Leader's Report
Argyll and Bute Council · 26 September 2024
Back to Argyll and Bute Council — 26 September 2024 and its agenda
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COUNCIL 26th September 2024 LEADER’S REPORT 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Leader of the Council routinely provides a report outlining their strategic activities for consideration at each meeting of Argyll and Bute Council, except for the annual budget meeting in February. 1.2 This report provides an update on the activities of the council Leader, Cllr Jim Lynch, for the period 15th June to 13th September 2024 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 Members are asked to consider the report. 2.2 Members are asked to note that any reports, briefings or copy correspondence referred to in the report can be requested as appropriate through the Leadership Support Manager, although it should be noted that some confidential reports provided by external organisations such as COSLA may be restricted. 3. LEADER ACTIVITY 15th JUNE TO 13TH SEPTEMBER 2024: 3.1 COSLA Leaders: I’ve attended numerous COSLA Leaders meetings over the past few months. As is evident from national media coverage, public sector pay has been and continues to be a focus for Scottish local authority leaders, requiring a number of additional Special Leaders meetings to be called at short notice. Around this schedule sits an additional series of political discussions with other council Leaders around Scotland in preparation for the formal meetings themselves.
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I’ve noted below the agenda topics we’ve considered at each COSLA meeting - the majority of these are taken in private session which means I can’t go into detail here, but if any member has any specific queries, I will be happy to discuss. Leaders, 28th June: COSLA representation on Public Health Scotland Board 2024/25 Pay Claim Local Government Finance, including Fiscal Framework for Local Government Climate Delivery Framework Learning Estate Investment Programme Housing Emergency Digital Office and Digital Partnership Update National Care Service Negotiations First Minister’s Mission to Reduce Delayed Discharge Teacher Numbers Update Distribution Special Leaders, 24th July: 2024/25 Pay Negotiations Update Special Leaders, 9th August: 2024/25 Pay Negotiations Update Leaders, 30th August: Pay Negotiations 2024/25 Review of Pay Negotiations – Recommendations Tax Strategy and Local Government Finance Update Teacher Numbers Funding and Education Update National Care Service and National Social Work Agency Winter Plan and Delayed Discharge Joint Mission Business Case for the Use of the Community Health Index (CHI) in Local Government Myjobscotland Q3 2024 Progress Update Scottish Local Authority Remuneration Committee (SLARC) Update Distribution
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3.2 Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) ban – funding secured: Members will recall updates from previous Leaders reports dating back a year and more about lobbying for a solution to support Argyll and Bute’s compliance with the BMW ban, given our unique circumstances. On 11th July we received confirmation from Gillian Martin, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, of a £1.5m funding award. I had taken the opportunity to raise the matter directly with the First Minister at a meeting in Oban the previous month, and the recognition of our particularly challenging situation is most welcome. As a council we are determined to stand up for our area and our constituents and we had been in contact with the Scottish Government for some time to press this particular case. Thanks are due also to our officers who have, alongside political activity, been involved in discussions with their colleagues at the Scottish Government on the technicalities. 3.3 Rest and Be Thankful: While there will be an update on the Rest and Be Thankful on the council agenda in September, I want to include a short note on this issue which remains at the forefront for everyone in Argyll and Bute. In July an announcement was made for ground investigation works, with the Scottish Government restating its commitment to delivery of a long- term solution to the landslip risks at the Rest. This council’s position is well-established – we want to see that permanent solution in place as soon as possible and, ideally, two-way traffic moving on the Rest while that progresses. News of significant investment in keeping Argyll and Bute connected and moving forward, and any actions and developments that help to progress that, are always welcome. We know that our communities will be watching closely to ensure that pace is maintained – with every aspect of life in Argyll and Bute depending on good connectivity through the Rest, the swiftest possible progress is absolutely vital.
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3.4 Clipper Round the World Race – Oban Host Port, July: It was most enjoyable indeed to be able to enjoy first-hand the visit of the Clipper Round the World Race to Oban in July. This was an immense honour for Argyll and Bute, to become the first ever Scottish home port in this amazing global challenge. I was in Oban on the first day the Clipper crews were in town, and the buzz and excitement already was incredible. On 16th July, I joined others from the council to attend the Clipper awards ceremony in the Corran Halls. This was standing room only as the Clipper crews, their family and friends had the opportunity to come together and celebrate the crews’ amazing feats of endurance and sportsmanship. This evening was all about them and about this unique circumnavigation race, and it was a privilege to be able to share in that with our visitors. During the evening I met the world-renowned sailor Sir Robin Knox- Johnston, who brought the Clipper challenge to life – an amazingly interesting man with an incredible life story.
