consider the Community Planning Improvement Board guidance and return any feedback to cppadmin@argyll-bute.gov.uk for discussion at the March 2025 meeting to enable a whole CPP endorsement to be considered. All 7 March 2025 6/12 Takki to suggest a statement (to John) on fair funding that is a draft that the CPP can consider signing up to alongside the above ask to consider the guidance for Third Sector. Takki 19 Sept 2025 16/4 Argyll and Bute HSCP to present an update on the Living Well agenda at the next round of ACPG meetings Argyll and Bute HSCP Complete 16/4 Rona to pick up with Colin on how best to establish a point of contact for engagement into local groups to understand community needs. Rona In progress 16/4 Partners to offer any content suggestion for development days to cppadmin@argyll- bute.gov.uk All Ongoing 16/4 John to forward case studies from other CPPs to partners. John Ongoing 16/4 Volunteers are welcomed from Partners to record a podcast with John. All Ongoing 16/4 Any concerns or comments on the ABOIP priority actions can be sent to cppadmin@argyll- bute.gov.uk. All Complete 16/4 Partners that would like support as to how they can contribute to action delivery for the plan can contact Andy at andy@act-now.org.uk All Complete 16/4 CPP MC to consider submitting the Climate Action plan to Scottish Parliament climate working group. All In progress 16/4 CWB Steering Group to bring set of priorities and draft charter to 6th June meeting. Takki Complete 16/4 Mary to forward the final version of the Community Justice Plan for consultation to the CPP MC. Mary 5 Dec 2025 Page 9 Agenda Item 1d
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Classification: OFFICIAL Date Set Action Who Required by Date 16/4 Mary to bring proposal on how to integrate Community Justice into ABOIP priorities to December meeting. Mary 5 Dec 25 16/4 Paul to forward final HMIE update report to Partners once available. Paul 19 Sept 25 16/4 Paul to present CLD Annual Report to December CPP MC. Paul 5 Dec 25 16/4 Aspiring Places team to send all housing project proposals to Douglas Whyte. Stuart In progress 16/4 Fair Funding Guidance to be resent to Partners. Item to be added to September CPP MC. CPP Team 19 Sept 25 16/4 Rona to send a link to the Improvement Service national CPP self-evaluation report. Rona In progress 5/6 CCSG to identify what the climate priorities are for the CPP and bring them back to subsequent meeting. Andy 19 Sept 25 5/6 CPP partners to consider the CWB Charter within their own organisations. All 19 Sept 25 5/6 CPP team to send contact details for Iona to partners - iona.campbell2@argyll-bute.gov.uk CPP team Complete 5/6 CPP team to send link to presentations to all partners. CPP team Complete 5/6 SFRS to send the consultation link to cppadmin@argyll-bute.gov.uk to forward to partners to complete. Barrie / Joe Complete Page 10
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Page 1 of 5 Classification: OFFICIAL Date: 10 September 2025 Update on Argyll and Bute Climate Action: A Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. 1.0 Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide an update on overall progress with the Community Planning Partnership’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute, and in particular on two points: • Overall Progress and timeline of deliverables • Legacy Proposal: to update the CPP Management Committee on progress with developing a legacy proposal beyond the funded period, shaped by the Scottish Government’s aspirations and funding support for Argyll to develop a Regional Adaptation Partnership. 2.0 Recommendations The CPP Management Committee is asked to: • Note overall progress since the June meeting, with some work on community resilience and legacy/ongoing partnership proposals brought forward and pushing back some work on the Action Plan, and a timeline to July 2026 • Note in particular the significance for ongoing partnership work of the Scottish Government’s aspirations and support for developing an Argyll and Bute Regional Adaptation Partnership and the proposals made to take this forward, including funding for staff and consultant time for governance models and business case development 3.0 Background At its meeting of 6 June, the CPP Management Committee agreed that the project should use remaining funds in the budget to undertake additional work over and above the deliverables in the original funding agreement and that ACT as the employing body could carry forward funds beyond the end of the current financial year to enable this. The preferred model identified was 3 days per week from end October 2025 to mid July 2026. The additional work to comprise: Page 11
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Page 2 of 5 Classification: OFFICIAL • Ongoing work with communities to develop community level risk assessments in support of community-led resilience planning. • Monitoring and reporting on the first year of progress, with input on evaluation. • Developing legacy proposals. 4.0 Detail 4.1 Overall progress since June CPP Management Committee meeting: Community Resilience Although work with community groups on resilience is due to start in earnest in November following the end of the original funded period (end October) the project officer has been making contact with a range of community councils and other groups across the four Argyll and Bute Areas in order to develop an understanding of what has been working well and areas on which to concentrate, and of community capacity as this is a concern that has been voiced repeatedly. There is also a desire to ensure engagement before the onset of more severe weather events over autumn and into winter. Area Community Planning Groups and Community Development Officers have been extremely helpful in this regard as has the Council’s Resilience team and the access that it has provided to the Local Resilience Partnership. 4.2 Overall progress since June CPP Management Committee meeting: Action Plan Work on the Action Plan is ongoing and the Management Committee’s in person session on Transport Infrastructure provided a valuable opportunity to bring a strong body of transport expertise and agency under one roof to inform this. The forthcoming Management Committee sessions on Housing (September meeting) and Community Wellbeing (December) offer valuable further opportunities to inform the action plan. Due to this and to starting work on resilience and legacy early, rather than seek to present the Management Committee with the action plan in September, the proposed timeline is • September/October draft action plan to Climate Change Working Group for comment • October action plan to Management Committee for consideration as a draft at December meeting • Thereafter action plan to be published as draft for consultation with final version for approval to Management Committee’s first meeting of 2026. Page 12
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Page 3 of 5 Classification: OFFICIAL 4.3 Awards: COSLA Excellence Award, SLE Helping it Happen Award The Council’s community planning team and the project officer collaborated on a submission to COSLA on the climate change strategy for the Improving In Partnership category of the COSLA Excellence Awards 2025. We expect an announcement on whether we have been shortlisted at around the time of the CPP September meeting. The climate change strategy and the CPP’s role is also a key component of the submission made by ACT to Scottish Land & Estates for the “Combatting Climate Change” strand of their Helping it Happen award, and is one of the four finalists in this category with the winner to be announced on 1 October. 4.4 Legacy/Ongoing Partnership Work: Regional Adaptation Partnerships In the same timeframe, the Scottish Government announced, as part of its aspiration for all of Scotland to develop Regional Adaptation Partnerships, support for Argyll and Bute as a distinct region to develop its own Regional Adaptation Partnership, meaning that some work in this field has also been brought forward. Regional Adaptation Partnerships are introduced in the Scottish National Adaptation Plan: “The Scottish Government will drive collaboration on adaptation planning and investment with a broader set of partners, covering all of Scotland’s regions. The Scottish Government will work with local government and a broad range of other partners to establish regional adaptation partnerships and collaborations covering all regions in Scotland by 2029.” In this financial year, the Scottish Government has indicated that it wishes to do this through extra funding for the Climate Action Network Hubs that it funds. For Argyll and Bute this is an offer of £50k to the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network which has been working closely with the CPP climate change project and is also hosted by ACT. Following discussion with the Council’s Community Planning Team and with endorsement from the CPP Chair, the Scottish Government awarded ABCAN £50k to support: • Climate literacy and resilience training (to be delivered by ABCAN) • Officer time and engagement to develop proposals for governance models and business case (ABCAN and CPP Climate Change Manager) • Consultant support for governance and business case development • Plus in kind support from Verture/Adaptation Scotland This will bring the CPP Climate Change Manager back from 3 days per week to 4 days per week from the beginning of November until the end of the financial year when the governance and business plan development work is due to be completed. Page 13
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Page 4 of 5 Classification: OFFICIAL Specific next steps required in order to make progress are • Engage with the CPP’s Climate Change Working Group and others to establish a short life working group in support of RAP development: 5-6 core members, with clear terms of reference, time commitment and defined outputs. This group would steer the RAP development, advise on the business case, and ensure broad consultation. • Ensure GDPR-compliant options for wider group communications. • Engagement with key stakeholders eg “major players” as defined by Scottish Public Bodies Climate Duties such as Argyll and Bute Council/Climate Change Working Group. • Communications exercise to announce the RAP project, invite wider engagement with the short-life working group. Need for transparency, inclusivity, and regular updates to stakeholders and community. • Procurement exercise for a consultant for the business case for the RAP. Working group to help define the scope, priorities, and governance options for the RAP, drawing on lessons from other regions and local experience. 4.4 Timeline for existing deliverables 2025 and new deliverables 2025-26 Page 14
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Page 5 of 5 Classification: OFFICIAL 5.0 Resource Implications Funding is in place for the CPP Project Manager until mid July 2026: this is at 4 days per week (one day of which funded by Scottish Government) until end March 2026 to support further work on the action plan, community resilience and business case development, then 3 days per week until mid July 2026 to support community resilience, monitoring and reporting. The Management Committee has previously asked for an indication of what future financial contribution CPP partners might make. This will be informed as the Business Case progresses. The initial suggestion has been that this should be sufficient to fund a post at a similar level to the Climate Change Project Manger but with the person specification shaped by the requirements of taking forward agreed actions, over a period of five years in order to provide a substantial block of time to embed change. This is broadly similar to other RAPs although these can be on a higher salary scale £34,000-£47,000. This does not include resource implications for specific actions on the assumption that these will need to be through individual funding applications. Role of host organisation: ACT at present hosts both the CPP Climate Change Manager and the Argyll & Bute Climate Action Network. The identity and role of the ultimate hosting organisation will need to be determined by the governance study, and governance models for the longer established RAPs have typically changed over time according to need. Andy Macpherson, Climate Change Project Manager For more information, please contact: Andy Macpherson andy@act-now.org.uk Page 15
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Community Wealth Building – A CPP Member Charter for Argyll and Bute 1.0 Purpose To seek endorsement from [Organisation Name] Board to sign the Argyll and Bute Community Wealth Building (CWB) Charter as part of a collective commitment by Community Planning Partnership (CPP) members to support the implementation of CWB principles across the area. 2.0 Recommendations That the Board of [Organisation Name]: 2.1 Notes the work undertaken by the CPP CWB Steering Group to review and develop recommendations for embedding CWB in Argyll and Bute. 2.2 Recognizes the CWB Charter as a shared statement of intent by CPP partners and supporters to support the five pillars of Community Wealth Building. 2.3 Agrees to sign the Charter as an anchor institution, signaling commitment to embedding CWB principles in advance of forthcoming national legislation requiring local anchor institutions to prepare a CWB Action Plan. 3.0 Background and context 3.1 In June 2025, the CPP received a detailed report from the Community Wealth Building Steering Group, which reviewed opportunities for implementing CWB locally. This review considered national policy direction, local priorities, and practical actions across the five recognised pillars of CWB: spending, workforce, inclusive ownership, finance, and land and property. 3.2 The Steering Group’s work included developing recommendations on how anchor institutions in Argyll and Bute can use their economic role as employers, procurers, landowners, and investors to strengthen local resilience and ensure wealth is retained and shared more equitably within communities. 3.3 Following this, the CPP Steering Group agreed that a Community Wealth Building Charter should be developed as a collective statement of intent. The Charter sets out shared commitments, aligns with the Local Outcome Improvement Plan and Economic Strategy 2024–2034, and complements Climate Action priorities. It also references two specific Models of Opportunity—employee ownership and community energy—as practical routes for early action. CWB CHARTER FOR CPP MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS Date: YOUR LOGO Page 17
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3.4 The Scottish Government has introduced legislation which will require anchor institutions to produce a local CWB Action Plan led by the local authority. Signing the Charter demonstrates early leadership, alignment with national policy, and commitment to collaborative implementation at local level. 3.5 The five pillars of CWB The five principles of Community Wealth Building have been developed by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies1 over a number of decades through work with anchor institutions across the UK and the World. These are:- • Plural ownership of the economy. • Making financial power work for local places. • Fair employment and just labour markets. • Progressive procurement of goods and services. • Socially productive use of land and property. Anchor institutions are identified as statutory and third sector bodies which can influence ‘economic engines’: The term is used to refer to organisations which: • Have an important presence in a place, usually through a combination of: being largescale employers, the largest purchasers of goods and services in the locality, controlling large areas of land and/or having relatively fixed assets. • Are tied to a particular place by their mission, histories, physical assets and local relationships. Examples include local authorities, NHS trusts, universities, trade unions, large local businesses, the combined activities of the community and voluntary sector and housing associations. The Scottish Government has published proposed Community Wealth Building legislation2. 3.6 Summary of the Argyll and Bute Report on Community Wealth Building (OPTIONAL section) 3.6.1 Introduction The Argyll and Bute Community Wealth Building (CWB) report, commissioned by the CPP, prepared by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) and published in April 20243 sets out a transformative approach to local economic development. It identifies systemic challenges such as depopulation, housing shortages, and land value extraction, arguing that traditional economic models have failed to address these issues adequately. The report asserts that "community wealth building should be intrinsic to the economic strategy of Argyll and Bute" and cannot be treated as an add- on but must be fully embedded in local policy.” 1 https://cles.org.uk/what-is-community-wealth-building/the-principles-of-community-wealth-building/ 2 https://consult.gov.scot/economic-development/community-wealth-building-consultation/ 3 https://www.argyll- bute.gov.uk/moderngov/documents/s206441/Appendix%201%20Argyll%20and%20Bute%20Report%20F inal.pdf Page 18
