Matters arising from Area Community Planning Groups (Shona Barton)
Argyll and Bute Council · 23 March 2023
Back to Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee — 23 March 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Management Committee Date: 23 March 2023 Agenda Item: Area Community Planning Groups – February 2023 Meetings 1. Purpose This paper presents key matters arising during the Area Community Planning Group meetings that were held virtually in February 2023. 2. Recommendations The Management Committee is asked to: a) note the Highlights detailed at section 4 of the report; b) note the position with relation to the various office bearer roles outlined at section 4; and c) note and consider the concerns of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group regarding the proposals to introduce car parking charges to a number of sites within the area by Forestry and Land Scotland. 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). All meetings were held on a virtual basis using Microsoft Teams. Prior to the meetings discussion took place with the Area Chairs and Vice Chairs and a standard agenda template was agreed. There was good attendance at all 4 meetings by a variety of partners. 4. Highlights All groups considered:
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Area Community Planning Group Governance Arrangements The annual review of the Terms of Reference and the Membership of each Group was considered, the dates of future meetings, up until April 2024, was also provided. The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group agreed that Councillor John Armour be re-appointed as Vice-Chair for a period of 6 months, with the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group agreeing to appoint Reeni Kennedy-Boyle (Fyne Futures) as Vice-Chair. The current Chair of the Oban Lorn & The Isles Community Planning Group, Kevin Champion, had been in post since February 2021, a period of 2 years. In accordance with the Terms of Reference the Group considered a report which required them to nominate a member to take on the role of Chair. Kevin Champion was subsequently re-appointed, however Mr Champion advised that he would be moving from the area during the summer of 2023 and as such a new Chair will require to be appointed at the August 2023 meeting. Climate Change Working Group Stan Philips, Chair of the Climate Change Working Group, submitted an update report that highlighted the actions being taken forward to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute; the development of governance arrangements and structures to support the Climate Change Project Officer post. Argyll and Bute Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Update The Groups considered a report that outlined the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by the HSCP Public Health Team in Argyll and Bute. The update highlighted information on the launch of year 4 of the Living Well (Self-Management) community capacity building fund; the Community Link Working service; the newly launched Health Improvement website and health screening awareness. Live Argyll - Community Learning Services Update An update from the Community Learning Service, Live Argyll which provided information on activities relating to the Sawa project Bute which concluded in October 2022; cooking on a budget youth sessions; Dunoon girls group; MSYPs consultation events and the new appointment of LiveArgyll Community Learning Services Youth Team Leader was considered. Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Update
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All 4 Community Planning Groups considered an update report from Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau which included information on the significant ongoing rise in requests from clients for advice and support with energy costs; the recruitment campaign for volunteer advisers; the annual consultation exercise and the research project for 2023. Partners noted that they could participate in the consultation which could be found via the following link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ABCABCommunityPartnersSurvey/ Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) The DWP provided statistical information on the number of customers claiming universal credit and legacy benefits; job seekers allowance; employment and support allowance; and income support. Further information was provided in relation to a number of targeted packages of support for the most vulnerable which included the benefit uprating; the new cost of living payments; the benefit cap rise and employment and support allowance. Argyll and Bute TSI Update (Bute and Cowal, Helensburgh and Lomond and Oban, Lorn and the Isles) The afore-mentioned Groups gave consideration to a written update by Argyll and Bute TSI which included information on the Argyll & Bute Community Directory’s Self Service Function which will allow organisations to update and maintain their listing themselves; useful resources and warm spaces information in relation to the Cost of Living Crisis; fully funded distance learning qualifications with Skills Network training. Phil Ashby from Argyll TSI provided a short demonstration of the Community Directory during the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group. Partners were advised that the Directory will allow users to locate the details of a range of services throughout Argyll and Bute. Home Energy Efficiency - (Bute and Cowal, Helensburgh and Lomond and Oban, Lorn and the Isles) Jackie Westerman, Home Energy Efficiency Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer for Argyll and Bute Council provided the afore-mentioned Groups with a verbal presentation on Home Energy Efficiency and the funds available to people within Argyll and Bute. Jackie highlighted that the premise of the Energy Efficient Scotland Scheme is to reduce carbon emissions to contribute to the Scottish Governments aim to have 0% emissions by 2040. Jackie reported that the Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Scheme is available to home owners or private rented tenants with grant amounts dependent on property type and personal circumstances, with awards starting at £8,500 for a flat and a maximum of £13,500 for a detached property.
