Public reports pack
Argyll and Bute Council · 5 March 2024
Back to Bute and Cowal Area Committee — 5 March 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Argyll and Bute Council Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal Agus Bhòid Executive Director: Douglas Hendry Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT Tel: 01546 602127 Fax: 01546 604435 DX 599700 LOCHGILPHEAD 27 February 2024 NOTICE OF MEETING A meeting of the BUTE AND COWAL AREA COMMITTEE will be held ON A HYBRID BASIS IN THE QUEEN'S HALL, DUNOON AND BY MICROSOFT TEAMS on TUESDAY, 5 MARCH 2024 at 10:00 AM, which you are requested to attend. Douglas Hendry Executive Director BUSINESS 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3. MINUTES (a) Bute and Cowal Area Committee - 5 December 2023 (Pages 3 - 8) (b) Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group - 6 February 2024 (Pages 9 - 18) (c) Cowal Transport Forum - 12 December 2023 (Pages 19 - 24) 4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME 5. AREA PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ3 2023/24 (Pages 25 - 70) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services 6. PRIMARY AREA ATTAINMENT REPORT: BUTE AND COWAL (Pages 71 - 86) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education 7. ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES UPDATE (Pages 87 - 90) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services 8. ROADS CAPITAL RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME 2024/25 (Pages 91 - 96) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services 9. HOUSING SERVICES ACTIVITY UPDATE - STRATEGIC HOUSING INVESTMENT PLAN (SHIP) - ANNUAL UPDATE (Pages 97 - 110) Report by Executive Director with the responsibility for Development and Economic Public Document Pack
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Growth 10. 2023/24 ACTIVE TRAVEL PROGRESS REPORT (Pages 111 - 126) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth 11. ROTHESAY TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE SCHEME - MARCH 2024 FINAL UPDATE (Pages 127 - 134) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth 12. SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FUND - MONITORING OF PROJECTS FUNDED (Pages 135 - 142) Report by Chief Executive 13. AREA PLANS UPDATE (Pages 143 - 156) Presentation by Corporate Support Manager, Argyll and Bute Council REPORTS FOR NOTING 14. PORT RIDDELL SLIP – UPDATE AND FUTURE OPTIONS (Pages 157 - 188) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth 15. DRAFT BUTE AND COWAL AREA COMMITTEE WORKPLAN (Pages 189 - 192) Bute and Cowal Area Committee Councillor Gordon Blair Councillor Audrey Forrest Councillor Daniel Hampsey Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle Councillor Liz McCabe (Chair) Councillor Yvonne McNeilly (Vice-Chair) Councillor Ross Moreland Councillor William Sinclair Councillor Peter Wallace Contact: Julieann Small, Senior Committee Assistant - 01546 604043
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BUTE AND COWAL AREA COMMITTEE HELD ON A HYBRID BASIS IN THE QUEEN'S HALL, DUNOON AND BY MICROSOFT TEAMS ON TUESDAY, 5 DECEMBER 2023 Present: Councillor Yvonne McNeilly (Chair) Councillor Gordon Blair Councillor Audrey Forrest Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle Councillor Ross Moreland Councillor William Sinclair Councillor Peter Wallace Attending: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager David Allan, Estates and Property Development Manager Stuart Watson, Assistant Network and Standards Manager Caroline Cherry, Head of Adult Services, HSCP Michelle Mundie, Chief Executive, ACHA Seymour Adams, Vice-Chair, CHARTS 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE The Vice-Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Liz Mccabe. The Vice-Chair ruled, and the Committee agreed, to consider a report on the Third Marquis of Bute’s Silver Wedding Dowry Fund as a matter of urgency by reason that the dowry can only be awarded to girls resident in Rothesay being married in December and to consider this after item 13 of the Agenda. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Councillor Peter Wallace declared a non-financial interest in relation to item 10 of the agenda (Former Rothesay Academy, Isle of Bute – Pre-application for proposed demolition and redevelopment), advising that he is the Council representative on the Fyne Homes Board. He advised that he would remain in the meeting during the consideration of this item of Business. Councillor Ross Moreland declared a non-financial interest in relation to item 6 of the agenda (CHARTS (Argyll and the Isles)), advising that he is a Council representative on the CHARTS Board. He advised that he would remain in the meeting during the consideration of this item of Business. 3. MINUTES (a) Bute and Cowal Area Committee - 5 September 2023 The Minute of the meeting of the Bute and Cowal Area Committee, held on 5 September 2023 was approved as a correct record. (b) Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group - 31 October 2023 Page 3 Agenda Item 3a
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The Minute of the meeting of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group, held on 31 October 2023 was noted. (c) Cowal Transport Forum - 13 September 2023 The Minute of the meeting of the Cowal Transport Forum, held on 13 September 2023 was noted. 4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME The Committee Manager advised that there had been no public questions submitted in advance of the meeting. Having noted that there were members of the public in attendance, the Vice Chair invited them to submit any questions they may have. Juliette Gill (Present) On behalf of Hunters Quay Community Council, how will the Levelling Up Fund be distributed and how will it benefit Hunters Quay? Councillor McNeilly advised that more information on the funding would be rolled out in due course, and that the Council were exploring, big, strategic projects that would benefit the whole of Argyll and Bute. Councillor McNeilly added that a number of agencies would be involved in delivering this project and that all were committed to taking a creative approach to ensure all possible benefits are realised. The Committee highlighted that they were excited for what the funding could do for the area. 5. ACHA ANNUAL UPDATE Consideration was given to a presentation by the Chief Executive of ACHA, which provided an update on a number of areas including the investment programme for 2023/24; the Scottish Government Grant which has allowed the progression of a number of adaptations and essential aids for the most vulnerable customers across Argyll and Bute; the Exemplar Estates initiative; the Business, Energy, Industrial Strategy (BEIS); the Whole House Retrofit Programme; the Net Zero and Warm Homes Funds and the installation of air source heating pumps. Information on Welfare rights was also provided. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee considered and noted the information provided in the presentation. (Reference: Presentation by Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing Association Ltd, submitted) 6. CHARTS (ARGYLL AND THE ISLES) The Committee gave consideration to a presentation by the Vice-Chair of the Cultural Heritage and Arts Assembly (CHARTS) for Argyll and the Isles. The presentation included information on the impact of partnership working on both regional and local areas and provided highlights of key projects throughout the Bute and Cowal Area. Mr Adams also Page 4
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provided information in relation to funding streams and the benefits of the continued support received from Argyll and Bute Council. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee considered and noted the information provided in the presentation. (Reference: Presentation by Vice-Chair, Cultural Heritage and Arts Assembly, submitted) 7. AREA PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ2 2023/24 Consideration was given to the Area Performance Report for financial quarter 2 of 2023/24 (July to September 2023) which illustrated the agreed performance measures for this period. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee: 1. noted and considered the performance and supporting commentary as presented; 2. noted that upon receipt of the Quarterly Performance Report the Area Committee should contact either the Responsible Named Officer or Sonya Thomas with any queries; and 3. noted that work was ongoing and to respond to Sonya Thomas with requests or comments regarding the layout and format of the Performance Report and Scorecard. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services, dated 1 November 2023, submitted) 8. HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ1 2023/24 The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided an update on performance against each of the service areas and the 93 supporting Key Performance Indictors, as well as an update from the Heads of Service giving a wider context and identifying risks and mitigations. The report also provided an update on the National Health and Wellbeing Outcomes and Ministerial Steering Group Integration Indicators and information in relation to delayed discharges. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee considered and noted: 1. the performance for FQ1 (April - June 2023/24); 2. the summary overview of the Heads of Service Performance update; 3. the performance update on the National Health & Wellbeing Outcomes and Ministerial Steering Group Integration Indicators, as at Appendix 1 of the report; Page 5
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4. the System Pressure Report for August 2023, as at Appendix 2 of the report; and 5. the Delayed Discharge Sitrep for August 2023, as at Appendix 3 of the report. (Reference: Report by Senior Performance and Improvement Manager, submitted) 9. ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES UPDATE The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided links to the recent activities of Roads and Infrastructure Services. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated November 2023, submitted) 10. FORMER ROTHESAY ACADEMY, ISLE OF BUTE - PRE- APPLICATION FOR PROPOSED DEMOLITION AND REDEVELOPMENT Consideration was given to a report asking members to endorse the submission of a pre- application to consider the potential demolition and redevelopment of the Former Rothesay Academy site that was closed in 2007 following the development of the new school. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee: 1. noted the lack of a viable redevelopment option for the former Rothesay Academy despite the property being marketed and available for over a decade; 2. noted the interest from Fyne Homes to create a masterplan for the redevelopment of the site along with their adjacent site to create new homes for the area; and 3. endorsed officers to submit a pre-application to consider the potential demolition and redevelopment of the site and confirm this approach reflects the views of the area committee and the wider community for the future of this site. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services dated 30 October 2023, submitted) 11. ROTHESAY TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE SCHEME - DECEMBER 2023 UPDATE Due to unforeseen circumstances there was no officer available to present this report. Decision The Bute and Committee Area Committee agreed to continue consideration of this report to the next meeting. Page 6