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3.6.2 Economic and Social Context Argyll and Bute faces acute economic challenges, including: • Depopulation: The region has been experiencing a steady decline in population, particularly among young people, leading to a shrinking workforce. • Housing Crisis: High property prices, a shortage of affordable housing, and the prevalence of second homes make it difficult for local workers to live in the area. • Extractive Economic Model: Many local assets and industries, including energy and tourism, generate wealth that is extracted from the region rather than reinvested locally. The report states: "Market forces are negatively shaping the local economy, impacting citizens' wellbeing and quality of life. To address these deep-rooted challenges, there needs to be a step change towards an approach which has community wealth building firmly rooted at its core." 3.6.3 Recommendations using the Five Pillars of Community Wealth Building The CLES report to CPP outlined five pillars through which CWB can be implemented and made 23 recommendations. The CPP CWB steering group considered the first three sets of recommendations relating to pillars 1—3 in detail and will continue working on pillars 4 and 5. The details and commentary are set out in appendix 2 but the table below summarises those recommendations for priority action:- Page 19
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4.0 Conclusion By signing the Argyll and Bute Community Wealth Building Charter, [Organisation Name] will join CPP partners in affirming support for building a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable local economy. This is an important opportunity to show leadership ahead of legislation, strengthen partnership working, and embed the principles of CWB in our own organisational strategies and operations. For more information, please contact: Internal sponsor and author name Links CWB legislation was introduced at stage 1 on 20th March 2025 – https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/bills/s6/community-wealth-building-scotland- bill Poverty Alliance citizen’s panel on CWB October 2023 - https://www.povertyalliance.org/get-heard-scotland-community-wealth-building/ EDAS guide to CWB January 2023 - https://edas.org.uk/community-wealth-building-guide/ CLES November 2022 publication on interviews with UK local authorities re: CWB and five areas for action:- https://cles.org.uk/publications/a-light-in-the-dark/ NEW North Ayrshire Community Planning partnership, 2024-2027 CWB Plan https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/Document-library/cwb-strategy.pdf The role of the NHS as an anchor institution – The Health Foundation https://www.health.org.uk/publications/reports/building-healthier-communities-role-of-nhs- as-anchor-institution Example CPP CWB mapping and action plan Outer Hebrides March 2021 - https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/media/17452/S%2019B%20-%20Appendix%20- %20Community%20Wealth%20Building%20in%20the%20Outer%20Hebrides%20Action% 20Plan.pdf Page 20
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[YOUR LOGO AND CPP LOGO] Appendix 1: Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership Community Wealth Building Charter Our Commitment We, the members of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership, affirm our commitment to embedding the principles of Community Wealth Building (CWB) across our region. As anchor institutions rooted in place, we recognise our collective power to shape a fairer, more inclusive, and resilient local economy where wealth is created, retained, and shared more equitably across our diverse communities. Our Vision To build an economy that works for people, place and planet—where wellbeing, sustainability, and equity are core outcomes of economic activity. We will support and work towards an inclusive model of development that maximises local opportunity and minimises the extraction of wealth from our communities. Our Shared Principles We will advance the five pillars of Community Wealth Building: 1. Spending: Maximise community benefit through procurement, grow inclusive supply chains, and support local enterprises to access public contracts. 2. Workforce: Promote Fair Work, support the real Living Wage, and develop inclusive employment and training pathways in collaboration with local employers and partners. 3. Inclusive Ownership: Support diverse and democratic business models, including social enterprises, co-operatives, and employee-owned businesses, that root wealth in local communities. 4. Finance: Use our financial power to support local investment, explore ethical and social finance opportunities, and ensure community benefits are reinvested locally. 5. Land and Property: Make socially productive use of land and assets, support community ownership, and collaborate to unlock affordable workspace and housing. Our Role as Anchor Institutions We acknowledge our responsibility as major employers, landowners, procurers, and investors. We will: • Embed CWB into our strategic plans and operational decisions. • Act collaboratively through the CPP and local area groups to develop shared strategies, joint investments, and coordinated actions. • Build capacity in the third, social enterprise and community sectors to participate in and shape our local economy. • Engage and consult citizens in key decisions that affect their economic future. Our Next Steps • Support progress towards implementation of CWB ahead of legislation with reference to the Argyll and Bute CWB Action Plan and the two Models of Opportunity on employee ownership and energy. • Prioritise actions that align with our Local Outcome Improvement Plan, Economic Strategy 2024–2034, and Climate Action priorities. • Monitor our progress at a local level and share learning to accelerate transformation across Argyll and Bute. Signed on behalf of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership, [Space for Signatures / Logos of CPP members] September 2025 Page 21
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Appendix 2 (OPTIONAL) For information only: CPP CWB recommendations from CLES report 2024 – priorities June 2025 The CWB Report prepared for Argyll and Bute CPP in 2024 contained 23 recommendations split across the five pillars and one overarching workstream. From January to May 2025 the CPP’s CWB steering met to discuss priorities and a response to the CWB Bill. Below are listed the recommendations, where reviewed, with a priority ranking and a commentary for next steps. A. CPP Recommendations Recommendation Priority Ease of Implementation Commentary CWB intrinsic to economic strategy 1 Medium Already embedded in economic strategy refresh (section 1.3 page 5). How do we track progress and embed in the work of other partners? - Captured in the Argyll and Bute Economic Strategy Action Plan, 2024-27. - Annual review to assess how the actions in the Economic Action Plan aligns with CWB principles but perhaps the CWB action plan process contained in the Bill supersedes this. Decide on correct avenues to deliver CWB across Argyll and Bute 1 Medium Requires collaboration across local government and stakeholders - Requirement for an overarching CPP CWB Charter. Time-limited groups for Models of Opportunity 2 Easy/Medium Local group established for Cowal and Bute promoting Community Ownership in Renewable Energy schemes; third meeting pending Glenbarr example. Employee ownership - upskilling of business support providers on this type of model. Complicated agenda. Map out good practice case studies, including approaches and enablers. Awareness of existing resources such as that provided by Co-operative Development Scotland. B. PILLAR 1 - Spending Recommendation Priority Ease of Implementation Commentary Establish a CPP procurement working group 1 Easy A top priority - who and when? - Working with organisational procurement teams. Clear Page 22
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guidance needed to Heads of Procurement meetings with regard to alignment with CWB priorities. Ask specific questions. - Note template charter from Stirling Council. - Timing of the legislation and associated activity prior to publication for the legislation. - Case study: scope to review barriers for local contractors. - Requirement for an overarching CPP CWB Charter. Build collective market intelligence 1 Easy What does this look like and how would we share the findings to capacity build local providers? - Data on local suppliers is captured by local heads of function and GDPR issues to consider. - Opportunity to support supplier capacity (register on PCS) for shared services. Publish a collective procurement pipeline 1 Medium When, who and how? Question to all CPP partners in sharing forward procurement plans for 2025/26. CPP meet the buyer events 1 Medium Events scheduled with Council - capture progress and evaluate next steps? Partnership with Scotland Excel? NHS? - Joint MTB events with all partners - capture all contracts of various scale. Not necessarily in person MTB events; videos, social media, etc. Develop procurement training for suppliers 1 Medium Supplier training framework in development Aligns with MTB events such as Supplier Development Programme and other local training provision as appropriate. C. PILLAR 2 - Workforce Recommendation Priority Ease of Implementation Commentary Real Living Wage Place 2 Medium Initial discussions with businesses ongoing - inserted into contracts? Legislative requirement. Page 23
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Pathways into Work 2 Medium Pathways into work are being delivered across Argyll and Bute driven by funding streams such as NOLB and UKSPF. Skills needs and demand assessment for Argyll and Bute - align to work of HIREP Skills and Labour Group. Argyll and Bute Employment Charter 2 Medium Requirement to draft charter under consultation Employment Charter support 2 Medium Pulling and signposting existing information, such as Skills for Growth, Skills Development Scotland. Support framework in early stages. D. PILLAR 3 - Inclusive Ownership Recommendation Priority Ease of Implementation Commentary Identify ownership opportunities in growth sectors 2 Medium Review of key sectors - who? Review of co- operative business support 2 Medium Co-operative business support structures to be reviewed - who? Could it be included in the TSI’s forthcoming stakeholder survey? Peer support networks 2 Medium Develop connections between the different networks to share resources and identify gaps Brokering supply chain opportunities 2 Medium Discussions with key supply chain entities ongoing via procurement teams. Sharing of knowledge and progress to date? E. PILLAR 4 - Finance Recommendation Priority Ease of Implementation Commentary Mapping the alternative financial infrastructure 2 Medium Check in with national studies and mapping exercises and identify any local reviews and summaries Mapping, pooling and strategic planning of community benefits 1 Medium Place planning process means the conversations are starting to be had with some communities already along the development/community trust path route. No uniformity in strategic approach yet Page 24
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but groups seem willing to pool resources, data and evidence. Community Benefits conversation needed at a national and UK level meaning this area is complex and time consuming. Develop a local finance initiative proposal 3 Hard Exploring viable finance models and explore partnerships with existing initiatives F. PILLAR 5 - Land and Property Recommendation Priority Ease of Implementation Commentary Vacant and derelict land 3 Hard Land audit commenced Rationalisation of the public estate 3 Hard Public estate rationalisation strategy under discussion Convene a Local Landowners Forum 3 Hard NFU representative engaged in discussions Page 25
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Classification: OFFICIAL Management Committee Date: 19 September 2025 Agenda Item: Area Community Planning Groups – August 2025 Meetings 1. Purpose This paper highlights the key matters arising during the Area Community Planning Group (ACPG) meetings that were held in August 2025. 2. Recommendations The Management Committee is asked to note: a) The highlights from the meetings detailed at section 4 of the report. b) The appointment of Gill Simpson, Helensburgh Community Hub, as Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group. c) The completion of Ian Brodie’s term as Vice Chair of the MAKI Area Community Planning Group. 3. Background There are four Area Community Planning Groups, one in each of the Council’s administrative areas (Bute and Cowal; Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands; Helensburgh and Lomond; and Oban, Lorn and the Isles). Meetings were held on a variety of platforms, including purely virtual and on a hybrid basis using Microsoft Teams. Prior to the meetings, discussions took place with the Area Chairs and Vice Chairs and a standard agenda template was agreed. All four meetings were well attended by a variety of partners. 4. Highlights All Groups considered: 4.1 Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan – Transport Infrastructure Each ACPG received an update from the Community Planning team on the transport infrastructure priority, following input at the May ACPG meetings and Page 27 Agenda Item 1e
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Classification: OFFICIAL June CPP Management Committee meeting to develop a set of outcomes and outputs underpinning the agreed actions. The Community Planning team outlined the process through which the project documentation for each action would be ratified by the CPP Management Committee at its meeting on 19th September. The Helensburgh and Lomond ACPG agreed to establish a Helensburgh Transport Working Group. 4.2 Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan – Housing Each ACPG gave consideration to a presentation from the Community Planning team on the housing priority and the actions being developed to tackle housing-related inequalities. Group members were invited to provide a verbal or written response to a set of questions linked to the long-term housing objectives agreed by the CPP Management Committee. The Community Planning team intimated that the feedback from the four Area Community Planning Groups would be collated and fed into further discussion at the CPP Management Committee session on 19th September. 4.3 Local Housing Strategy All four ACPGs were provided with an update on activities following the Housing Emergency Action Plan put in place in June 2024. Each group received information on engagement with the Scottish Government, external investment, energy efficiency and fuel poverty, worker accommodation and details of housing developments in the local administrative area. 4.4 Argyll and Bute CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan Andy MacPherson from ACT provided an update on the extension of his post to July 2026 and emphasised the ongoing work with building community resilience including options to establish pilot groups in each administrative area. 4.5 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service update The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) quarter 1 report presented details of local performance across each area of Argyll and Bute for the period April to June 2025. The report included updates on accidental dwelling fires, deliberate secondary fire setting, wildfires, fires in non-domestic properties, casualties from fire and non-fire emergencies, unwanted fire alarm signals, while highlighting community engagement and Local Senior Officer activities. Members also received a presentation on the Service Delivery Review which is considering operational models to meet Scotland’s changing risks and demand, with a public consultation on plans open until September. Page 28