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There was a wide range of events and activities on offer during Clipper’s visit and, while I chose to stay on dry land, I know that those who did take up the opportunity to tour and sail on the spectacular Clipper yachts, really enjoyed the experience. On 21st July I was glad to welcome Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Social Care, Wellbeing and Sport, who was in Oban as we waved off the Clipper crews for the final leg of their two-year round-the-world race. I am clear that I will take every opportunity that comes up to stand up for Argyll and Bute and this was no exception – we had an opportunity to highlight, informally, some of the challenges and opportunities unique to Argyll and Bute, and I will continue to engage with Maree and other MSPs and ministers wherever and whenever I can. 3.5 Meeting with HSCP and NHS Leadership: Members will recall previous updates to council and committee on our exploration of a Single Authority Model. A key element of that is building and strengthening the relationships we have with key partners, including NHS Highland and the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership. We have reinstated quarterly meetings with both organisations at board and senior management level, these having been introduced in the previous council term to focus on budget and service planning. As we work together in the increasingly challenging Scottish public sector landscape, meeting together in this way will once again be invaluable. I had an introductory meeting with Sarah Compton-Bishop, Chair of NHS Highland Board, and Fiona Davies, Chief Executive of NHS Highland, in Oban on 7th August. Both Sarah and Fiona are familiar faces from their previous roles with the Argyll and Bute Integration Joint Board and HSCP, but it was very helpful to meet with them in the context of their current positions with NHS Highland. While this was an introductory meeting, we did have the chance to talk about those key issues of single authority model, the National Care Service and, of course, finance. I have also taken part in the recruitment process for the HSCP Chief Officer, and after a rigorous interview process, Evan Beswick, Interim Chief Officer, has been appointed on a permanent basis. I look forward to working further with Evan. 3.6 MSP engagement: I met with Rhoda Grant MSP in Oban on 21st August. Rhoda, along with our constituency MSPs and other regional MSPs, has played an active part in the Argyll and Bute Parliamentary Forum. We had an extremely constructive discussion and Rhoda has indicated she is happy to assist where she can in bringing any particular issues of note to the attention of national government.
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We were able to discuss the issues we both hear about from communities, and also to have an introductory discussion on the UK Government’s policy agenda and how it relates to local authorities in Scotland. I am always keen to engage with anyone who will join us in speaking up for Argyll and Bute. I also have regular meetings with Jenni Minto MSP, our constituency MSP and, after our most recent catch-up on 6th August, am due to meet with her again in October. 3.7 Correspondence with UK Government: As I indicated in my last report, in early July, I wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Rt. Hon. Angela Reyner MP. The department that Ms Reyner now oversees was formerly known as Levelling Up, and I am keen to secure clarity on Argyll and Bute’s £20m Levelling Up Partnership which was announced late in 2023. I have also written in this regard to the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt. Hon. Ian Murray MP, enclosing my correspondence to the Deputy Prime Minister. When substantive responses are available, I will update Council, and will continue to focus on this given the significance of this partnership to Argyll and Bute and the understandable need for our communities to have clarity. 3.8 Meeting with Argyll Community Housing Association, 22nd August: I had an introductory meeting with Michelle Mundie, Chief Executive of Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) in Oban on 22nd August. This is just the first of what will, no doubt, be many discussions as we work together and with other partners to tackle Argyll and Bute’s housing emergency. We covered a range of issues, including hearing an update on ACHA’s new build programme, discussion on buy-back options, homelessness, energy efficiency programmes and more. I am also due to meet with other housing association chief executives later in October as well as participating in the upcoming Strategic Housing Forum meeting. Partnership is absolutely crucial as we focus on this vital issue. 3.9 Highlands and Islands Regional Economic Partnership, 28th August: The latest meeting of the Partnership (HIREP) took place on 28th August and the following topics were covered: HIREP Regional Economic Strategy HIREP Strategy Delivery and Governance