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(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 18 October 2023, submitted) 12. CHARITABLE TRUSTS, BEQUESTS AND TRUST FUNDS The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided details on proposals relating to the ongoing management and proposed distribution arrangements for Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds for which the Bute and Cowal Area Committee are Trustees. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee: 1. noted and considered the financial position of all the Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds as of August 2023; and 2. agreed that funds that held less than £250 for distribution have a moratorium placed on them to lessen the administrative burden and allow interest to accumulate to ensure maximum community benefit at a later date. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support, dated November 2023, submitted) 13. DRAFT BUTE AND COWAL AREA COMMITTEE WORKPLAN The Bute and Cowal Area Committee workplan was before members for information. Decision The Bute and Cowal Committee noted the contents of the workplan. (Reference: Bute and Cowal Area Committee workplan, dated 5 December 2023) 14. THE THIRD MARQUIS OF BUTE'S SILVER WEDDING DOWRY FUND Members gave consideration to a report which gave information regarding an application that had been received requesting support from the Third Marquis of Bute’s Silver Wedding Dowry Fund. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee agreed to grant £500 to the applicant. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support, dated December 2023, submitted) Page 7
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BUTE AND COWAL COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP HELD BY MICROSOFT TEAMS ON TUESDAY, 6 FEBRUARY 2024 Present: Reeni Kennedy-Boyle, Fyne Futures (Vice-Chair) Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Ailie Law, Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council Aimie Dow, Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council Stuart Green, Corporate Support Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Mary Holt, Community Justice Co-Ordinator, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Gordon Blair Jennifer Dryden, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Inspector Bart Simonis, Police Scotland Sergeant Eddie McGunnigal, Police Scotland Christopher Spence, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Janis Marshall Reilly, Argyll and Bute TSI Alex Wilde, Shaping Places for Wellbeing, Improvement Service Becky Hothersall, Shaping Places for Wellbeing, Improvement Service Ann Campbell, Dunoon Community Development Trust John Glen, Bute BID Lauren Worrell, NFU Scotland Jean Moffat, Bute Community Council Robert Trybis, Dunoon Gourock Ferry Action Group Attending: David Gould, Includem Rhyddian Knight, Friends of Glenan Wood Councillor Audrey Forrest Councillor William Sinclair Andrew Galloway, Local Democracy Reporter, Argyll and Bute 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Vice-Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of: Dunoon Community Council; Dee James, Argyll and Bute Rape Crisis; Councillor Daniel Hampsey; Councillor Liz McCabe; Naomi Swann, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership; Melony MacLean, ACHA; Jen Broadhurst, Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau; Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland; Rhona Grant, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll; John Brint, Ardentinny Community Council; John Park, Sandbank Community Development Trust; and Page 9 Agenda Item 3b
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Stephen Kelly, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Having noted the commitments of those in attendance, the Vice-Chair agreed to vary the order of business. This Minute reflects the order in which discussions took place. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTES (a) Meeting of the Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group held on 31 October 2023 The Minutes of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 31 October 2023 were approved as a correct record. 4. GOVERNANCE (a) Area Community Planning Group Governance Arrangements The group gave consideration to a report which outlined the governance arrangements of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group (Area CPG) specifically the Terms of Reference, membership and future meeting dates. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and adopted the Terms of Reference submitted at Appendix 1 of the report and to agreed that they would be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure their ongoing currency and appropriateness for the work of the Area CPG as it develops over time; 2. considered and agreed the membership of the group at Appendix 2 of the report, subject to the inclusion of Fyne Futures, Friends of Glenan Woods and Castle House Museum, and agreed that the membership of the group would be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure currency and appropriateness for the work of the group as it develops over time; and 3. noted the future meeting dates submitted within the report. (Reference: Report by, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 6 February 2024, submitted) (b) Appointment of Chair of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group The group gave consideration to a report providing information relating to the appointment of Chair of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group and outlined the expected time commitment and information on the role. Reeni Kennedy-Boyle nominated Bute Community Council representative Jean Moffat who confirmed that she would be happy to accept this position. With there being no other nominations, this became the decision of the group. Page 10
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Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group agreed that Jean Moffat, Bute Community Council, be appointed as Chair. (Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 6 February 2024, submitted) 5. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE The group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee held on 12 January 2024. The report provided a summary of a presentation in relation to the Council’s Area Plans, as well as information on matters arising from previous Area Community Planning Group meetings across Argyll and Bute. The report also included updates on a number of cross cutting themes such as Climate Change; Financial Inclusion; Digital Communities; the Argyll and Bute Outcomes Improvement Plan (ABOIP) for 2024-34; and Community Wealth Building. Discussion was had around the need for further discussion around the opportunities afforded by Community Wealth Building at a future meeting of the Area Community Planning Group. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 6 February 2024, submitted) 6. ARGYLL AND BUTE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PARTNERSHIP - PUBLIC HEALTH (a) Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership - Public Health Update Consideration was given to a public health update from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by them in Argyll and Bute. The update provided information on the Argyll and Bute Public Health Annual Report; the development of children and young people’s health and wellbeing profiles; ongoing health and wellbeing profile workshops; the Cool2Talk online support service for young people; and the annual Director of Public Health Report, which will be presented at the next cycle of the Area Community Planning Groups. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Page 11
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Care Partnership, submitted) (b) Presentation on Children and Young People's Health and Wellbeing Profiles The group gave consideration to a presentation by Jennifer Dryden, Health Improvement Lead from Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team, on the Children and Young People’s Health and Wellbeing Profile for the Bute and Cowal area. The presentation provided information in relation to the Profile themes; the purposes of the Profiles; the layout of the report and how to navigate it; the reasons for any gaps in the Profiles; and the type of data in the Profiles and ways in which this could be used by partners. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Public Health Team, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership) 7. DRAFT ARGYLL AND BUTE COMMUNITY JUSTICE PLAN 2023-2027 Consideration was given to a presentation which provided information in relation to the draft Argyll and Bute Community Justice Plan 2023-27. The report provided details in relation to the National Strategy for Community Justice; the core membership of the Community Justice Partnership; the overall strategic context of the Vision for Justice in Scotland and National Strategy for Community Justice; the development of the Community Justice Outcome Improvement Plan (CJOIP); the Community Justice Pathways Assessment process; and the timescales for the consultation and publication of the plan. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Community Justice Co-Ordinator, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted) 8. INCLUDEM - YOUTH JUSTICE Consideration was given to a presentation by David Gould, Associate Researcher, Includem, in relation to Includem’s ADAPT Research Project. Information was provided in relation to Includem’s background as a Scottish charity dedicated to providing 24-hour, one-to-one support for young people and their families/carers; their normal operating processes when assisting young people who may be in conflict with the law; and funding from the Scottish Government’s Whole Family Wellbeing Fund to identify gaps and opportunities in provisions for young people who are in potential or actual conflict with the law. It was noted that Includem were engaging with services and organisations across Scotland to identify gaps in current services and provisions for young people in order to Page 12