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Classification: OFFICIAL The Helensburgh and Lomond ACPG sought clarification for the November meeting on the specific areas to which the statistics presented referred. 4.6 Police Scotland update Police Scotland provided information on the ongoing work of the service and information on serious and organised crime, acquisitive crime, road safety and road crime, violent crime, public protection and agricultural crime. 4.7 Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership update Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team provided an update on their ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities in Argyll and Bute, including Community Link working, Suicide Prevention training, Art of Hosting for the Living Well Programme, and updates on Working Well with Communities and the launch of the Population Health Framework. 4.8 Argyll and Bute TSI update The Argyll and Bute TSI update highlighted information on Public Sector Reform and population health, the Scotland Demands Better campaign, years 5 and 6 of the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, the refresh of the Community Directory and Funding platform and the Argyll and Bute TSI Strategy review 2026-2031. 4.9 Argyll and Bute Council – Aspiring Places update An update was provided by the Aspiring Places team on the launch of the Argyll and Bute Voices platform and Aspiring Places digital space, the recent Funding Connections Roadshow, available funding streams, and information on expressions of interest and next steps for the project. 5.0 Bute & Cowal (Meeting Papers - LINK) The group considered a report from Live Argyll which provided an update on local youth work activities including the Summer Give Programme and the opening of a new youth space at Dunoon Foodbank. Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland, provided an update on the ongoing works on the A82 between Tarbet and Inverarnan, the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful and the implementation of 20mph zones in Tarbet and Arrochar. Ann Campbell provided an update from Dunoon Community Development Trust on the development over the past year of a Local Place Plan and Community Action Page 29
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Classification: OFFICIAL Plan for Dunoon. Ann invited members to refer to the draft Local Place Plan and offer feedback. 6.0 Helensburgh & Lomond (Meeting Papers - LINK) The group gave consideration to the appointment of a new Chair, and with one nomination received for the position, Gill Simpson was appointed as the new Chair of Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group. Paul Ashworth, Live Argyll Service and Support Manager, provided an update on the appointment of a specialist contractor to undertake roof repairs on Helensburgh Leisure Centre, the impact assessment with Council colleagues on the proposed closure of Cardross Library, and the local survey and engagement underway in Cardross with library members and school pupils. Following discussion amongst members, Paul agreed to liaise with colleagues to produce a child-friendly version of the library survey and add the survey link to Live Argyll’s website, with the survey link also to be circulated to group members. Caroline Whitson, Live Argyll Adult Learning Lead, highlighted the work of the adult learning and youth work teams in the Helensburgh area. A presentation on the plans in place to support Telecare users in the event of a prolonged power outage was delivered by Samantha Somers, Technology Enabled Care Lead with Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership. The presentation highlighted to members the service’s Critical Recovery Plan and traffic light system to monitor connections and manage crisis situations. Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland, provided an update on the A82 and A83 road closures and the business case for potential changes to the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry route. The group noted the update from David Hagerty, Argyll and Bute Council Community Development Officer, on the ongoing work with community groups, Supporting Communities Fund and information on the Recovery Oriented Systems of Care. Gill Simpson provided an update on behalf of Helensburgh Community Hub, highlighting Helensburgh’s first Pride event, the launch of Helensburgh Repair Café and a forthcoming collaboration with Fun First. The group noted a written update from Helensburgh Community Council, which included information on plans to send the Local Place Plan out for consultation, Music in the Square and an update on the status of office bearers. Rhu and Shandon Community Council provided a written update on the Local Place Plan development, ongoing forestry work, work being taken forward by the Environment and Infrastructure Group including traffic volume and Active Travel, and work to address the impact of bank charges on charitable groups and the lack of public toilets in Rhu. The update was noted by ACPG members. Page 30
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Classification: OFFICIAL The group noted the update from UHI Argyll on increased interest in particular courses and the ongoing collaboration with Hermitage Academy. Jacqui Willis, Grab Trust, provided an update on the Trust’s work on a CivTech Challenges contract, which if successful, would allow the Trust to seek an innovative solution to the marine litter sink at Arrochar. Partners were invited to support the Trust with financial contributions and to share the funding request through their networks. The group considered a verbal update from Morevain Martin, Garelochhead Support Trust, on the upcoming activities of the Trust. Fiona Baker, Destination Helensburgh, highlighted the number of visitors asking about the provision of public toilets in Helensburgh following the closure of the facilities on the pier. Cllr Howard noted that this had been raised within the Council. A verbal update was provided by Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh, including work funded by Surfers Against Sewage to test for marine contaminants, and the support available for partners wishing to take part in the next Water Blitz event. The group considered a verbal report from Angela Anderson, Time for Change, highlighting engagement work with local farmers in relation to climate change and the effects of climate change policies. Lindsay Young, Cardross Community Council, updated group members on the focus of the community council on the potential impact of local house building on the Local Place Plan. The group gave consideration to a presentation by Jon Simmons, Director of Scott and Simmons Landscape Architects, outlining the project to develop options for the former Helensburgh Skating Pond. The presentation highlighted the need to balance the needs of local users with ecological and environmental impacts and noted that the options would be presented to Argyll and Bute Council for consideration, with the results published after the December meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee meeting. The group considered a report on the work of the Community Wealth Building Short- term Working Group, highlighting what realistic local action could be taken to progress Community Wealth Building and the outcome that a small amount of funding would be sought to fund a project officer to establish a community collective to explore creating a community shop. 7.0 Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands (Meeting Papers - LINK) The group considered a presentation from Karen McCurry, Manager of the Mid Argyll MS Centre (Snowdrop Argyll), which outlined the history of the centre and the challenges faced by community members in accessing support, and which Page 31
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Classification: OFFICIAL highlighted the work of the centre, and the delivery of the Snowdrop Argyll and the Long-Term Conditions Outreach projects across the MAKI area. The group noted the report from the Live Argyll Community Learning Service, which provided an update on adult learning activities including those delivered through the Mid Argyll Community Learning and Employability Hub and the Kintyre Workshop/Hub. Ian Woodcock, Transport Scotland, provided an update on the ongoing work at the Rest and Be Thankful and the drainage and resurfacing works in a number of locations along the A83. Ian also highlighted the progress of implementing 20mph zones within settlements on the Kintyre peninsula and the plans by BEAR Scotland to cut back vegetation along the A83 during the autumn and winter months. The group considered the report submitted by Forestry and Land Scotland, providing details on local Land Management Plans, peatland restoration progress and work to combat Phytophthora ramorum. The group noted the update from Antonia Baird, Argyll and Bute Council Community Development Officer, on the Community Benefit Fund and related community engagement events arising from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks’ (SSEN) infrastructure work in the MAKI area, and a forthcoming third sector networking event in partnership with Argyll and Bute TSI being held in Tarbert. Caitlin Marini, SSEN, provided further information on the in-person and network events being held in relation to the launch of the new Community Benefit Fund, noting that the fund would only be available in those areas where SSEN work was being carried out. Chris Abell, Islay Community Council, expressed disappointment that the partner updates didn’t include an update from Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS). It was noted that while SAS was not a formal partner of MAKI ACPG, they had previously expressed willingness to attend meetings and provide updates, and it was agreed that SAS would be extended an invitation to attend a future meeting. The group noted a verbal update provided by Shopper-Aide, which highlighted the setting up of a Focus Group Listening Café, three-year funding received from the National Lottery, donations received from local people and groups, and the considerable support provided by Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer, and Inspiralba. The group received a presentation by Danny Renton, CEO of Seawilding, outlining the work of the charity in Loch Craignish which includes native oyster and seagrass habitat restoration to deliver climate change, Community Wealth Building, marine ecosystem and local economic benefits. The group gave consideration to the appointment of a new Vice Chair following the completion of Ian Brodie’s term in the Vice Chair position. The Chair thanked Ian for his commitment and support, and there being no nominations, it was agreed that the Page 32
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Classification: OFFICIAL appointment of a new Vice Chair would be considered at the next meeting of the MAKI ACPG. 8.0 Oban, Lorn and the Isles (Meeting Papers - LINK) OLI ACPG Chair, Colin Buchanan, provided an update on the creation of an ACPG Climate Change Resilience Group and confirmed that each local Community Council would be contacted and invited to attend an initial meeting. The group considered a presentation by Deirdre MacKenna, Trustee of the Ardchattan Centre, who highlighted the focus of the centre in developing community, social and cultural wealth, the varied programme of activities and events, and ongoing work with the Community Development Officer, to develop strategic, partnership, capital and commercial income plans. The group noted a written update from the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Health and Wellbeing Network including information on the network’s next meeting and an application made to the Supporting Communities Fund. Judith Hawcroft, North Argyll Carers, provided the group with a verbal update on the support offered including a bereavement group, primary and secondary after-school groups, activities for adult and young carers, and highlighted the Fair Access to Care consultation and forthcoming public meeting in Oban. Joan Best, Crossroads, provided a verbal update on the support and respite care provided by the organisation, and highlighted the waiting list for support and the increased pressure that would result from a reduction in care package support. The group noted an update from Aideen Shields, Connecting Communities Collective, which included the establishment of a development trust to take forward a community buy-out of the Re-Store shop in Oban and the preparations for a fashion show in April 2026. 9.0 Further Actions It is requested that the Management Committee note the report and the successful meetings held in August 2025. 10.0 Implications Strategic Implications Meetings of the Area Community Planning Groups held in August included discussion on the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan priority of housing. Consultations No prior circulation of this report. Resources No direct resource implications however consideration of the issues raised and following courses of action Page 33
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Classification: OFFICIAL may have a knock on effect on finance and/or staff resource Prevention Contributes to the prevention agenda Equalities Contributes toward reducing inequalities For More Information: John McLuckie, Partnerships Lead, john.mcluckie@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 34
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Classification: OFFICIAL Community Planning Partnership – 19th September 2025 Argyll and Bute – Depopulation Research Briefing 1. Background Argyll and Bute Council were successful in their application to the Scottish Governments Addressing Depopulation Fund which included financial support to employ Private Sector Settlement Officer and funding to undertake research project. 2. Overview The Depopulation Research will cover two key issues identified through the work in relation to Housing Emergency, ‘Workforce Housing’ which will seek to evidence the housing shortages for workers and options going forward, and ‘Young Working Age’ engagement to identify factors that will help with retention and to attract those who have left back, or those who have an interest in moving to the area. A blended approach will be undertaken to the research project, and proposed outcomes include: ➢ Assess and evidence the extent and nature of workforce housing shortages. ➢ Assess the availability and viability of housing options for key workers. ➢ To engage with younger working age households (16–44-year-olds), including those who have left Argyll & Bute, tracking push and pull factors, plus future intentions and aspirations. ➢ To assess currently availability of workforce housing options and test the feasibility of key worker housing models. ➢ To recommend deliverable workforce housing models including funding, eligibility, income and legal implications. 3. Role of CPP Partners Our strategic partners have a key role to play, both in participating in the employer engagement surveys, as well as helping to promote the surveys to working age population both within Argyll and Bute and those out with the area who have an interest in moving to the area. 4. Timeline The preparatory work is underway, and partners will be kept informed on the timing of engagement and survey launches. It is anticipated that surveys will commence in September/October 2025. For further information contact - Local Housing Strategy Team localhousingstrategy@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 35 Agenda Item 4b
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Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT Tel: 01546 605522 DX 599700 LOCHGILPHEAD 6 August 2025 SUPPLEMENTARY PACK 1 BUTE AND COWAL COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP - BY MICROSOFT TEAMS on TUESDAY, 12 AUGUST 2025 at 10:00 AM I enclose herewith a report in relation to Item 6c – Local Housing Strategy Douglas Hendry Executive Director BUSINESS (c) Local Housing Strategy (Pages 3 - 18) Report by Housing Strategy Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group Reeni Kennedy-Boyle (Vice-Chair) Jean Moffat (Chair) Contact: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager - 01436 658717 Public Document PackPage 37