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ITL Consultation (Note: this relates to a Scottish Government consultation on International Territorial Levels (ITLs) boundaries, which are used for production of statistics) HIREP sub-group updates on key issues like housing, population, skills, childcare etc. Informal engagement with Highlands and Islands Enterprise is also ongoing, particularly in the run-up to the next Convention of the Highlands and Islands (COHI) which takes place in early October and which will be attended by Depute Leader, Cllr Audrey Forrest. 3.10 Ukraine Day – visit to Bute, 23rd August: I travelled to Bute on 23rd August to meet with our Refugee Resettlement team and some of our refugee families from Ukraine and Syria who had come together to mark Ukraine Day. This was a really positive and enjoyable day which involved food, music and stories from both countries and cultures. Ukrainian families getting ready to sing the Ukraine national anthem
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However, one seemingly simple but powerful moment that really stood out for me was seeing six men (three from Syria, three from Ukraine) who have been taking part in online English language classes together, but have never met in person before, all standing chatting together and practising their new-found language skills. I also spoke with one young man from Syria who came to Bute six years ago, started attending the local school and is now studying aeronautical engineering at college. It was refreshing and inspiring to hear from him and to hear how the supportive environment and community he came to on the island has helped him to make such amazing progress. The work our Resettlement team do is incredible and something for Argyll and Bute to be proud of. 3.11 Housing: At the time of writing, I am due to attend my first Argyll and Bute Strategic Housing Forum meeting, which will provide a valuable opportunity to connect with key stakeholders who have a role to play in tackling the housing emergency. This meeting is due to include an update on the Local Housing Strategy, including the incorporation of the Housing Emergency Action Programme. Meantime, though, some highlights of note are: New Homes in Argyll and Bute: There are a number of new housing developments complete, under way or planned across Argyll and Bute. These include the following: 70 new build affordable homes completed in 2023/24 in Oban (66) and Dunoon (four). Four affordable rental homes and two shared equity properties handed over in Port Appin in August 2024. Dunbritton Housing Association handed over 18 homes in Helensburgh in the spring. Colonsay Community Development Company has started handover of 12 mixed tenure units at Scalasaig. Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust are close to completion of five affordable homes at Ardminish. On Islay, West Highland Housing Association are in the process of handing over 16 affordable rental homes at Port Ellen, with a further four shared equity properties due for completion shortly. Phase 5 at this site has also started; this will bring a further 20 properties. Fyne Homes have submitted a planning application for 16 homes in Inveraray. The association is also on site at Baddens in Lochgilphead, with construction handover of six units due in September. Also worthy of note is that the Council has given planning consent for 511 residential units between the declaration of the housing emergency on 1st June 2023, and 30th April 2024.
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Empty Homes: The Empty Homes team helped to bring back 30 properties into use as homes during 2023/24. Buy Back Scheme: This scheme, first promoted in June last year, has generated 86 enquiries. ACHA have acquired 17 properties and Fyne Home one, to date, both with others pending. Homelessness: During 2023/24 the Housing Service received 492 homeless applications in Argyll and Bute which is a slight reduction from 512 applications in the previous financial year. As at the end of March 2024, there were 125 households in temporary accommodation, including 27 households with children. Whilst the average time for homeless applicants to be rehoused has reduced, on average it still takes 31 weeks to be offered permanent accommodation. The Housing Service had 1,135 ‘Prevention and Advice’ cases in 2023/24 which increased slightly from 1,123 in 2022/23. The majority were in relation to households seeking advice in respect of ‘General Housing Advice (410). Of the 1,135 cases, only 235 went on to make a homeless application which is the lowest since peak of 409 cases in 2017/18, this highlights the pro-active approach to homeless prevention and the importance of households receiving appropriate advice and assistance at an early stage. Energy Efficiency: Argyll and Bute Council was awarded funding of £1,979,827 for the year 2023/24 which has helped 236 households by installing 361 energy efficiency measures. A Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy will be presented to September Council. This will set out a policy framework that assists in reducing fuel poverty in the long term. 4. CONCLUSION 4.1 This report highlights the activities of the Leader of Argyll and Bute Council for the period 15th June to 13th September 2024. Councillor Jim Lynch Leader, Argyll and Bute Council 13th September 2024 For further information or to access the Leader’s Report Pack please contact Aileen McNicol, Leadership Support and Member Services Manager, telephone 01546 604014 or email aileen.mcnicol@argyll-bute.gov.uk