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create pilot projects that could work alongside existing services. It was noted that 12 broad themes had been identified across Scotland in relation to youth justice, with a variety of factors identified in relation to this and Includem were planning to design pilot projects around local needs. The Associate Researcher provided examples of current pilot projects, including bail support; structured deferred sentencing support; and restorative justice. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Leaflet by Includem, submitted and Presentation by Associate Researcher, Includem, tabled) 9. PARTNER UPDATES (a) Police Scotland Update Consideration was given to an update which provided information on the ongoing work of the Service and information on yearly crime statistics; fraud prevention and awareness, specifically relating to scam calls; personal safety inputs provided to Lomond and Argyll Advocacy Service staff; the success at the Divisional Recognition Awards 2023 and the support on the 16 days Against Gender Based Violence campaign. Inspector Simonis highlighted the online safety webinar in conjunction with Neighbourhood Watch Scotland being held on the 27 February and it was noted that information on how to join had already been circulated to the group. Discussion took place in relation to the ongoing consultation concerning proposals to close a number of Police Scotland properties across the country. Partners raised various concerns over the anticipated loss of service within the Bute and Cowal locality and neighbouring divisions. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and noted the information provided; and 2. agreed that the Committee Manager would highlight to the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee, the concerns of the group regarding the proposed changes referenced within the engagement on proposed estate disposals. (Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted) (b) Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update The group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ3 review of local performance across Bute and Cowal for the period 2023-24. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during this time period; unwanted fire alarm signals; road and water safety campaigns; community engagement activities; East and West Dunbartonshire and Page 13
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Argyll and Bute Local Senior Officer Activities and home fire safety. Chris Spence also provided information in relation to the British Heart Foundation’s application process for the supply and maintenance of defibrillators. He noted that applications were now open, and encouraged local community groups to apply. A link with information in relation to the application process is provided below: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/defibrillators/apply-for-a- free-defibrillator-for-your-community Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted) (c) Live Argyll Community Learning Services Update The group gave consideration to a written update from Rhona Grant, Live Argyll - Community Learning Services. The update provided information relating to adult literacy and numeracy provision; the HMI Community Learning and Development Progress Visit of Argyll and Bute Council; the newly elected MSYPs for Argyll and Bute and the findings from the consultation for youth’s living on Bute. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and noted the information provided; and 2. noted that in the absence of a representative from Live Argyll Community Learning Services, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the group. (Reference: Report by Live Argyll Community Learning Services, submitted) (d) UHI Argyll Update Consideration was given to a written update from UHI Argyll. The update included information on January start courses that are available; the multiply programme which aims to support adults with no or low level maths skills get back into work and the open day held on 11 January which was well attended at both the Dunoon and Rothesay Centres and it was noted that another open day was provisionally scheduled for mid-March. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and noted the information provided; and 2. noted that in the absence of a representative from UHI Argyll, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the group. (Reference: Report by UHI Argyll, dated 22 January 2024, submitted) Page 14
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(e) Argyll and Bute TSI Update Consideration was given to an update from Janis Marshall Reilly from Argyll and Bute TSI. The update included information in relation to funding grants from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund 2023-24; the commissioning of a Community Wealth Building strategy and action plan as part of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership; funding available from the Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network Fund; future consultation and development of a TSI Strategy for 2024-29; the launch of the new TSI website on 20th February; and work with the SCVO on a fairer funding campaign. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute TSI, dated January, submitted) (f) Opportunity for Verbal Updates Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Development Team Ailie Law highlighted that the Community Development Team had recruited Aimie Dow as the new Community Development Officer for Bute and Cowal, advising that Aimie will be job sharing with her. Ailie also advised that a new Engagement and Communities Lead, Suzanne Mason had been recruited last year. Ailie concluded in highlighting that the Supporting Communities fund would be launched this week with applications open until mid-March. Dunoon Gourock Ferry Action Group Robert Trybis advised that 6 Community Councils were now backing Professor Neil Kay’s proposal to reintroduce a vehicle ferry service. He has also invited local Elected Members to meet with the Ferry Action Group and Community Councils to find out if there is progress on the leasing of the linkspan. Councillor Sinclair, Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Sinclair raised road safety concerns on the A815 through Sandbank and advised that there had been a further accident on that stretch of road. The Committee Manager advised that he had relayed the concerns of the group to the CPP Management Committee and that an update on potential road safety measures for Sandbank would be provided by the Roads Department at the next meeting of the group. (g) Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Update Consideration was given to an update from Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau which provided statistical information on the number of clients who had contacted the Bureau between January and December 2023; the Volunteer Advisor training programme; the annual programme of energy efficiency advice sessions and services that the Bureau provide. Page 15
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Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and noted the information provided; and 2. noted that in the absence of a representative from Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the group. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, submitted) 10. SHAPING PLACES FOR WELLBEING Consideration was given to an update from Alex Wilde and Becky Hothersall from Shaping Places for Wellbeing Dunoon. It was highlighted that at the end of March the Community Link Lead Becky Hothersall would be leaving to take on a new role with Poverty Alliance. The update provided information on inequality groups; how they share their learning; Place and Wellbeing Assessments and training opportunities; the Active Travel Plan for Dunoon; public transport discussions and a data led decision-making update. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Project Lead, Shaping Places for Wellbeing, Dunoon, submitted) 11. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Friends of Glenan Wood Consideration was given to a presentation by Rhyddian Knight of Friends of Glenan Wood. Rhyddian highlighted that the woodlands is 148 hectares of unique Atlantic temperate rainforest which is managed by a small volunteer board in which he is the only full time employee and that his role is primarily community engagement. Mr Knight advised that they have just finalised their programme for the year and are working on rebuilding their website to include an online booking page. Rhyddian highlighted that the location of the woodlands is on the Cowal Way and right at the ferry terminal which brings opportunities for visitors as well as locals. It was noted that funding is a challenge for the woodlands. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Forrest Ranger, Friends of Glenan Wood) Page 16