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Classification: OFFICIAL Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group 12th August 2025 Housing Emergency Update Summary In June 2023 the Council declared a Housing Emergency. There was a stake holders’ event in November 2023 which resulted in a Housing Emergency Action Plan being agreed in June 2024. The Community Planning Partnership is key to bringing forward many of the actions within the Plan. The Community Planning Partnership Outcomes Improvement Plan has highlighted housing as 1 main issue to be addressed through the Plan. This report will highlight housing activity in Argyll and Bute to address the Housing Emergency and also focus on the actions within the Action Plan of particular relevance to the Community Planning Partnership. 1. Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide CPG Members with a high level synopsis of the considerable volume of wide-ranging activity, which is underway, often well in advance of houses being completed and handed over, such is the long term nature of development. This synopsis is a snapshot of activity in the housing system in the last six months. 2. Recommendations CPG members are asked to consider the content of the report 3. Background Contained in the Full Report 4. Detail Contained in the Full Report Page 3 Agenda Item 6cPage 39
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Classification: OFFICIAL 5. Conclusions Contained in the Full Report 6. CPP Outcomes Does your report relate to any of the following: Outcome Tick as appropriate (🗸) Community Wellbeing Housing 🗸 Transport Infrastructure For further information please contact: Fergus Murray – Head of Development and Economic Growth fergus.murray@argyll.bute.gov.uk Matt Mulderrig – Development Policy and Housing Manager matt.mulderrig@argyll-bute.gov.uk Douglas Whyte – Team Lead – Housing Strategy douglas.whyte@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 4Page 40
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Classification: OFFICIAL ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE & COWAL CPG DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 12th AUGUST 2025 HOUSING EMERGENCY UPDATE 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 In June 2023 the Council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure (EDI) Committee declared a Housing Emergency due to a consistent reduction in the supply of housing, a steady increase in demand for housing across all tenures and increasing levels of un-affordability. 1.2 In November 2024, Council agreed an update to the Local Housing Strategy, incorporating the Housing Emergency Action Plan, and a set of Housing Emergency Progress Metrics. It was agreed these would all be reported to Council annually in November. 1.3 The purpose of this report is to provide CPG Members with a high level synopsis of the considerable volume of wide ranging activity which is underway, often well in advance of houses being completed and handed over, such is the long term nature of development. This synopsis is a snapshot of activity in the housing system in the last six months. 1.4 Activity includes: engaging directly with Scottish Government; developing Strategic Development Frameworks to facilitate long-term delivery, securing national funding investment into housing projects in the area; working towards delivery of worker housing on Mull, engaging with infrastructure providers to provide worker housing; and partnering with RSL’s and community housing groups to facilitate housing developments. RECOMMENDATION CPG members are asked to consider the content of the report. Page 5Page 41
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Classification: OFFICIAL ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE & COWAL CPG DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC 12th AUGUST 2025 GROWTH HOUSING EMERGENCY UPDATE 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 The purpose of this report is to inform Members on progress made in terms of the Council tackling the Housing Emergency in Argyll and Bute. The last report on this issue was to Council in November 2024 Nov 2024 LHS Update and Housing Emergency Report . This report focuses on progress since that date. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 CPG members are asked to consider the content of the report. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 In November 2024, Council agreed an update to the Local Housing Strategy Incorporating the Housing Emergency Action Plan, and a set of Housing Emergency Progress Metrics. It was agreed these would all be reported to Council annually in November. The purpose of this report is to provide CPG members with a high level synopsis of the considerable volume of wide ranging activity which is underway, often well in advance of houses being completed and handed over, such is the long term nature of development. This synopsis is a snapshot of activity in the housing system in the last six months. Page 6Page 42
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Classification: OFFICIAL Homes Consented 4.2 From the declaration of the Housing Emergency in June 2023 until the end of February 2025 the Council granted planning consent for 860 residential units. Scottish Government Engagement 4.3 In November 2024, Members of the Scottish Government, Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, visited Oban. They met with the Council’s leader Jim Lynch, CEO Pippa Milne, other senior council officials, and representatives from the Link Housing Group together with a representative from the Colonsay Community Development Company. The day also included a visit to the Dunbeg Corridor housing development. The Scottish Government has produced a report of the visit which can be accessed here: Scottish Govt Report on Housing Emergency Visit to Argyll and Bute . A number of requests and suggestions for Scottish Government were made at the meeting and these are summarised in appendix 1 to this report. Preparing Strategic Development Frameworks 4.4 In January 2025 consultants were engaged, to develop the Strategic Development Frameworks for Oban (OSDF) and Helensburgh (HSDF). Both these are intended to identify long-term 20-40 years strategic development opportunities. By doing this we will set a long term framework that can be used to direct infrastructure investment and create a pipeline of deliverable development land, particularly housing supply but also other related community, public service and economic development land. Initial desk-top and baseline surveys have been ongoing and the development of preliminary options for Page 7Page 43
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Classification: OFFICIAL assessment. Early engagement with community representatives, members, and key stakeholders are planned over the summer months. These pieces of work will ultimately feed in to LDP3. Securing External Housing Funding Investment 4.5 The Council has continued to develop Business Cases for the proposals for a worker accommodation pilot on Mull, and market housing for principal home occupation on Islay. In addition to the £3m Rural Growth Deal investment allocated to these projects, the Community Regeneration Fund has potentially been identified to provide up to a further £5m investment to enabling housing projects. Improving Home Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty 4.6 A Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy was approved by Council in November. This sets out a policy framework that assists in reducing fuel poverty in the long term. Officers will now work to identify deliverable projects, and use the LHEES to support funding applications. 4.7 The HEEPS:ABS Programme allows homeowners and private rented tenants to reduce their energy bills, assists with the cost-of-living crisis and reduces energy consumption contributing to a reduction in climate change The Council fully utilised it HEEPS:ABS funding of £1,979,827 for 24/25. Looking at the full history of HEEPS:ABS Programmes, from 2013 to Sept 2024,there have been 4,161 energy improvement measure installations in Argyll and Bute. There has been a focus on external and internal wall insulation. Most of the properties are owner occupied, many built between 1950 and 1983. A significant proportion are in the most deprived areas of Argyll and Bute. Most properties experience a benefit in their EPC ratings meaning warmer and more efficient homes. Page 8Page 44
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Classification: OFFICIAL Worker Accommodation from Infrastructure Providers 4.8 Officers continue to work with SSEN to deliver their worker housing strategy in association with the delivery of the overhead power line projects they have ongoing. Principle activity has seen the development of dedicated worker accommodation being provided at Kilmory Industrial Estate and other locations. The effect of this is to significantly reduce the impact on the local housing market, but also to provide servicing and infrastructure investment in the Kilmory Industrial Estate. There is ongoing engagement with SSEN at a Senior Management level. One priority begin explored is the potential for further investment by SSEN in legacy housing, and options are still being explored. Page 9Page 45
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Classification: OFFICIAL Empty Homes for Workers 4.9 Our Empty Homes Officer project, working with the HSCP solely to assist empty homes owners to bring back properties in to use for HSCP staff has received national recognition through an award from the Empty Homes Network. This project is directly supporting the retention and recruitment of the key workforce required to sustain essential services and making the best use of existing stock. The role has directly enabled homes and bed spaces for use by HSCP workers on Coll, Tiree, Islay and in Connel. Page 10Page 46
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Classification: OFFICIAL RSL Housing Provision & Pipeline 4.10 ACHA has acquired a site on Alexander Street, Dunoon which already enjoys planning consent. ACHA are exploring the potential to increase capacity of the site to 150 units subject to achieving planning consent 4.11 7 properties have been acquired across Bute and Cowal through the Open Market Purchase Scheme. All 7 properties have now been brought back into the RSL affordable rented sector. 4.12 Fyne Homes is tendering for the construction of 8 social rent units at Ballochgoy Rothesay after the failure of a previous tender process involving modular construction. Site completion is currently programmed for summer 2026. Page 11Page 47
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Classification: OFFICIAL 4.13 The Council approved planning consent for the demolition of the Lower Academy Building, Rothesay. Fyne Homes is procuring a demolition survey to proceed to a tender for demolition costs. Discussions are ongoing with Scottish Government to fund the demolition. Page 12Page 48
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Classification: OFFICIAL 4.14 Fyne Homes completed re-development of 8 social units at Wilkie Houses (below), Rothesay in March 2025 with an opening in 2025. Page 13Page 49
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Classification: OFFICIAL 4.15 Trust Housing Association, in partnership with Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council, has begun transforming their existing Manse Gardens, Strachur development (below) into 16 fully refurbished and energy efficient homes for existing and new customers. Work began on site March 2025. Community Housing Projects 4.16 Ardkinglas Estate has submitted an expression of interest for Rural and Islands Housing Funding to deliver 4 affordable houses within existing buildings on the Estate. 5.0 Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan 2024 -2034 5.1 The Community Planning Partnership has been actively engaged with other partners in trying to find ways to tackle the Housing Emergency in Argyll and Bute. The Housing Emergency Action Plan identified several actions which the CPP can assist with delivering:- • Freedom to use Scottish Government housing funding more flexibly and as an allocation within local administrative control • Create funding mechanisms for Community Housing Trusts to finance feasibility studies, professional fees and approval processes • Deliver seasonal and temporary workforce accommodation using short term occupancy agreements Page 14Page 50
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Classification: OFFICIAL • Develop a strategic approach to evidencing the need for workforce housing in the public sector • Deliver emergency workforce housing options including the use of modular, temporary and tiny homes • Identify and map public sector land and buildings which could provide workforce housing via repurposing and change of use • Develop a better range if housing options for older people to encourage movement in existing housing stock 5.2 The Outcomes Improvement Plan produced by the Community Planning Partnership has Housing as one of the main 3 outcomes which the Partnership will focus on for the duration of the Plan. 5.3 There will be a CPP Development Day later this year with a focus on housing and how the Partners can continue to work together to deliver on the actions within the Housing Emergency and also how Partners can meaningfully deliver on the fact that housing is one of the 3 main topics within the Outcomes Improvement Plan. 6.0 CONCLUSION 6.1 The Housing Emergency was declared due to a whole housing system failure and addressing the issues behind the failure will take time to address and require a partnership approach. Members requested periodic update in activity addressing the Housing Emergency. This report demonstrates the wide range of actions that are being taken forward within the context of reduced resources for the delivery of new homes at a national level. That said, the council continues to work with the Government, key agencies such as the Community Planning Partnership and our housing delivery partners to make progress including exploring new methods and solutions to tackle housing shortages across the local authority area, but many of these will take time to come to fruition. 7.0 IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Policy - the ongoing activity is consistent with current Council priorities and the Local Housing Strategy vision and outcomes which are directly aligned with the overarching objectives of the Outcome Improvement Plan – outcome 2: Housing. 7.2 Financial - none directly arising from this report but future housing delivery actions will require additional funding at some stage from the Council and our partners if delivery is to be accelerated 7.3 Legal – None. Page 15Page 51
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Classification: OFFICIAL 7.4 HR – None. 7.5 Customer Service – None. 7.6 Risk - there is a risk of depopulation, damage to the economy a risk to delivering essential services in the local authority area if partners cannot effectively tackle the Housing Emergency. 7.7 Climate Change – new housing in the right location helps reduce carbon outputs when delivered using renewable energy and other measures. Making best use of existing stock by delivering energy efficiency measures helps towards achieving climate change targets. 7.8 Fairer Scotland Duty – Socio-economic Duty – the delivery of housing across Argyll and Bute facilitates socio-economic opportunities for all. The housing plans in the report link to the Child Poverty Strategy 7.9 Equalities - protected characteristics - the activity outlined in the report is consistent with the aims and objectives set out in the Local Housing Strategy which is subject to an EQIA. There are targets within the housing plans to deliver housing which meet the needs of specialist groups 7.10 Consumer Duty – none 7.11 Island Communities – many of the housing projects detailed in the report are being delivered on islands which will provide many benefits such as employment and the continued delivery of essential services to island communities. 7.12 Children’s Rights and Wellbeing – the delivery of more housing will enable more children to have a safe secure environment. The housing plans also have clear links to the Child Poverty Strategy. Kirsty Flanagan Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth Councillor Jim Lynch Council Leader and Policy Lead for Housing August 2025 For further information contact: Fergus Murray – Head of Development and Economic Growth fergus.murray@argyll.bute.gov.uk Matt Mulderrig – Development Policy and Housing Manager matt.mulderrig@argyll-bute.gov.uk Douglas Whyte – Team Lead – Housing Strategy douglas.whyte@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 16Page 52