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Jackie highlighted that from July 2022 until now, £1.12million had been spent in Argyll and Bute and that more than 130 households in Argyll and Bute have been insulated in this year’s programme. A similar presentation will be delivered to the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group in May 2023. ALIEnergy (Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands & Oban, Lorn and the Isles) The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands & Oban, Lorn and the Isles ACPG’s were provided with a brief update on the current workstreams being progressed by ALIEnergy, which included the provision of support to those experiencing financial difficulty and fuel poverty. The Groups were also advised on a number of funding streams that aimed to alleviate child poverty which included working in partnership with Inspiralba to introduce a new Parental Employability Support Fund and accessing funds from Children in Need. Bute & Cowal (Meeting Papers - LINK) Becky Hothersall, Community Link Lead for Shaping Places for Wellbeing Dunoon provided the Group with a verbal presentation regarding the Shaping Places for Wellbeing project which aims to improve Scotland’s wellbeing by reducing health inequalities while addressing the health of the planet. Becky advised that there are 7 project towns and that the team will analyse a range of Public Health data sources to understand how Dunoon is performing within an Argyll and Bute and Scottish context. Rhona Altin, UHI Argyll, highlighted that Centres have provided additional support in response to the rising living costs such as offering a wide range of free access courses and competitively priced National 5 English and Maths tuition. Rhona also advised that opens days were held in all UHI Centres in November and January with a further open day scheduled for March; the Graduation Ceremony for 2022 graduates was held in September 2022 and The Sawa partnership project for New Scots reached completion in October 2022. The Group gave consideration to a report by Scenic Sandbank who are seeking to improve the area around Sandbank for the benefit of residents and visitors. The report provided information on the Community Garden Project and an application made to the Scottish Land Fund to buy the land close to the former Sandbank Primary. Colintraive & Glendaruel Development Trust provided an update on what the Organisation is doing to mitigate against the Cost of Living Crisis such as the distribution of a small pocket of money to those in need and the use of the village hall as a community hub and warm space. Helensburgh & Lomond (Meeting Papers - LINK)
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Helensburgh Community Council provided an overview of the their activities. It was highlighted that the new Community Councillors are settling well into their roles. The Community Council are currently analysing the results of the consultation on the proposal to remove Crossing Patrollers from Helensburgh Primary Schools and the continue monitoring and interest in the proposals for a new development on the waterfront.. Fun First advised that they continue to run family sessions during term time in addition to Baby Massage, Baby Yoga sessions and monthly sessions for new or expectant parents. Fun First have also delivered joint sessions with Albatross Arts which were successful and funded through the Argyll and Bute Community Fund, they have also recently received funding from the National Lottery and have been selected as one of the Co-op’s community causes for 2022/2023. 2 community focus items were consider by the Group, Vicky Brindley from the Naval Families Federation (NFF) and Mary McGinley, Chairperson, Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank. Vicky Brindley advised that the NFF was for members and families of those serving with the Royal Navy (RN) and Marines to have their views heard by those in a position of power; feel valued; be treated with fairness and respect and to thrive in their communities of choice. Mary McGinley advised that the Foodbank continue to see an increased demand from those finding it difficult to feed themselves or their families. Mary highlighted an increase of 21% in food bags issued and an increase of 49.7% in numbers supported as more families are requiring the support compared to the same quarter last year. Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands (Meeting Papers - LINK) The Group gave consideration to a report which highlighted the ongoing workstreams of Forestry and Land Scotland within the locality. Information was provided on various other projects such as Land Management Plans and the ongoing peatland restoration programme. The Group were advised on a number of upcoming complex operations and proposals to introduce car parking charges to a number of sites within the area. Concerns around the proposals were raised by a number of Partners, with the lack of consultation and engagement with the wider community a serious issue for many. Having noted the strong feeling on this matter, the Chair suggested that this issue be fed back to the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee for further discussion and action. Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) provided a brief presentation on the progress being made on the delivery of Phase 2 of the Inveraray to Crossaig project, specifically the construction of the new 45km overhead line between Port Ann and Crossaig substation and the associated enabling works.