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12. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Climate Change Working Group Update The group considered a report from the Climate Change Project Manager, which provided an update on the Community Planning Partnership’s Argyll and Bute Climate Action project. The update included information in relation to the background and work of the Climate Change Working Group; funding requirements to support the implementation of a Climate Change Project Manager post; an overview of the work of the Climate Change Project Manager to date and future plans; collaboration with the Argyll & Bute Climate Action Network Hub; and updated governance arrangements for the Climate Change Working Group. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group noted the approach and status of the project, as outlined in the report. (Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, ACT Now, dated 6 February 2024, submitted) (b) Opportunity for verbal updates on community based initiatives Robert Trybis advised of an issue he had come across while out driving where a burn that crosses the A815 had burst its banks resulting in water flowing down to properties. He advised that the pipe under the road was not blocked but could not divert the volume of water. 13. AREA PLANS UPDATE Consideration was given to a presentation by the Corporate Support Manager from Argyll and Bute Council, in relation to the Council’s Area Plans. The presentation provided background information in relation to the Plans, as well as details of the 8 Locality Plans across Argyll and Bute, and the purpose and principles of the Plans. The presentation also included context about the scope of the Plans; the importance of community engagement and efficient use of resources in the development of the plans; the overall approach, governance and phasing of the Plan’s development; and the ways in which information from the development of the Plans would be utilised. The Corporate Support Manager noted that it was hoped that the Area Plans would maximise the opportunities for funding for local projects. It was anticipated that the Plans would be developed and owned by the communities, and the Area Community Planning Groups would have an important part to play in the development of the Plans. He emphasised that the Plans were not seeking to take ownership of projects away from local community groups. The presentation provided details of how partners could assist with the Area Plans by identifying community groups in the area; identifying physical locations suitable for hosting consultation documents; and encouraging community partners to engage with the development process. The Corporate Support Manager advised that he would provide a list of currently identified community groups for circulation to the Group following the meeting, in order to reduce duplication in identifying any additional groups for consultation. Page 17
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Discussion was had around the importance of Area Plans and the need for this to be subject to discussion at a future meeting of the Area Community Planning Group. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Corporate Support Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, submitted) 14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The Group noted that the next meeting of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday 30 April 2024. Page 18
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COWAL TRANSPORT FORUM HELD BY MICROSOFT TEAMS ON TUESDAY, 12 DECEMBER 2023 Present: Councillor Daniel Hampsey (Chair) Councillor Ross Moreland Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Captain Alistair McLundie, Western Ferries Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland Neil Stewart, West Coast Motors Allan Comrie, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) Inspector Bart Simonis, Police Scotland David Clough, Dunoon Community Council Frauke Thornton, Dunoon Community Council Kerris Bone, Kilmun Community Council Tom Murray, Lochgoilhead Community Council Kirstie Reid, Strachur Community Council Gordon Ross, Western Ferries Ronald McAlister, Bute Ferry Group Tommy Gore, Calmac Attending: Robert Trybis, Dunoon Gourock Ferry Action Group 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. Apologies for absence were received from: Councillor Audrey Forrest; Councillor William Sinclair; Graham Revill, Kilmun Community Council; Michael Breslin, South Cowal Community Council; and Dave Cooper, Hunters Quay Community Council. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest. 3. MINUTES The minutes of the meeting of the Cowal Transport Forum held on Wednesday 13 September 2023 were approved as a correct record. The Chair passed on his thanks to all Council staff and Partners who responded to the disruption caused by the severe weather events on and around the 7 October and advised of a planned roundtable meeting with Jenni Minto MSP, Scotrail, Calmac and Local Page 19 Agenda Item 3c
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councillors to discuss related transport issues. Councillor Hampsey also advised of the proposed Active Travel route for Dunoon. 4. FERRIES UPDATE (a) Travel Subsides - Discussion led by David Clough, Dunoon Community Council David Clough from Dunoon Community highlighted that he had attended the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group in August and that Mr Ross of Western Ferries had attended and had suggested that if Western Ferries had access to the same level of subsidies offered to Calmac, Western Ferries fares could be halved and a direct Dunoon/Glasgow bus introduced. Mr Clough highlighted that connectivity is crucial for the area with their being a lack of integration between existing ferry services and the rail network. Mr Clough also suggested that Transport Scotland would not be retendering the ferry contract which would likely be awarded to Calmac. Mr Ross advised that he believes that the current annual subsidy for the Dunoon to Gourock service amounted to around £5 million which equated to around £25 per passenger. Robert Trybis reported that Harbours fees out weight the operational cost of the ferry and that it is the wish of the Dunoon Gourock Ferry Action Group and 5 Community Councils that Argyll and Bute Council and CMAL agree a long term lease of the Linkspan. Kerris Bone advised that as a frequent user of Western Ferries she had not seen any more than five foot passengers on the service and that the Dunoon Linkspan is very important. Kirstie Reid advised she had attended the Clyde, Kintyre and the Islands Ferry Stakeholder Group and had noted some concerns around ferry users onward journeys via Scotrail services being interrupted due to poor timetabling. Alan Comrie advised that timetables had been revised and that the ferries dock at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour with associated rail services departing at 26 and 56 minutes past the hour. The Chair raised a similar concern on behalf of Councillor William Sinclair. Outcome The Forum: 1. noted the information provided; and 2. noted that the Chair would contact relevant stakeholders to explore the possibility of holding a meeting, early in 2024, to discuss the most cost effective way of improving connectivity between Dunoon Town Centre and Gourock Railway Station. (b) Opportunity for verbal updates by Cowal Transport Forum Members Page 20
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Western Ferries Gordon Ross advised that Western Ferries had issues with one of their vessels during the early part of December but all four vessels were now back in operation. Mr Ross highlighted that the Christmas timetable was now agreed with limited services over Christmas, Boxing day and the 1st and 2nd January with the timetable available on Western Ferries website. Outcome The Forum noted the update from Western Ferries. Calmac Tommy Gore advised that the MV Ali Cat had recently been unavailable as it was undergoing an annual overhaul and that the two vessel service has since returned. Mr Gore highlighted that due to three separate technical events the Dunoon Linkspan was unusable and as such a replacement bus service had been provided. Kerris Bone raised concerns around the way in which ferry disruptions were advertised, adding that older people do not always have access to the website to find this out. Outcome The Forum noted the update from Calmac and that further consideration would be given to the way in which ferry disruptions are advertised. 5. PUBLIC TRANSPORT (a) Public Transport Update A written update on Public Transport had been provided from the Contract Officer at Argyll and Bute Council. The update provided information on a request from the NHS to provide further bus services serving Cowal Community Hospital; requests from Community interest groups; discussions with West Coast Motors on options for serving North Campbell Road and the possibility of providing a Saturday afternoon service to Strachur; consideration of later bus services from Dunoon to Ardentinny and the luggage capacity of the Dunoon Grammar School/Hostel bus. Outcome The Forum noted the update from the Contract Officer, Argyll and Bute Council. (b) Opportunity for verbal updates by Cowal Transport Forum Members West Coast Motors Neil Stewart provided the Forum with an update on the services being delivered by West Coast Motors. Neil advised that there had been a drop in concessionary fare users although there had been an uplift in under 22s travelling. Mr Stewart highlighted that West Coast Motors strive to make the service better for all users however they are limited in the mileage they can provide, consequently if a new Page 21
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route is added the mileage would have to be removed from another. Mr Stewart advised 68% of all Pingo users were over 60s, 11% were fair payers and only 21% were 5-15 year olds. Outcome The Forum noted the update from West Coast Motors. 6. ROADS UPDATE (a) Opportunity for verbal updates by Cowal Transport Forum Members Kirstie Reid advised that the road at Loch Eck recently been flooded on both sides and asked when the white lines would be reinstated on the Hamilton Street/Victoria Road. Tom Murray asked for an update on the B828 Glenmore road which had been shut since October. The Committee Manager advised that Dave Cooper had raised the matter of the signage on Marine Parade and advised that it was his understanding that a new local roads officer would be in post shortly and would pick this up. Frauke Thornton highlighted the new laws for parking on pavements and lowered kerbs had recently been introduced and that, as far as she was aware, Argyll and Bute Council would not be enforcing this. Miss Thornton advised that this is a particular problem at the Queens Hall, Dunoon with people parking on lowered kerbs and in front of the War Memorial. Kirstie Reid advised that she had heard that all traffic wardens in Argyll and Bute were in a meeting about parking on the pavements and would be issuing tickets. Outcome The Forum noted that the Chair would raise these issues with the responsible Council Department and update Partners accordingly. 7. POLICE SCOTLAND Inspector Bart Simonis had to leave the meeting prior to this agenda item, the Committee Manager provided the following update on his behalf: I have contacted all of the Speed Watch volunteers and asked for their permission to submit disclosure forms to Police Scotland Disclosure team, I am still waiting on several replies and will send out the disclosure forms after Christmas. Kirsty Reid, Strachur Community Council advised that people are continuing to cycle along the pavements on Argyll Street, Dunoon which is causing danger for the elderly people. Outcome Page 22