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Classification: OFFICIAL Appendix 1 Actions suggested for Scottish Government during meeting with Scottish Government Local Government, Planning and Housing Committee (Nov 2024) Actions suggested for the Scottish Government: • Market failure needs intervention and radical thinking, and there needs to be a long- term and continuous approach to housing. • More funding flexibility is required, such as with the housing infrastructure fund (HIF). Devolution of funding to councils could be considered. • The council would like to be able to accrue funds from underspend in the Affordable Homes Supply Programme (AHSP). • There needs to be advance investment in critical infrastructure (such as a new access road to Dunbeg in Oban). • The AHSP Grant Benchmark threshold is too low to buy back properties – there needs to be a higher % of funding. • Community housing trusts are looking to deliver housing, but without expertise in development they need support and seed funding. • Key worker housing is important, and the council needs to be able to provide shorter tenures and dispose of sites. However, funding through the AHSP and other funds will not allow this. • A pilot of shorter tenures is taking place in Mull, which the council would like to fund through Resource Planning Assumptions. • Regulations on housing and planning need to be more joined-up in order to tackle a complex system, considering the impact of regulation on the whole system (such as a possible cladding levy negatively impacting on housing supply). • For example, currently an increase in council tax for second homes can be avoided by property owners registering their main residence in another authority (which is not charging increased council tax) as their second property; a combined approach across authorities may therefore be needed. • Consideration of a new Planning Use class for ‘non-principal homes’ would augment provisions for increased council tax, short-term let licensing and planning control areas. • Need for compulsory sales orders and for a land and property tax, which could lead to less people likely to ‘sit’ on land and property. The need for flexibility in funding and regulations: • With the Rural and Islands Housing Fund completions need to take place pre-election, which limits the feasibility studies that can be carried out now (as any project is unlikely to be completed pre-election). This demonstrates the need for long term certainty of funding, and the hope is that the fund will be reinstated post election. • There need to be more flexible grant conditions in the Affordable Housing Supply Programme and other funds. • Important to avoid unintended impacts of legislation e.g.: o Infrastructure levy would have negative impact on builds o Cladding levy – would be unfair for local developers who haven’t used cladding o Passivhaus standard – there are few contractors available, and they would not go to remote builds. Something instead ‘near’ Passivhaus would be sufficient and more cost effective. Page 17Page 53
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Classification: OFFICIAL • Investment in renewals and transmission to the national grid could have an impact on housing – local distribution of renewable energy is needed. Page 18Page 54
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Classification: OFFICIAL Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group 19th August 2025 Housing Emergency Update Summary In June 2023 the Council declared a Housing Emergency. There was a stake holders’ event in November 2023 which resulted in a Housing Emergency Action Plan being agreed in June 2024. The Community Planning Partnership is key to bringing forward many of the actions within the Plan. The Community Planning Partnership Outcomes Improvement Plan has highlighted housing as 1 main issue to be addressed through the Plan. This report will highlight housing activity in Argyll and Bute to address the Housing Emergency and also focus on the actions within the Action Plan of particular relevance to the Community Planning Partnership. 1. Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide CPG Members with a high- level synopsis of the considerable volume of wide-ranging activity, which is underway, often well in advance of houses being completed and handed over, such is the long-term nature of development. This synopsis is a snapshot of activity in the housing system in the last six months. 2. Recommendations CPG members are asked to consider the content of the report 3. Background Contained in the Full Report 4. Detail Contained in the Full Report Page 55
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Classification: OFFICIAL 5. Conclusions Contained in the Full Report 6. CPP Outcomes Does your report relate to any of the following: Outcome Tick as appropriate (🗸) Community Wellbeing Housing 🗸 Transport Infrastructure For further information please contact: Fergus Murray – Head of Development and Economic Growth fergus.murray@argyll.bute.gov.uk Matt Mulderrig – Development Policy and Housing Manager matt.mulderrig@argyll-bute.gov.uk Douglas Whyte – Team Lead – Housing Strategy douglas.whyte@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 56
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Classification: OFFICIAL ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND CPG DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 19th AUGUST 2025 HOUSING EMERGENCY UPDATE 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 In June 2023 the Council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure (EDI) Committee declared a Housing Emergency due to a consistent reduction in the supply of housing, a steady increase in demand for housing across all tenures and increasing levels of un-affordability. 1.2 In November 2024, Council agreed an update to the Local Housing Strategy, incorporating the Housing Emergency Action Plan, and a set of Housing Emergency Progress Metrics. It was agreed these would all be reported to Council annually in November. 1.3 The purpose of this report is to provide CPG Members with a high level synopsis of the considerable volume of wide ranging activity which is underway, often well in advance of houses being completed and handed over, such is the long term nature of development. This synopsis is a snapshot of activity in the housing system in the last six months. 1.4 Activity includes: engaging directly with Scottish Government; developing Strategic Development Frameworks to facilitate long-term delivery, securing national funding investment into housing projects in the area; working towards delivery of worker housing on Mull, engaging with infrastructure providers to provide worker housing; and partnering with RSL’s and community housing groups to facilitate housing developments. RECOMMENDATION CPG members are asked to consider the content of the report. Page 57
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Classification: OFFICIAL ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND CPG DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC 19th AUGUST 2025 GROWTH HOUSING EMERGENCY UPDATE 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 The purpose of this report is to inform Members on progress made in terms of the Council tackling the Housing Emergency in Argyll and Bute. The last report on this issue was to Council in November 2024 Nov 2024 LHS Update and Housing Emergency Report . This report focuses on progress since that date. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 CPG members are asked to consider the content of the report. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 In November 2024, Council agreed an update to the Local Housing Strategy Incorporating the Housing Emergency Action Plan, and a set of Housing Emergency Progress Metrics. It was agreed these would all be reported to Council annually in November. The purpose of this report is to provide CPG members with a high level synopsis of the considerable volume of wide ranging activity which is underway, often well in advance of houses being completed and handed over, such is the long term nature of development. This synopsis is a snapshot of activity in the housing system in the last six months. Page 58
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Classification: OFFICIAL Homes Consented 4.2 From the declaration of the Housing Emergency in June 2023 until the end of February 2025 the Council granted planning consent for 860 residential units. Scottish Government Engagement 4.3 In November 2024, Members of the Scottish Government, Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, visited Oban. They met with the Council’s leader Jim Lynch, CEO Pippa Milne, other senior council officials, and representatives from the Link Housing Group together with a representative from the Colonsay Community Development Company. The day also included a visit to the Dunbeg Corridor housing development. The Scottish Government has produced a report of the visit which can be accessed here: Scottish Govt Report on Housing Emergency Visit to Argyll and Bute . A number of requests and suggestions for Scottish Government were made at the meeting and these are summarised in appendix 1 to this report. Preparing Strategic Development Frameworks 4.4 In January 2025 consultants were engaged, to develop the Strategic Development Frameworks for Oban (OSDF) and Helensburgh (HSDF). Both these are intended to identify long-term 20-40 years strategic development opportunities. By doing this we will set a long term framework that can be used to direct infrastructure investment and create a pipeline of deliverable development land, particularly housing supply but also other related community, public service and economic development land. Initial desk-top and baseline surveys have been ongoing and the development of preliminary options for Page 59
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Classification: OFFICIAL assessment. Early engagement with community representatives, members, and key stakeholders are planned over the summer months. These pieces of work will ultimately feed in to LDP3. Securing External Housing Funding Investment 4.5 The Council has continued to develop Business Cases for the proposals for a worker accommodation pilot on Mull, and market housing for principal home occupation on Islay. In addition to the £3m Rural Growth Deal investment allocated to these projects, the Community Regeneration Fund has potentially been identified to provide up to a further £5m investment to enabling housing projects. Improving Home Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty 4.6 A Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy was approved by Council in November. This sets out a policy framework that assists in reducing fuel poverty in the long term. Officers will now work to identify deliverable projects, and use the LHEES to support funding applications. 4.7 The HEEPS:ABS Programme allows homeowners and private rented tenants to reduce their energy bills, assists with the cost-of-living crisis and reduces energy consumption contributing to a reduction in climate change The Council fully utilised it HEEPS:ABS funding of £1,979,827 for 24/25. Looking at the full history of HEEPS:ABS Programmes, from 2013 to Sept 2024,there have been 4,161 energy improvement measure installations in Argyll and Bute. There has been a focus on external and internal wall insulation. Most of the properties are owner occupied, many built between 1950 and 1983. A significant proportion are in the most deprived areas of Argyll and Bute. Most properties experience a benefit in their EPC ratings meaning warmer and more efficient homes. Page 60
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Classification: OFFICIAL Worker Accommodation from Infrastructure Providers 4.8 Officers continue to work with SSEN to deliver their worker housing strategy in association with the delivery of the overhead power line projects they have ongoing. Principle activity has seen the development of dedicated worker accommodation being provided at Kilmory Industrial Estate and other locations. The effect of this is to significantly reduce the impact on the local housing market, but also to provide servicing and infrastructure investment in the Kilmory Industrial Estate. There is ongoing engagement with SSEN at a Senior Management level. One priority begin explored is the potential for further investment by SSEN in legacy housing, and options are still being explored. Page 61
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Classification: OFFICIAL Empty Homes for Workers 4.9 Our Empty Homes Officer project, working with the HSCP solely to assist empty homes owners to bring back properties in to use for HSCP staff has received national recognition through an award from the Empty Homes Network. This project is directly supporting the retention and recruitment of the key workforce required to sustain essential services and making the best use of existing stock. The role has directly enabled homes and bed spaces for use by HSCP workers on Coll, Tiree, Islay and in Connel. Page 62
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Classification: OFFICIAL RSL Housing Provision & Pipeline 4.10 ACHA are negotiating a turnkey development for 8 shared equity cottage flat units at Blairvadach, Rhu which is programmed to complete in April 2026. 4.11 Dunbritton Housing Association is engaged with identifying a suitable re- development for a site on Grant Street, Helensburgh which was the site of a former church. The site is constrained in terms of capacity but may deliver in excess of 10 units subject to achieving planning consent and a site start is targeted for spring 2026. 4.12 Dunbritton is working with CALA to develop 30 affordable units in Cardross likely to be delivered in two phases and programmed to complete by Autumn 2027. Page 63
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Classification: OFFICIAL Community Housing Projects 4.13 Arrochar, Tarbet and Ardlui Community Council has worked with the Council to produce a local Housing Needs and Demand Assessment which would support funding applications. 5.0 Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan 2024 -2034 5.1 The Community Planning Partnership has been actively engaged with other partners in trying to find ways to tackle the Housing Emergency in Argyll and Bute. The Housing Emergency Action Plan identified several actions which the CPP can assist with delivering:- • Freedom to use Scottish Government housing funding more flexibly and as an allocation within local administrative control • Create funding mechanisms for Community Housing Trusts to finance feasibility studies, professional fees and approval processes • Deliver seasonal and temporary workforce accommodation using short term occupancy agreements • Develop a strategic approach to evidencing the need for workforce housing in the public sector • Deliver emergency workforce housing options including the use of modular, temporary and tiny homes • Identify and map public sector land and buildings which could provide workforce housing via repurposing and change of use • Develop a better range if housing options for older people to encourage movement in existing housing stock 5.2 The Outcomes Improvement Plan produced by the Community Planning Partnership has Housing as one of the main 3 outcomes which the Partnership will focus on for the duration of the Plan. 5.3 There will be a CPP Development Day later this year with a focus on housing and how the Partners can continue to work together to deliver on the actions Page 64