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Campbeltown Community Council outlined two community events scheduled to take place in February 2023 which are being run in partnership with South Kintyre Development Trust (SKDT); Inspiralba and Architecture and Design Scotland Climate Action Towns. The update also outlined the concerns of the Community Council in relation to a number of road related issues. Members of the Kintyre Youth Action Group provided an update on work they are leading on within their communities, which included representing local youth views; running community events such as local coffee mornings to raise funds for the people of Ukraine; setting up of an LGBTQ+ Youth Forum and their involvement in a number of volunteer programmes such as local food banks. Consideration was given to an update from South Islay Development which included information on the new community hub at Port Ellen Playing Fields and the development of the £1 million Ardbeg All Islay Fund. The Community Focus item was delivered by Shirley Nicolson, Senior Support Worker with Lochside Champions. Shirley spoke to the written update provided which was a series of questions and responses from the consultation on the provision of their service. Shirley introduced two of the people she supports who provided information on a number of issues which affect them in their daily life and included difficulties in accessing the everyday activities that so many take for granted, such as being able to visit friends and family, gain meaningful employment or live independently. Tim Bailey of Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC) outlined the background of MACC and the support it provides to the local community with direct spending on local contractors and charitable donations to local good causes. He advised of a number of key projects that would benefit both MACC and the local community, which included a datacentre and the production of hydrogen as a means of electricity generation. Mr Bailey sought the support of Partners in bringing the project start date of 2032 forward to enable the reversal of the projection of population decline within Argyll and Bute, bring jobs to the area and increase the local economy. Councillor Brown provided a short update on the Community Cycling Ardrishaig project. She advised that following the withdrawal of funding for the original Bike Bothy in Ardrishaig, a group of local people had formed the Community Cycling Ardrishaig group. She advised that they currently meet every Monday and that they have their own Facebook page. Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on the workstreams of the Climate Action Towns group. The report highlighted the ongoing work to support the development of the Campbeltown Community Action Plan, to ensure that it considered future climate change and climate risks.
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Oban, Lorn and the Isles (Meeting Papers - LINK) The Group considered a report from Oban Community Harbour Development Authority (OCHDA), highlighting that Argyll & Bute Council had submitted the Harbour Revision Order to Transport Scotland. Mr Kincaid advised that OCHDA would welcome greater local influence over the port. North Argyll Carers Centre highlighted the increase in demand for their services, with 29 new adult carers and 15 new young carers being registered since the last meeting. The Health and Social Care Partnership have awarded funding to support a pilot which will enable the Carers Centre to put in place regular home-help type preventative supports for carers. The Group gave consideration to a report from Robbie Layden regarding the ongoing workstreams of Forestry and Land Scotland within the locality. Information on Land Management Plans; Renewable Energy plans; the ongoing peatland restoration programme; removal of Larch Trees infected by disease; proposals to introduce car parking charges within the locality was also highlighted. Isla McCulloch, a trustee with Adventure Oban, delivered the Community Focus item, specifically a presentation on the Active Travel Plan for Oban. Isla highlighted the key actions proposed in Oban such as Safer Cycle Routes to Schools, Improvement on signage and lighting for active travel routes, ensuring pavements meet the needs of people with additional access needs and maintenance of the general appearance of Oban’s greenspace, pavements and shop fronts. 4.1 Further Actions It is requested that the Management Committee note the report and the successful meetings held in February 2023. 5.0 Implications Strategic Implications Meetings of the Area Community Planning Group held in April covered various Outcomes. Consultations No prior circulation of this report. Resources No direct resource implications however consideration of the issues raised and following courses of action 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:
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Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, stuart.mclean@argyll-bute.gov.uk