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The Forum noted that the information provided by Police Scotland. 8. TRANSPORT SCOTLAND Neil MacFarlane provided the Forum with a verbal update, advising that the resurfacing along the A83 at various locations from Arrochar to Campbeltown was almost finished and that the resurfacing programme would recommence in February for a further 3 weeks. Mr MacFarlane advised that Bear Scotland were aware of the potholes outside the Loch Long Hotel and that there has been a significant number of flooding issues reported along the A83. Kerris Bone highlighted that Kilmun is very dangerous due to a significant number of road works and many raised culverts. Outcome The Forum: 1. noted the update from Transport Scotland; and 2. noted that the Committee Manager would contact the Roads Department in relation to the culverts reported along Kilmun. 9. ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS There was no other competent business. 10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The Chair thanked everyone in attendance at the meeting and the Group noted that the Committee Manager would circulate a calendar invite for a meeting, week beginning 18 March 2024 in due course. Page 23
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1 ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE AND COWAL AREA COMMITTEE CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES 5 MARCH 2024 AREA PERFORMANCE REPORT – FQ3 2023/24 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 This paper presents the Area Performance Report for Financial Quarter 3 2023/24 (October to December 2023) and illustrates the agreed performance measures. 1.2 The features of the Performance Report are as follows:- ➢ Indicators are grouped by Corporate Outcome. ➢ The data table for each indicator is colour coded to identify the level of reporting. o Area level measures are blue o Council level measures are grey o COI measures are white ➢ Each indicator details the o Target, Actual and Performance status (Green / Red / No Target) for the current and four previous financial quarters. o Commentary for the current financial quarter only. o Narrative explaining the performance trend e.g.This indicator is above Target and performance has improved since the last reporting period. o Where appropriate a Performance Trend Line has been added. o The name of the Responsible Officer. o Where possible performance is presented at both Area and Council level. 1.3 The commentary for each indicator helps ‘Tell Our Story’ and enables Elected Members to put the performance data into perspective and understand if an issue is local in nature or should be escalated up to a Strategic Committee. 1.4 To improve the response to performance queries, it is requested that either the Responsible Named Officer or Sonya Thomas are contacted once the Quarterly Performance Report is received with any queries. This should enable some queries being resolved or clarified prior to the Area Committee meeting, and therefore being carried forward as Actions at a subsequent meeting. 1.5 As part of our improvements to performance reporting and making best use of the digital technology available to us, officers have developed new, online scorecards for members to view performance data. If support is required to navigate the online scorecards please contact - lorna.gillies@argyll-bute.gov.uk or sonya.thomas@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 25 Agenda Item 5
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2 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 It is recommended that the Area Committee – a) Notes and considers the performance and supporting commentary as presented. b) Upon receipt of the Quarterly Performance Report the Area Committee contact either the Responsible Named Officer or Sonya Thomas with any queries. c) Note that work is ongoing and to respond to Sonya Thomas with requests or comments regarding the layout and format of the Performance Report. 3.0 IMPLICATIONS 3.1 Policy All of the indicators in this report are based on agreed Council policy. 3.2 Financial All indicators with financial implications are actively managed through agreed budget monitoring processes. 3.3 Legal All appropriate legal implications are complied with. 3.4 HR All HR implications are actively managed through agreed Wellbeing and Management monitoring processes. 3.5 Fairer Scotland Duty See below. 3.5.1 Equalities All activities comply with Equal Opportunities/Fairer Scotland Duty policies and obligations. 3.5.2 Socio-economic Duty All activities comply with the council’s socio- economic duty. 3.5.3 Islands Duty All activities comply with the council’s islands duty. 3.6 Climate Change The Council is committed to working towards net zero. 3.7 Risk Without this information Elected Members are less informed of activities within their area. 3.8 Customer Service All activities with customer feedback or insight are rigorously monitored for improvement. 3.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC): This report highlights examples of how the Council is committed to, and working towards reducing child poverty and improving outcomes for every child. Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services Jane Fowler Head of Customer Support Services 7 February 2024 Page 26
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3 For further information, please contact: Sonya Thomas Organisation Development Project Officer - Customer Support Services 01546 604454 Appendix 1: FQ3 2023/24 B&C Performance Report Page 27
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Appendix 1 Page 1 All Areas FQ3 2023/24 Overall Performance Summary The information presented is a summary of the agreed measures. Unless stated otherwise, performance is presented at both Area and Council-wide levels. The measures show the performance against target for the current and previous three reporting periods with an explanation of performance trend. The data table for each indicator is colour coded to identify the level of reporting: Area level measures are blue. Council level measures are grey. Corporate Outcome Indicators (COIs) are white. Where appropriate a Trend Line has been added to illustrate movement in ‘Actual’ over the reporting period. Page 29
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Appendix 1 Page 2 Performance Reporting All Areas .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1 Performance Reporting .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Corporate Outcome No.1 – People live active, healthier and independent lives ............................................................................................................................ 5 COI – Maximise distribution of Scottish Welfare Fund ................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Corporate Outcome No.1 – People live active, healthier and independent lives ............................................................................................................................ 6 COI – Percentage of clients satisfied that they are better able to deal with their financial problems following our support and intervention ...................... 6 Corporate Outcome No.2 – People live in safer and stronger communities .................................................................................................................................... 7 Number of parking penalty notices issued – Bute and Cowal ...................................................................................................................................................... 7 Number of parking penalty notices issued – Argyll and Bute ....................................................................................................................................................... 8 Corporate Outcome No.2 – People live in safer and stronger communities .................................................................................................................................... 9 Car parking income to date – Bute and Cowal .............................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Car parking income to date – Argyll and Bute ............................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Corporate Outcome No.2 – People live in safer and stronger communities .................................................................................................................................. 12 Dog fouling – total number of complaints – Bute and Cowal ..................................................................................................................................................... 12 Dog fouling – total number of complaints – Argyll and Bute ...................................................................................................................................................... 13 Corporate Outcome No.3 – Children and young people have the best possible start ................................................................................................................... 14 COI – Increase the percentage of our care experienced young people that have the recommended additional tracking and monitoring plans in place .... 14 Corporate Outcome No.3 – Children and young people have the best possible start ................................................................................................................... 15 COI – Provide quality meals with cost margins to all pupils ....................................................................................................................................................... 15 Corporate Outcome No.4 – Education, skills and training maximises opportunities for all .......................................................................................................... 16 Maximise the percentage of 16-19 years olds participating in education, training or employment – Bute and Cowal .......................................................... 16 Maintain the percentage of 16-19 years olds in Argyll and Bute participating in education, training or employment services – Argyll and Bute ................ 17 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 18 Number of affordable social sector new builds completed per annum – Bute and Cowal ....................................................................................................... 18 Page 30