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Classification: OFFICIAL within the Housing Emergency and also how Partners can meaningfully deliver on the fact that housing is one of the 3 main topics within the Outcomes Improvement Plan. 6.0 CONCLUSION 6.1 The Housing Emergency was declared due to a whole housing system failure and addressing the issues behind the failure will take time to address and require a partnership approach. Members requested periodic update in activity addressing the Housing Emergency. This report demonstrates the wide range of actions that are being taken forward within the context of reduced resources for the delivery of new homes at a national level. That said, the council continues to work with the Government, key agencies and our housing delivery partners to make progress including exploring new methods and solutions to tackle housing shortages across the local authority area, but many of these will take time to come to fruition. 7.0 IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Policy - the ongoing activity is consistent with current Council priorities and the Local Housing Strategy vision and outcomes which are directly aligned with the overarching objectives of the Outcome Improvement Plan – outcome 2: Housing. 7.2 Financial - none directly arising from this report but future housing delivery actions will require additional funding at some stage from the Council and our partners if delivery is to be accelerated 7.3 Legal – None. 7.4 HR – None. 7.5 Customer Service – None. 7.6 Risk - there is a risk of depopulation, damage to the economy a risk to delivering essential services in the local authority area if partners cannot effectively tackle the Housing Emergency. 7.7 Climate Change – new housing in the right location helps reduce carbon outputs when delivered using renewable energy and other measures. Making best use of existing stock by delivering energy efficiency measures helps towards achieving climate change targets. Page 65
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Classification: OFFICIAL 7.8 Fairer Scotland Duty – Socio-economic Duty – the delivery of housing across Argyll and Bute facilitates socio-economic opportunities for all. The housing plans in the report link to the Child Poverty Strategy 7.9 Equalities - protected characteristics - the activity outlined in the report is consistent with the aims and objectives set out in the Local Housing Strategy which is subject to an EQIA. There are targets within the housing plans to deliver housing which meet the needs of specialist groups 7.10 Consumer Duty – none 7.11 Island Communities – many of the housing projects detailed in the report are being delivered on islands which will provide many benefits such as employment and the continued delivery of essential services to island communities. 7.12 Children’s Rights and Wellbeing – the delivery of more housing will enable more children to have a safe secure environment. The housing plans also have clear links to the Child Poverty Strategy. Kirsty Flanagan Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth Councillor Jim Lynch Council Leader and Policy Lead for Housing August 2025 For further information contact: Fergus Murray – Head of Development and Economic Growth fergus.murray@argyll.bute.gov.uk Matt Mulderrig – Development Policy and Housing Manager matt.mulderrig@argyll-bute.gov.uk Douglas Whyte – Team Lead – Housing Strategy douglas.whyte@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 66
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Classification: OFFICIAL Appendix 1 Actions suggested for Scottish Government during meeting with Scottish Government Local Government, Planning and Housing Committee (Nov 2024) Actions suggested for the Scottish Government: • Market failure needs intervention and radical thinking, and there needs to be a long- term and continuous approach to housing. • More funding flexibility is required, such as with the housing infrastructure fund (HIF). Devolution of funding to councils could be considered. • The council would like to be able to accrue funds from underspend in the Affordable Homes Supply Programme (AHSP). • There needs to be advance investment in critical infrastructure (such as a new access road to Dunbeg in Oban). • The AHSP Grant Benchmark threshold is too low to buy back properties – there needs to be a higher % of funding. • Community housing trusts are looking to deliver housing, but without expertise in development they need support and seed funding. • Key worker housing is important, and the council needs to be able to provide shorter tenures and dispose of sites. However, funding through the AHSP and other funds will not allow this. • A pilot of shorter tenures is taking place in Mull, which the council would like to fund through Resource Planning Assumptions. • Regulations on housing and planning need to be more joined-up in order to tackle a complex system, considering the impact of regulation on the whole system (such as a possible cladding levy negatively impacting on housing supply). • For example, currently an increase in council tax for second homes can be avoided by property owners registering their main residence in another authority (which is not charging increased council tax) as their second property; a combined approach across authorities may therefore be needed. • Consideration of a new Planning Use class for ‘non-principal homes’ would augment provisions for increased council tax, short-term let licensing and planning control areas. • Need for compulsory sales orders and for a land and property tax, which could lead to less people likely to ‘sit’ on land and property. The need for flexibility in funding and regulations: • With the Rural and Islands Housing Fund completions need to take place pre-election, which limits the feasibility studies that can be carried out now (as any project is unlikely to be completed pre-election). This demonstrates the need for long term certainty of funding, and the hope is that the fund will be reinstated post election. • There need to be more flexible grant conditions in the Affordable Housing Supply Programme and other funds. • Important to avoid unintended impacts of legislation e.g.: o Infrastructure levy would have negative impact on builds o Cladding levy – would be unfair for local developers who haven’t used cladding o Passivhaus standard – there are few contractors available, and they would not go to remote builds. Something instead ‘near’ Passivhaus would be sufficient and more cost effective. Page 67
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Classification: OFFICIAL • Investment in renewals and transmission to the national grid could have an impact on housing – local distribution of renewable energy is needed. Page 68
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Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership MAKI Area Community Planning Group 27th August 2025 Housing Emergency Update Summary In June 2023 the Council declared a Housing Emergency. There was a stake holders’ event in November 2023 which resulted in a Housing Emergency Action Plan being agreed in June 2024. The Community Planning Partnership is key to bringing forward many of the actions within the Plan. The Community Planning Partnership Outcomes Improvement Plan has highlighted housing as 1 main issue to be addressed through the Plan. This report will highlight housing activity in Argyll and Bute to address the Housing Emergency and also focus on the actions within the Action Plan of particular relevance to the Community Planning Partnership. 1. Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide CPG Members with a high level synopsis of the considerable volume of wide-ranging activity, which is underway, often well in advance of houses being completed and handed over, such is the long term nature of development. This synopsis is a snapshot of activity in the housing system in the last six months. 2. Recommendations CPG members are asked to consider the content of the report 3. Background Contained in the Full Report 4. Detail Contained in the Full Report Page 69
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5. Conclusions Contained in the Full Report 6. CPP Outcomes Does your report relate to any of the following: Outcome Tick as appropriate (🗸) Community Wellbeing Housing 🗸 Transport Infrastructure For further information please contact: Fergus Murray – Head of Development and Economic Growth fergus.murray@argyll.bute.gov.uk Matt Mulderrig – Development Policy and Housing Manager matt.mulderrig@argyll-bute.gov.uk Douglas Whyte – Team Lead – Housing Strategy douglas.whyte@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 70
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL MAKI CPG DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 27th August 2025 HOUSING EMERGENCY UPDATE 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 In June 2023 the Council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure (EDI) Committee declared a Housing Emergency due to a consistent reduction in the supply of housing, a steady increase in demand for housing across all tenures and increasing levels of un-affordability. 1.2 In November 2024, Council agreed an update to the Local Housing Strategy, incorporating the Housing Emergency Action Plan, and a set of Housing Emergency Progress Metrics. It was agreed these would all be reported to Council annually in November. 1.3 The purpose of this report is to provide CPG Members with a high level synopsis of the considerable volume of wide ranging activity which is underway, often well in advance of houses being completed and handed over, such is the long term nature of development. This synopsis is a snapshot of activity in the housing system in the last six months. 1.4 Activity includes: engaging directly with Scottish Government; developing Strategic Development Frameworks to facilitate long-term delivery, securing national funding investment into housing projects in the area; working towards delivery of worker housing on Mull, engaging with infrastructure providers to provide worker housing; and partnering with RSL’s and community housing groups to facilitate housing developments. RECOMMENDATION CPG members are asked to consider the content of the report. Page 71
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL MAKI CPG DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC 27th AUGUST 2025 GROWTH HOUSING EMERGENCY UPDATE 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 The purpose of this report is to inform CPG Members on progress made in terms of the Council tackling the Housing Emergency in Argyll and Bute. The last report on this issue was to Council in November 2024 Nov 2024 LHS Update and Housing Emergency Report . This report focuses on progress since that date. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 CPG members are asked to consider the content of the report. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 In November 2024, Council agreed an update to the Local Housing Strategy Incorporating the Housing Emergency Action Plan, and a set of Housing Emergency Progress Metrics. It was agreed these would all be reported to Council annually in November. The purpose of this report is to provide CPG members with a high level synopsis of the considerable volume of wide ranging activity which is underway, often well in advance of houses being completed and handed over, such is the long term nature of development. This synopsis is a snapshot of activity in the housing system in the last six months. Page 72
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Homes Consented 4.2 From the declaration of the Housing Emergency in June 2023 until the end of February 2025 the Council granted planning consent for 860 residential units. Scottish Government Engagement 4.3 In November 2024, Members of the Scottish Government, Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, visited Oban. They met with the Council’s leader Jim Lynch, CEO Pippa Milne, other senior council officials, and representatives from the Link Housing Group together with a representative from the Colonsay Community Development Company. The day also included a visit to the Dunbeg Corridor housing development. The Scottish Government has produced a report of the visit which can be accessed here: Scottish Govt Report on Housing Emergency Visit to Argyll and Bute . A number of requests and suggestions for Scottish Government were made at the meeting and these are summarised in appendix 1 to this report. Preparing Strategic Development Frameworks 4.4 In January 2025 consultants were engaged, to develop the Strategic Development Frameworks for Oban (OSDF) and Helensburgh (HSDF). Both these are intended to identify long-term 20-40 years strategic development opportunities. By doing this we will set a long term framework that can be used to direct infrastructure investment and create a pipeline of deliverable development land, particularly housing supply but also other related community, public service and economic development land. Initial desk-top and baseline surveys have been ongoing and the development of preliminary options for Page 73
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assessment. Early engagement with community representatives, members, and key stakeholders are planned over the summer months. These pieces of work will ultimately feed in to LDP3. Securing External Housing Funding Investment 4.5 The Council has continued to develop Business Cases for the proposals for a worker accommodation pilot on Mull, and market housing for principal home occupation on Islay. In addition to the £3m Rural Growth Deal investment allocated to these projects, the Community Regeneration Fund has potentially been identified to provide up to a further £5m investment to enabling housing projects. Improving Home Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty 4.6 A Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy was approved by Council in November. This sets out a policy framework that assists in reducing fuel poverty in the long term. Officers will now work to identify deliverable projects, and use the LHEES to support funding applications. 4.7 The HEEPS:ABS Programme allows homeowners and private rented tenants to reduce their energy bills, assists with the cost-of-living crisis and reduces energy consumption contributing to a reduction in climate change The Council fully utilised it HEEPS:ABS funding of £1,979,827 for 24/25. Looking at the full history of HEEPS:ABS Programmes, from 2013 to Sept 2024, there have been 4,161 energy improvement measure installations in Argyll and Bute. There has been a focus on external and internal wall insulation. Most of the properties are owner occupied, many built between 1950 and 1983. A significant proportion are in the most deprived areas of Argyll and Bute. Most properties experience a benefit in their EPC ratings meaning warmer and more efficient homes. Page 74
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Worker Accommodation from Infrastructure Providers 4.8 Officers continue to work with SSEN to deliver their worker housing strategy in association with the delivery of the overhead power line projects they have ongoing. Principle activity has seen the development of dedicated worker accommodation being provided at Kilmory Industrial Estate and other locations. The effect of this is to significantly reduce the impact on the local housing market, but also to provide servicing and infrastructure investment in the Kilmory Industrial Estate. There is ongoing engagement with SSEN at a Senior Management level. One priority begin explored is the potential for further investment by SSEN in legacy housing, and options are still being explored. Page 75
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Empty Homes for Workers 4.9 Our Empty Homes Officer project, working with the HSCP solely to assist empty homes owners to bring back properties in to use for HSCP staff has received national recognition through an award from the Empty Homes Network. This project is directly supporting the retention and recruitment of the key workforce required to sustain essential services and making the best use of existing stock. The role has directly enabled homes and bed spaces for use by HSCP workers on Coll, Tiree, Islay and in Connel. Page 76
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RSL Housing Provision & Pipeline 4.10 ACHA has submitted a planning application for 37 units at Dalintober, Campbeltown and has programmed a site start by end of 2025 subject to achieving grant funding. 4.11 ACHA is negotiating with Islay Estates to unlock delivery of 17 units at Bowmore Phase 4 which has planning consent. The Council is engaging with both parties to identify how necessary infrastructure might be facilitated. 4.12 ACHA has acquired land in Port Ellen, Islay which was identified in the LDP for 50 units (H3025). They are now exploring detailed design to identify an appropriate number of units and efficient use of the site. Page 77
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4.13 ACHA has acquired a site in Glenmachrie, Islay which has potential to deliver up to 27 units but this density of development needs to be explored with the planning department. 4.14 ACHA is pursuing purchase of a site in Tayvallich which is part of H3015 in LDP2 and has potential to deliver 2 – 4 units. Page 78