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Appendix 1 Page 3 Number of affordable social sector new builds completed per annum – Argyll and Bute ........................................................................................................ 19 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 20 Percentage of pre-planning application enquiries processed within 20 working days – Bute and Cowal ................................................................................ 20 Percentage of pre-planning application enquiries processed within 20 working days – Argyll and Bute ................................................................................ 21 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 22 Householder planning applications – average number of weeks to determine – Bute and Cowal ........................................................................................... 22 Householder planning applications – average number of weeks to determine – Argyll and Bute ........................................................................................... 23 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 24 COI – Number of new homeless applicants who required temporary accommodation this period ......................................................................................... 24 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 25 COI – Maintain the percentage of local suppliers that benefit from the awards of contracts via the procurement portal .................................................... 25 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 26 COI – Increase the number of community benefits that are delivered through contracts we award locally ........................................................................... 26 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth ............................................................................................................... 27 Street lighting – percentage of faults repaired within 10 days – Bute and Cowal ..................................................................................................................... 27 The percentage of street lighting faults are completed within 10 working days – Argyll and Bute .......................................................................................... 28 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth ............................................................................................................... 29 Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Bute ................................................................................................................................................. 29 Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Cowal ............................................................................................................................................... 29 Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Argyll and Bute ............................................................................................................................... 30 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth ............................................................................................................... 31 COI – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered ................................................................................................................................................ 31 Renewi (formerly Shanks) – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered ........................................................................................................... 32 Islands – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered .......................................................................................................................................... 33 H&L – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered ............................................................................................................................................... 34 Page 31
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Appendix 1 Page 4 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth ............................................................................................................... 35 COI – The number of tonnes of waste sent to landfill ................................................................................................................................................................. 35 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth ............................................................................................................... 36 LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) – Bute ......................................................................................................................................... 36 LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) – Cowal ...................................................................................................................................... 36 LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) – Argyll and Bute ....................................................................................................................... 37 Making It Happen ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 38 Teacher sickness absence – Bute and Cowal ............................................................................................................................................................................... 38 Teacher sickness absence – Argyll and Bute ................................................................................................................................................................................ 39 Making It Happen ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 40 LGE staff (non-teacher) sickness absence – Bute and Cowal ...................................................................................................................................................... 40 LGE staff (non-teacher) sickness absence – Argyll and Bute ....................................................................................................................................................... 41 Making It Happen ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 42 COI – Increase the percentage of all self-service automated contacts ....................................................................................................................................... 42 Page 32
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Appendix 1 Page 5 Corporate Outcome No.1 – People live active, healthier and independent lives COI – Maximise distribution of Scottish Welfare Fund This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status FQ3 2022/23 95.3% 129.2% Green FQ4 2022/23 95.3% 144.0% Green FQ1 2023/24 95.3% 112.9% Green FQ2 2023/24 95.3% 134.3% Green FQ3 2023/24 95.3% 138.2% Green Performance in FQ3 has exceeded the target and actual has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Projected spend for the programme for 2023/24 is £670,000. A paper will be issued to Policy & Resources in February outlining the issue around the level of spend and also asking for support in lobbying the Scottish Government for more programme funding for future years. Responsible person: Fergus Walker Page 33
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Appendix 1 Page 6 Corporate Outcome No.1 – People live active, healthier and independent lives COI – Percentage of clients satisfied that they are better able to deal with their financial problems following our support and intervention This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status FQ3 2022/23 100% 100% Green FQ4 2022/23 100% 95% Red FQ1 2023/24 100% 100% Green FQ2 2023/24 100% 100% Green FQ3 2023/24 100% 100% Green This indicator for FQ3 has met the target with no change in performance since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment This is a voluntary survey with no obligation for clients to respond either in full or in part. It is also common for incomplete returns to be received. In FQ3 2023/24, 11 survey forms were distributed to clients. 6 were returned. Of these 6 returns, 5 responded to the question relating to being better able to deal with their financial problems. Of these 5 respondees, 5 responded positively, whilst 0 responded negatively. Accordingly, 100% of clients that responded were positive about their experience i.e. no negative comments or responses were reported. Responsible person: Lee Roberts Page 34
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Appendix 1 Page 7 Corporate Outcome No.2 – People live in safer and stronger communities Number of parking penalty notices issued – Bute and Cowal Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 403 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 415 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 296 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 257 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 226 No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of parking penalty notices has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Free parking two weeks prior to Christmas. Amenity Wardens off-work between 24 Dec to 3 Jan (non-essential staff). Lining/signing continuing to deteriorate, which means wardens are unable to enforce. Operations have been made aware and are looking to get the lining redone when lining teams are available and weather permitting. Responsible person: Hugh O’Neill Page 35
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Appendix 1 Page 8 Number of parking penalty notices issued – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 1,343 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 1,332 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 1,816 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 1,172 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 1,015 No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of parking penalty notices has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Free Parking around Christmas Period, amount depending on location. Lining issues continue. Amenity Wardens (as non-essential staff) not operating at Christmas break. Lining/signing continuing to deteriorate, which means wardens are unable to enforce. Operations have been made aware and are looking to get the lining redone when lining teams are available and weather permitting. Responsible person: Hugh O’Neill Page 36