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4.15 ACHA is exploring potential acquisition of land in Tarbert on LDP2 allocation H3024 which has the potential to deliver between 50 and 100 units. 4.16 ACHA has acquired Tarbert Police Station and are working on designs for conversion to a 2 bed bungalow. 4.17 West Highland Housing Association is in the process of delivering 12 social rent and 4 shared equity units at Port Charlotte, Islay, and completion is planned for August 2025. Page 79
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4.18 West Highland is developing detailed designs for a further 6 units on the Port Charlotte site. 4.19 West Highland has handed over 16 social rent units and 4 shared equity units at Port Ellen, Islay. Work is underway to deliver a further 20 units as Phase 5 of Imeraval, and this is due for completion December 2025. The Council Roads Department is engaging with Calmac to facilitate delivery of the necessary road surfacing materials. Page 80
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4.20 West Highland has commenced advance infrastructure works for 5 units at Port Mor, Colonsay, and due to complete in October 2025. 4.21 Fyne Homes has submitted a planning application for 16 units in Inveraray, but awaits re-design to account for noise mitigation resulting from adjacent BEAR Scotland depot. Page 81
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4.22 Fyne Homes purchased land for the Baddens Phase 10 development and is currently pursuing planning consent for 14 units with a programmed completion date currently being November 2026. 4.23 Fyne Homes has been granted a planning permission in principle for development of 55 units at Burns Brae/Wallace Way Lochgilphead. The site has been acquired from the Council and detailed designs are being developed. Page 82
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Community Housing Projects 4.24 Colonsay Community Development Company (CCDC) have delivered of a 9 unit mixed tenure development at Scalasaig (SHF funding and loan included). 4.25 Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust is close to completion of 5 affordable units at Ardminish. 4.26 Colonsay Community Development Company (CCDC) continue to advertise 3 self-build plots. 4.27 Islay Development Initiative is pursuing a variety of housing proposals and the Council is engaging with them to pull together a single housing document approach. Page 83
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4.28 Tayvallich Housing Initiative has registered as a Private Landlord and has let two properties. They are exploring 3 sites with a potential to deliver 20 affordable homes. 5.0 Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan 2024 -2034 5.1 The Community Planning Partnership has been actively engaged with other partners in trying to find ways to tackle the Housing Emergency in Argyll and Bute. The Housing Emergency Action Plan identified several actions which the CPP can assist with delivering:- • Freedom to use Scottish Government housing funding more flexibly and as an allocation within local administrative control • Create funding mechanisms for Community Housing Trusts to finance feasibility studies, professional fees and approval processes • Deliver seasonal and temporary workforce accommodation using short term occupancy agreements • Develop a strategic approach to evidencing the need for workforce housing in the public sector • Deliver emergency workforce housing options including the use of modular, temporary and tiny homes • Identify and map public sector land and buildings which could provide workforce housing via repurposing and change of use • Develop a better range if housing options for older people to encourage movement in existing housing stock 5.2 The Outcomes Improvement Plan produced by the Community Planning Partnership has Housing as one of the main 3 outcomes which the Partnership will focus on for the duration of the Plan. 5.3 There will be a CPP Development Day later this year with a focus on housing and how the Partners can continue to work together to deliver on the actions within the Housing Emergency and also how Partners can meaningfully deliver on the fact that housing is one of the 3 main topics within the Outcomes Improvement Plan. 6.0 CONCLUSION 6.1 The Housing Emergency was declared due to a whole housing system failure and addressing the issues behind the failure will take time to address and require a partnership approach. Members requested periodic update in activity addressing the Housing Emergency. This report demonstrates the wide range of actions that are being taken forward within the context of reduced resources for the delivery of new homes at a national level. That said, the council continues to work with the Government, key agencies such as the Community Planning Partnership and Page 84
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our housing delivery partners to make progress including exploring new methods and solutions to tackle housing shortages across the local authority area, but many of these will take time to come to fruition. 7.0 IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Policy - the ongoing activity is consistent with current Council priorities and the Local Housing Strategy vision and outcomes which are directly aligned with the overarching objectives of the Outcome Improvement Plan – outcome 2: Housing. 7.2 Financial - none directly arising from this report but future housing delivery actions will require additional funding at some stage from the Council and our partners if delivery is to be accelerated 7.3 Legal – None. 7.4 HR – None. 7.5 Customer Service – None. 7.6 Risk - there is a risk of depopulation, damage to the economy a risk to delivering essential services in the local authority area if partners cannot effectively tackle the Housing Emergency. 7.7 Climate Change – new housing in the right location helps reduce carbon outputs when delivered using renewable energy and other measures. Making best use of existing stock by delivering energy efficiency measures helps towards achieving climate change targets. 7.8 Fairer Scotland Duty – Socio-economic Duty – the delivery of housing across Argyll and Bute facilitates socio-economic opportunities for all. The housing plans in the report link to the Child Poverty Strategy 7.9 Equalities - protected characteristics - the activity outlined in the report is consistent with the aims and objectives set out in the Local Housing Strategy which is subject to an EQIA. There are targets within the housing plans to deliver housing which meet the needs of specialist groups 7.10 Consumer Duty – none 7.11 Island Communities – many of the housing projects detailed in the report are being delivered on islands which will provide many benefits such as employment and the continued delivery of essential services to island communities. 7.12 Children’s Rights and Wellbeing – the delivery of more housing will enable more children to have a safe secure environment. The housing plans also have clear links to the Child Poverty Strategy. Page 85
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Kirsty Flanagan Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth Councillor Jim Lynch Council Leader and Policy Lead for Housing July 2025 For further information contact: Fergus Murray – Head of Development and Economic Growth fergus.murray@argyll.bute.gov.uk Matt Mulderrig – Development Policy and Housing Manager matt.mulderrig@argyll-bute.gov.uk Douglas Whyte – Team Lead – Housing Strategy douglas.whyte@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 86
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Appendix 1 Actions suggested for Scottish Government during meeting with Scottish Government Local Government, Planning and Housing Committee (Nov 2024) Actions suggested for the Scottish Government: • Market failure needs intervention and radical thinking, and there needs to be a long- term and continuous approach to housing. • More funding flexibility is required, such as with the housing infrastructure fund (HIF). Devolution of funding to councils could be considered. • The council would like to be able to accrue funds from underspend in the Affordable Homes Supply Programme (AHSP). • There needs to be advance investment in critical infrastructure (such as a new access road to Dunbeg in Oban). • The AHSP Grant Benchmark threshold is too low to buy back properties – there needs to be a higher % of funding. • Community housing trusts are looking to deliver housing, but without expertise in development they need support and seed funding. • Key worker housing is important, and the council needs to be able to provide shorter tenures and dispose of sites. However, funding through the AHSP and other funds will not allow this. • A pilot of shorter tenures is taking place in Mull, which the council would like to fund through Resource Planning Assumptions. • Regulations on housing and planning need to be more joined-up in order to tackle a complex system, considering the impact of regulation on the whole system (such as a possible cladding levy negatively impacting on housing supply). • For example, currently an increase in council tax for second homes can be avoided by property owners registering their main residence in another authority (which is not charging increased council tax) as their second property; a combined approach across authorities may therefore be needed. • Consideration of a new Planning Use class for ‘non-principal homes’ would augment provisions for increased council tax, short-term let licensing and planning control areas. • Need for compulsory sales orders and for a land and property tax, which could lead to less people likely to ‘sit’ on land and property. The need for flexibility in funding and regulations: • With the Rural and Islands Housing Fund completions need to take place pre-election, which limits the feasibility studies that can be carried out now (as any project is unlikely to be completed pre-election). This demonstrates the need for long term certainty of funding, and the hope is that the fund will be reinstated post election. • There need to be more flexible grant conditions in the Affordable Housing Supply Programme and other funds. • Important to avoid unintended impacts of legislation e.g.: o Infrastructure levy would have negative impact on builds o Cladding levy – would be unfair for local developers who haven’t used cladding o Passivhaus standard – there are few contractors available, and they would not go to remote builds. Something instead ‘near’ Passivhaus would be sufficient and more cost effective. Page 87
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• Investment in renewals and transmission to the national grid could have an impact on housing – local distribution of renewable energy is needed. Page 88
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Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership OLI Area Community Planning Group 13th August 2025 Housing Emergency Update Summary In June 2023 the Council declared a Housing Emergency. There was a stake holders’ event in November 2023 which resulted in a Housing Emergency Action Plan being agreed in June 2024. The Community Planning Partnership is key to bringing forward many of the actions within the Plan. The Community Planning Partnership Outcomes Improvement Plan has highlighted housing as 1 main issue to be addressed through the Plan. This report will highlight housing activity in Argyll and Bute to address the Housing Emergency and also focus on the actions within the Action Plan of particular relevance to the Community Planning Partnership. 1. Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide CPG Members with a high level synopsis of the considerable volume of wide-ranging activity, which is underway, often well in advance of houses being completed and handed over, such is the long term nature of development. This synopsis is a snapshot of activity in the housing system in the last six months. 2. Recommendations CPG members are asked to consider the content of the report 3. Background Contained in the Full Report 4. Detail Contained in the Full Report Page 89
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5. Conclusions Contained in the Full Report 6. CPP Outcomes Does your report relate to any of the following: Outcome Tick as appropriate (🗸) Community Wellbeing Housing 🗸 Transport Infrastructure For further information please contact: Fergus Murray – Head of Development and Economic Growth fergus.murray@argyll.bute.gov.uk Matt Mulderrig – Development Policy and Housing Manager matt.mulderrig@argyll-bute.gov.uk Douglas Whyte – Team Lead – Housing Strategy douglas.whyte@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 90
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OLI CPG DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 13th AUGUST 2025 HOUSING EMERGENCY UPDATE 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 In June 2023 the Council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure (EDI) Committee declared a Housing Emergency due to a consistent reduction in the supply of housing, a steady increase in demand for housing across all tenures and increasing levels of un-affordability. 1.2 In November 2024, Council agreed an update to the Local Housing Strategy, incorporating the Housing Emergency Action Plan, and a set of Housing Emergency Progress Metrics. It was agreed these would all be reported to Council annually in November. 1.3 The purpose of this report is to provide CPG Members with a high level synopsis of the considerable volume of wide ranging activity which is underway, often well in advance of houses being completed and handed over, such is the long term nature of development. This synopsis is a snapshot of activity in the housing system in the last six months. 1.4 Activity includes: engaging directly with Scottish Government; developing Strategic Development Frameworks to facilitate long-term delivery, securing national funding investment into housing projects in the area; working towards delivery of worker housing on Mull, engaging with infrastructure providers to provide worker housing; and partnering with RSL’s and community housing groups to facilitate housing developments. RECOMMENDATION CPG members are asked to consider the content of the report. Page 91
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL OLI CPG DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 13th AUGUST 2025 HOUSING EMERGENCY UPDATE 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 The purpose of this report is to inform Members on progress made in terms of the Council tackling the Housing Emergency in Argyll and Bute. The last report on this issue was to Council in November 2024 Nov 2024 LHS Update and Housing Emergency Report . This report focuses on progress since that date. 3.0 RECOMMENDATION 3.1 CPG members are asked to consider the content of the report. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 In November 2024, Council agreed an update to the Local Housing Strategy Incorporating the Housing Emergency Action Plan, and a set of Housing Emergency Progress Metrics. It was agreed these would all be reported to Council annually in November. The purpose of this report is to provide CPG members with a high level synopsis of the considerable volume of wide ranging activity which is underway, often well in advance of houses being completed and handed over, such is the long term nature of development. This synopsis is a snapshot of activity in the housing system in the last six months. Page 92
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Homes Consented 4.2 From the declaration of the Housing Emergency in June 2023 until the end of February 2025 the Council granted planning consent for 860 residential units. Scottish Government Engagement 4.3 In November 2024, Members of the Scottish Government, Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, visited Oban. They met with the Council’s leader Jim Lynch, CEO Pippa Milne, other senior council officials, and representatives from the Link Housing Group together with a representative from the Colonsay Community Development Company. The day also included a visit to the Dunbeg Corridor housing development. The Scottish Government has produced a report of the visit which can be accessed here: Scottish Govt Report on Housing Emergency Visit to Argyll and Bute . A number of requests and suggestions for Scottish Government were made at the meeting and these are summarised in appendix 1 to this report. Preparing Strategic Development Frameworks 4.4 In January 2025 consultants were engaged, to develop the Strategic Development Frameworks for Oban (OSDF) and Helensburgh (HSDF). Both these are intended to identify long-term 20-40 years strategic development opportunities. By doing this we will set a long term framework that can be used to direct infrastructure investment and create a pipeline of deliverable development land, particularly housing supply but also other related community, public service and economic development land. Initial desk-top and baseline surveys have been ongoing and the development of preliminary options for Page 93