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Appendix 1 Page 9 Corporate Outcome No.2 – People live in safer and stronger communities Car parking income to date – Bute and Cowal Performance is presented cumulatively for both Area and Council-wide levels. For individual car parks, the income is presented on a quarterly basis. Reporting Period Target (Cumulative) Actual (Cumulative) Status FQ3 2022/23 £70,063 £29,825 Red FQ4 2022/23 £85,667 £42,381 Red FQ1 2023/24 £20,912 £13,741 Red FQ2 2023/24 £52,197 £34,027 Red FQ3 2023/24 £71,239 £48,303 Red This indicator for FQ3 shows the cumulative amount of income collected is lower than the cumulative target. There is no performance trend as this data is cumulative. FQ3 Comment The severe weather has been a factor in reducing traffic movements in certain areas. This is most likely the reason for the drop in income seen over this quarter. The two week free period of off street parking in the lead up to Christmas also can affect income. The Committee are asked to note that the installation of electric charger installs is now complete. Responsible person: Hugh O’Neill Page 37
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Appendix 1 Page 10 Actual quarterly income collected in Bute and Cowal for FQ2 and FQ3. Car Park Location FQ2 Actual FQ3 Actual Guildford Street, Rothesay -£19 £204 Church Street, Dunoon £2,480 £0 Swimming Pool, Dunoon £2,703 £2,062 Dunoon Pier £880 £1,714 Moir Street, Dunoon £4,973 £3,446 Argyll Street, Dunoon £4,678 £2,817 Jane Villa, Dunoon £4,592 £4,033 B&C (parking permits) £0 £0 Total £20,287 £14,276 Page 38
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Appendix 1 Page 11 Car parking income to date – Argyll and Bute Performance is presented cumulatively for both Area and Council-wide levels. Reporting Period Target (Cumulative) Actual (Cumulative) Status FQ3 2022/23 £812,919 £709,585 Red FQ4 2022/23 £993,968 £817,788 Red FQ1 2023/24 £234,056 £253,705 Green FQ2 2023/24 £584,204 £486,151 Red FQ3 2023/24 £797,331 £807,348 Green This indicator for FQ3 is shows the cumulative amount of income collected is slightly higher than the cumulative target. There is no performance trend as this data is cumulative. FQ3 Comment There were delays in processing income from G4S which has seen parts of the income placed into the wrong cost codes. Officers have worked with Finance to identify this and the extra income has been pulled through into this quarter. We have also fitted new parking machines which are easier to use. This may well have increased usage and subsequently income. Going forward the Committee are asked to note the following factors that will affect car parking income: B&C: No issues. H&L: Glen Loin 2 has (incomplete) electric charger installs (from June), which is affecting 2 bays. MAKI: No issues. OLI: North Pier car park closures for cruise ship visits (FQ1 onwards). Responsible person: Hugh O’Neill Page 39
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Appendix 1 Page 12 Corporate Outcome No.2 – People live in safer and stronger communities Dog fouling – total number of complaints – Bute and Cowal Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 19 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 25 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 13 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 11 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 14 No target This indicator for FQ3 is shows the number of dog fouling complaints has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The number of dog fouling complaints has risen only slightly this quarter, with 4 complaints received for the Isle of Bute and 10 for the Cowal area. The warden service will continue to patrol and monitor in an attempt to reduce the number of complaints. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 40
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Appendix 1 Page 13 Dog fouling – total number of complaints – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 47 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 77 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 60 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 51 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 46 No target This indicator for FQ3 is shows the number of dog fouling complaints has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The number of dog fouling complaints this quarter has reduced from 51 to 46. In order to reduce this further the Warden Service will continue to monitor and patrol. Islay was the only area this quarter to issue a dog fouling fine. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 41
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Appendix 1 Page 14 Corporate Outcome No.3 – Children and young people have the best possible start COI – Increase the percentage of our care experienced young people that have the recommended additional tracking and monitoring plans in place This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status FQ3 2022/23 100% 100% Green FQ4 2022/23 100% 100% Green FQ1 2023/24 100% 100% Green FQ2 2023/24 100% 100% Green FQ3 2023/24 100% 100% Green This indicator for FQ3 is has met the target with no change in performance since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Each care experienced child and young person enrolled in an authority school has tracking and monitoring plans in place via our SEEMIS database. Data collated includes attendance, exclusion, progress and attainment and wellbeing information. Our systems continue to be refined to ensure data is relevant and supports early intervention. A bespoke tracking and monitoring system is in development. Improvements to date include: programme of data driven dialogue between Designated Managers and the Virtual Head Teacher, discreet identification of CECYP for class teachers and appropriate data sharing with partner agencies. Raising the profile of our CECYP has led to an increased awareness of this cohort, positively impacting on personalised support, including at transition points. Responsible person: Louise Chisholm Page 42
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Appendix 1 Page 15 Corporate Outcome No.3 – Children and young people have the best possible start COI – Provide quality meals with cost margins to all pupils This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status FQ3 2022/23 +/-5.00% 6.09% Red FQ4 2022/23 +/-5.00% -2.56% Green FQ1 2023/24 +/-5.00% 5.00% Green FQ2 2023/24 +/-5:00% -7.07% Red FQ3 2023/24 +/-5:00% 4.12% Green This indicator for FQ3 is within the +/-5.00% target variance and performance has improved since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The overall food cost percentage for the authority was 4.12%. We will continue to monitor areas and individual schools that have a variance out with the +/-5% target. B&C 0.54% H&L -0.52% MAKI -2.82% OLI 6.92% Responsible person: Christine Boyle Page 43
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Appendix 1 Page 16 Corporate Outcome No.4 – Education, skills and training maximises opportunities for all Maximise the percentage of 16-19 years olds participating in education, training or employment – Bute and Cowal Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 94.00% 92.17% Red FQ4 2022/23 94.00% 91.80% Red FQ1 2023/24 94.00% 92.19% Red FQ2 2023/24 94.00% 94.34% Green FQ3 2023/24 94.00% 92.97% Red This indicator for FQ3 is below target and performance has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment As of 1st December 2023, the Participation figure (16-19 year-olds in employment, training or education) in Bute and Cowal was 860 young people, which equates to 92.97%. This is 1.03% below target and 2.63% below the annual Argyll and Bute Participation figure of 95.60%, which was released by Skills Development Scotland at the end of August 2023. The Participation figure of 92.97% for FQ3 of 2023/24 is a decrease of 1.37% on the Participation figure for FQ2 2023/24. Responsible person: Jennifer Crocket Page 44
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Appendix 1 Page 17 Maintain the percentage of 16-19 years olds in Argyll and Bute participating in education, training or employment services – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 94.00% 93.90% Red FQ4 2022/23 94.00% 93.62% Red FQ1 2023/24 94.00% 93.75% Red FQ2 2023/24 94.00% 95.94% Green FQ3 2023/24 94.00% 94.37% Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target however performance has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment As of 1st December 2023, the Participation figure (16-19 year-olds in employment, training or education) for the whole of Argyll and Bute was 3909 young people, which equates to 94.37%. This is 0.37% above target and 1.23% below the annual Argyll and Bute Participation figure of 95.60%, which was released by Skills Development Scotland at the end of August 2023. The Participation figure of 94.37% for FQ3 of 2023/24 is a decrease of 1.57% on the Participation figure for FQ2 2023/24. Responsible person: Jennifer Crocket Page 45
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Appendix 1 Page 18 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving Number of affordable social sector new builds completed per annum – Bute and Cowal Reporting Period Target Actual Status FQ3 2022/23 0 0 Green FQ4 2022/23 0 0 Green FQ1 2023/24 0 0 Green FQ2 2023/24 0 0 Green FQ3 2023/24 4 4 Green This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of completions has met the target for the reporting period. FQ3 Comment In FQ3 - 4 x particular needs units completed by ACHA in Dunoon 1x2bed, 1x3bed, 2x4bed. Responsible person: Kelly Ferns Page 46
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Appendix 1 Page 19 Number of affordable social sector new builds completed per annum – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status FQ3 2022/23 37 37 Green FQ4 2022/23 67 67 Green FQ1 2023/24 26 26 Green FQ2 2023/24 40 40 Green FQ3 2023/24 4 4 Green This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of completions has met the target for the reporting period. FQ3 Comment In FQ3 - 4 x particular needs units completed by ACHA in Dunoon 1x2bed, 1x3bed, 2x4bed. B&C 4 H&L 0 MAKI 0 OLI 0 Responsible person: Kelly Ferns Page 47