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assessment. Early engagement with community representatives, members, and key stakeholders are planned over the summer months. These pieces of work will ultimately feed in to LDP3. Securing External Housing Funding Investment 4.5 The Council has continued to develop Business Cases for the proposals for a worker accommodation pilot on Mull, and market housing for principal home occupation on Islay. In addition to the £3m Rural Growth Deal investment allocated to these projects, the Community Regeneration Fund has potentially been identified to provide up to a further £5m investment to enabling housing projects. Delivering Tobermory Worker Housing 4.6 The Council has employed local contractors and is working with MICT to deliver worker housing in Tobermory, on-site infrastructure is currently being installed and will be complete by July 2025. Work is underway to procure tender costs for construction of the worker housing which will provide 12 units. There is an anticipated site start for building construction of Spring 2026. Page 94
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Improving Home Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty 4.7 A Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy was approved by Council in November. This sets out a policy framework that assists in reducing fuel poverty in the long term. Officers will now work to identify deliverable projects, and use the LHEES to support funding applications. 4.8 The HEEPS:ABS Programme allows homeowners and private rented tenants to reduce their energy bills, assists with the cost-of-living crisis and reduces energy consumption contributing to a reduction in climate change The Council fully utilised it HEEPS:ABS funding of £1,979,827 for 24/25. Looking at the full history of HEEPS:ABS Programmes, from 2013 to Sept 2024,there have been 4,161 energy improvement measure installations in Argyll and Bute. There has been a focus on external and internal wall insulation. Most of the properties are owner occupied, many built between 1950 and 1983. A significant proportion are in the most deprived areas of Argyll and Bute. Most properties experience a benefit in their EPC ratings meaning warmer and more efficient homes. Worker Accommodation from Infrastructure Providers 4.9 Officers continue to work with SSEN to deliver their worker housing strategy in association with the delivery of the overhead power line projects they have ongoing. Principle activity has seen the development of dedicated worker accommodation being provided at Kilmory Industrial Estate and other locations. The effect of this is to significantly reduce the impact on the local housing market, but also to provide servicing and infrastructure investment in the Kilmory Industrial Estate. There is ongoing engagement with SSEN at a Senior Page 95
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Management level. One priority begin explored is the potential for further investment by SSEN in legacy housing, and options are still being explored. Empty Homes for Workers 4.10 Our Empty Homes Officer project, working with the HSCP solely to assist empty homes owners to bring back properties in to use for HSCP staff has received national recognition through an award from the Empty Homes Network. This project is directly supporting the retention and recruitment of the key workforce required to sustain essential services and making the best use of existing stock. The role has directly enabled homes and bed spaces for use by HSCP workers on Coll, Tiree, Islay and in Connel. Page 96
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RSL Housing Provision & Pipeline 4.11 ACHA is exploring site acquisition options on Tiree which could deliver 10 units, but subject to ACHA satisfaction on local housing demand. 4.12 West Highland are exploring the feasibility of a 4 unit re-development in Campbell Street, Oban with Scottish Government and the Council. The re- development would be a key regeneration opportunity in the town as well as valuable affordable housing supply. Page 97
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4.13 West Highland has acquired land at Shillinghill, Tobermory, have achieved planning consent for 10 units, and are in the process of agreeing a grant request with Scottish Government. 4.14 West Highland is developing a planning application for 16 social rent units at Dalmally subject to site acquisition negotiations. Page 98
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4.15 West Highland is in the process of acquiring Dalmally Police House & Station subject to achieving planning and funding. 4.16 West Highland is working with the Council to design infrastructure works which will facilitate the development of the Old Hospital Site on Ganavan Road, Oban which would deliver 50 units. 4.17 West Highland is in negotiations with the contractor for Cruachan refurbishment project which is going ahead. The contractor will potentially utilise the West Highland’s Loch Awe site, facilitating construction of a road access and services which will later help to enable housing construction. Page 99
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4.18 In February 2025, LINK Group submitted four planning applications for phase 4 Dunbeg, which will deliver a Distributor Road Network including a trunk road roundabout, a phased commercial area, and 433 homes including: • Social Rent - 150 • Mid- Market Rent (MMR) – 48 • New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE) – 40 • Elderly Living – 31 (16 NSSE & 15 Rent) • Student Accommodation – 31 • Private Housing – 133 Page 100
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4.19 At the same time, the Scottish Government has also agreed a ten year extension to the Council’s Lorn Arc TIF scheme. These are both major milestones in progressing to the start of construction for this significant investment in the Oban area, projected to add £179m in Net Present Value to the local area. Community Housing Projects 4.20 Tiree Community Development Trust has completed a purchase of land for housing development and have gained Rural and Islands Feasibility Funding. 4.21 The Hynish Trust on Tiree has been granted Strategic Housing Fund grants to bring back 6 properties back in to use, and they are exploring Rural and Islands Housing Fund to bring a further 6 properties back in to use. 4.22 Luing Community Trust has worked with second home owners to bring properties back into long term let rent for workers on the island. They are exploring new build opportunities. 4.23 South West Mull and Iona Development Trust is exploring housing opportunities in Bunessan and the Ross of Mull. Page 101
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4.24 On Kerrera, the MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust is exploring options to refurbish the Ferry House on Kerrera for affordable housing. 4.25 Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) has set up an Iona Housing Steering group to look at delivering affordable housing on the island and bringing existing buildings on the island back in to use. The Iona Community is exploring redevelopment options of the MacLeod Building and are in discussion with MICT and the Council. 4.26 MICT is pursuing two open market housing acquisitions on Mull, in Dervaig and Craignure. They are looking to purchase land in Fishnish for delivery of new build affordable housing. 4.27 On Lismore the Lismore Community Trust are looking to deliver 2 affordable homes on the island with assistance of feasibility funding from the Council. 4.28 Dalavich Improvement group is working with the Council, using the Community Housing Assessment Toolkit to assess local housing needs and demand. 5.0 Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan 2024 -2034 5.1 The Community Planning Partnership has been actively engaged with other partners in trying to find ways to tackle the Housing Emergency in Argyll and Bute. The Housing Emergency Action Plan identified several actions which the CPP can assist with delivering:- • Freedom to use Scottish Government housing funding more flexibly and as an allocation within local administrative control • Create funding mechanisms for Community Housing Trusts to finance feasibility studies, professional fees and approval processes • Deliver seasonal and temporary workforce accommodation using short term occupancy agreements • Develop a strategic approach to evidencing the need for workforce housing in the public sector • Deliver emergency workforce housing options including the use of modular, temporary and tiny homes • Identify and map public sector land and buildings which could provide workforce housing via repurposing and change of use • Develop a better range if housing options for older people to encourage movement in existing housing stock 5.2 The Outcomes Improvement Plan produced by the Community Planning Partnership has Housing as one of the main 3 outcomes which the Partnership will focus on for the duration of the Plan. 5.3 There will be a CPP Development Day later this year with a focus on housing and how the Partners can continue to work together to deliver on the actions within the Housing Emergency and also how Partners can meaningfully deliver Page 102
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on the fact that housing is one of the 3 main topics within the Outcomes Improvement Plan. 6.0 CONCLUSION 6.1 The Housing Emergency was declared due to a whole housing system failure and addressing the issues behind the failure will take time to address and require a partnership approach. Members requested periodic update in activity addressing the Housing Emergency. This report demonstrates the wide range of actions that are being taken forward within the context of reduced resources for the delivery of new homes at a national level. That said, the council continues to work with the Government, key agencies and our housing delivery partners to make progress including exploring new methods and solutions to tackle housing shortages across the local authority area, but many of these will take time to come to fruition. 7.0 IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Policy - the ongoing activity is consistent with current Council priorities and the Local Housing Strategy vision and outcomes which are directly aligned with the overarching objectives of the Outcome Improvement Plan – outcome 2: Housing. 7.2 Financial - none directly arising from this report but future housing delivery actions will require additional funding at some stage from the Council and our partners if delivery is to be accelerated 7.3 Legal – None. 7.4 HR – None. 7.5 Customer Service – None. 7.6 Risk - there is a risk of depopulation, damage to the economy a risk to delivering essential services in the local authority area if partners cannot effectively tackle the Housing Emergency. 7.7 Climate Change – new housing in the right location helps reduce carbon outputs when delivered using renewable energy and other measures. Making best use of existing stock by delivering energy efficiency measures helps towards achieving climate change targets. 7.8 Fairer Scotland Duty – Socio-economic Duty – the delivery of housing across Argyll and Bute facilitates socio-economic opportunities for all. The housing plans in the report link to the Child Poverty Strategy Page 103
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7.9 Equalities - protected characteristics - the activity outlined in the report is consistent with the aims and objectives set out in the Local Housing Strategy which is subject to an EQIA. There are targets within the housing plans to deliver housing which meet the needs of specialist groups 7.10 Consumer Duty – none 7.11 Island Communities – many of the housing projects detailed in the report are being delivered on islands which will provide many benefits such as employment and the continued delivery of essential services to island communities. 7.12 Children’s Rights and Wellbeing – the delivery of more housing will enable more children to have a safe secure environment. The housing plans also have clear links to the Child Poverty Strategy. Kirsty Flanagan Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth Councillor Jim Lynch Council Leader and Policy Lead for Housing August 2025 For further information contact: Fergus Murray – Head of Development and Economic Growth fergus.murray@argyll.bute.gov.uk Matt Mulderrig – Development Policy and Housing Manager matt.mulderrig@argyll-bute.gov.uk Douglas Whyte – Team Lead – Housing Strategy douglas.whyte@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 104
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Appendix 1 Actions suggested for Scottish Government during meeting with Scottish Government Local Government, Planning and Housing Committee (Nov 2024) Actions suggested for the Scottish Government: • Market failure needs intervention and radical thinking, and there needs to be a long- term and continuous approach to housing. • More funding flexibility is required, such as with the housing infrastructure fund (HIF). Devolution of funding to councils could be considered. • The council would like to be able to accrue funds from underspend in the Affordable Homes Supply Programme (AHSP). • There needs to be advance investment in critical infrastructure (such as a new access road to Dunbeg in Oban). • The AHSP Grant Benchmark threshold is too low to buy back properties – there needs to be a higher % of funding. • Community housing trusts are looking to deliver housing, but without expertise in development they need support and seed funding. • Key worker housing is important, and the council needs to be able to provide shorter tenures and dispose of sites. However, funding through the AHSP and other funds will not allow this. • A pilot of shorter tenures is taking place in Mull, which the council would like to fund through Resource Planning Assumptions. • Regulations on housing and planning need to be more joined-up in order to tackle a complex system, considering the impact of regulation on the whole system (such as a possible cladding levy negatively impacting on housing supply). • For example, currently an increase in council tax for second homes can be avoided by property owners registering their main residence in another authority (which is not charging increased council tax) as their second property; a combined approach across authorities may therefore be needed. • Consideration of a new Planning Use class for ‘non-principal homes’ would augment provisions for increased council tax, short-term let licensing and planning control areas. • Need for compulsory sales orders and for a land and property tax, which could lead to less people likely to ‘sit’ on land and property. The need for flexibility in funding and regulations: • With the Rural and Islands Housing Fund completions need to take place pre-election, which limits the feasibility studies that can be carried out now (as any project is unlikely to be completed pre-election). This demonstrates the need for long term certainty of funding, and the hope is that the fund will be reinstated post election. • There need to be more flexible grant conditions in the Affordable Housing Supply Programme and other funds. • Important to avoid unintended impacts of legislation e.g.: o Infrastructure levy would have negative impact on builds o Cladding levy – would be unfair for local developers who haven’t used cladding o Passivhaus standard – there are few contractors available, and they would not go to remote builds. Something instead ‘near’ Passivhaus would be sufficient and more cost effective. Page 105
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• Investment in renewals and transmission to the national grid could have an impact on housing – local distribution of renewable energy is needed. Page 106