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Appendix 1 Page 20 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving Percentage of pre-planning application enquiries processed within 20 working days – Bute and Cowal Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 75.0% 50.0% Red FQ4 2022/23 75.0% 55.6% Red FQ1 2023/24 75.0% 27.3% Red FQ2 2023/24 75.0% 16.7% Red FQ3 2023/24 75.0% 21.4% Red This indicator for FQ3 is below target however, performance has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Performance across the Development Management Service continues to be impacted as it works through a backlog of casework that has accumulated through the Covid pandemic and which has been exacerbated by extended periods of operating with reduced staffing levels due to issues with recruitment to vacant posts, and the introduction of National Planning Framework 4. Whilst vacancies across the service have now largely been filled the focus of officer remains geared toward the resolution of statutory casework with the handling of pre-application enquiries afforded lower priority in caseload management. To assist with the management of reduced customer expectations the target for responding to pre-app enquiries has been temporarily extended to 6 weeks. During FQ3 14 pre-apps were responded to within B&C. 35.7% were issued within 6 weeks. Responsible person: Peter Bain Page 48
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Appendix 1 Page 21 Percentage of pre-planning application enquiries processed within 20 working days – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 75.0% 52.5% Red FQ4 2022/23 75.0% 55.4% Red FQ1 2023/24 75.0% 47.5% Red FQ2 2023/24 75.0% 49.1% Red FQ3 2023/24 75.0% 55.0% Red This indicator for FQ3 is below target however, performance has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Performance across the Development Management Service continues to be impacted as it works through a backlog of casework that has accumulated through the Covid pandemic and which has been exacerbated by extended periods of operating with reduced staffing levels due to issues with recruitment to vacant posts, and the introduction of National Planning Framework 4. Whilst vacancies across the service have now largely been filled the focus of officer remains geared toward the resolution of statutory casework with the handling of pre-application enquiries afforded lower priority in caseload management. To assist with the management of reduced customer expectations the target for responding to pre-app enquiries has been temporarily extended to 6 weeks. During FQ3 120 pre- apps were responded to across ABC. 62.5% were issued within 6 weeks. Responsible person: Peter Bain Page 49
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Appendix 1 Page 22 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving Householder planning applications – average number of weeks to determine – Bute and Cowal Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 8.0 weeks 8.1 weeks Red FQ4 2022/23 8.0 weeks 20.2 weeks Red FQ1 2023/24 8.0 weeks 30.1 weeks Red FQ2 2023/24 8.0 weeks 28.3 weeks Red FQ3 2023/24 8.0 weeks 23.5 weeks Red This indicator for FQ3 is above target (lower is best) and performance has improved significantly since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment This measure only relates to planning applications received for alterations to existing premises. Performance across the Development Management Service continues to be impacted as it works through a backlog of casework that has accumulated through the Covid pandemic and which has been exacerbated by extended periods of operating with reduced staffing levels due to issues with recruitment to vacant posts, and the introduction of National Planning Framework 4. Improving resource availability has allowed the focus of the DM Service to shift from the prioritisation of the most significant applications to addressing the accrued backlog of older applications. The determination of a higher-than-normal volume of older cases has a significant impact on "average time taken" performance measures as a relatively small number of older cases can skew the outcome. It is also noted that these performance measures are based on "raw data" and as such have not been adjusted to take into account delays to determination out with the control of the planning authority. FQ3 has seen the determination of 3 'legacy' applications and an increasing volume of newer case work. This has resulted in a significant improvement with the average time period for determination of householder applications reducing by 3 weeks from FQ2. 87% of applications determined in FQ3 were less than 6 months old; these items were determined in an average time of 12.0 weeks. Responsible person: Peter Bain Page 50
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Appendix 1 Page 23 Householder planning applications – average number of weeks to determine – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 8.0 weeks 12.0 weeks Red FQ4 2022/23 8.0 weeks 17.3 weeks Red FQ1 2023/24 8.0 weeks 21.6 weeks Red FQ2 2023/24 8.0 weeks 18.1 weeks Red FQ3 2023/24 8.0 weeks 16.8 weeks Red This indicator for FQ3 is above target (lower is best) and performance has improved since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment This measure only relates to planning applications received for alterations to existing premises. Performance across the Development Management Service continues to be impacted as it works through a backlog of casework that has accumulated through the Covid pandemic and which has been exacerbated by extended periods of operating with reduced staffing levels due to issues with recruitment to vacant posts, and the introduction of National Planning Framework 4. Improving resource availability has allowed the focus of the DM Service to shift from the prioritisation of the most significant applications to addressing the accrued backlog of older applications. The determination of a higher-than-normal volume of older cases has a significant impact on "average time taken" performance measures as a relatively small number of older cases can skew the outcome. It is also noted that these performance measures are based on "raw data" and as such have not been adjusted to take into account delays to determination out with the control of the planning authority. FQ3 has seen the determination of 3 'legacy' applications and an increasing volume of newer case work. This has resulted in a significant improvement with the average time period for determination of householder applications reducing by 3 weeks from FQ2. 87% of applications determined in FQ3 were less than 6 months old; these items were determined in an average time of 12.0 weeks. Responsible person: Peter Bain Page 51
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Appendix 1 Page 24 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving COI – Number of new homeless applicants who required temporary accommodation this period This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 41 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 30 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 32 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 36 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 26 No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of applicants has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment During FQ3, the housing service provided temporary accommodation for 26 new homeless households. B&C: 16 households (4 x Registered Social Landlord Property, 1 x Private Sector Property, 8 x Serviced Accommodation, 3 x Bed & Breakfast). H&L: 1 household (1 x Private Sector Property). MAKI: 3 households (3 x Private Sector Properties). OLI: 6 households (3 x Private Sector Properties, 3 x Supported Accommodation). Please note: • The Registered Social Landlord and Private Rented Sector properties are leased by the Council and sub-let to homeless households as temporary accommodation. • Serviced Accommodation is available in Cowal and Helensburgh and is for single people providing an en-suite bedroom and shared kitchen facilities. • Supported accommodation is provided in Lorn by Blue Triangle Housing Association. B&C: 16 H&L: 1 MAKI: 3 OLI: 6 Responsible person: Morven Macintyre Page 52
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Appendix 1 Page 25 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving COI – Maintain the percentage of local suppliers that benefit from the awards of contracts via the procurement portal This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 20.0% 19.4% Red FQ4 2022/23 20.0% 22.5% Green FQ1 2023/24 20.0% 10.8% Red FQ2 2023/24 20.0% 26.5% Green FQ3 2023/24 20.0% 27.8% Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target and performance has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment FQ3 has shown a further increase. From the 18 contracts awarded, 7 local suppliers submitted a bid, 5 of which were successful. The Procurement, Commercial and Contract Management Team will continue to support local suppliers by providing useful information on the Council's website. Responsible person: Anne MacColl-Smith Page 53
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Appendix 1 Page 26 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving COI – Increase the number of community benefits that are delivered through contracts we award locally This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status FQ3 2022/23 No target - No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 43 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target - No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 37 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target - No target This indicator is reported in FQ2 and FQ4. This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of community benefits has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Reported on a six monthly basis. FQ3 and FQ4 will be reported in April 2024. Responsible person: Anne MacColl-Smith Page 54
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Appendix 1 Page 27 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth Street lighting – percentage of faults repaired within 10 days – Bute and Cowal Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 75% 33% Red FQ4 2022/23 75% 30% Red FQ1 2023/24 75% 54% Red FQ2 2023/24 75% 45% Red FQ3 2023/24 75% 37% Red This indicator for FQ3 is below target however performance has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment Overall Argyll and Bute performance figure of 46% during a period where annual leave and sickness absence have been prevalent in the small lighting team. This is a slight improvement on the previous quarter but it is still having a negative impact on our performance this quarter. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 55
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Appendix 1 Page 28 The percentage of street lighting faults are completed within 10 working days – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 75% 30% Red FQ4 2022/23 75% 32% Red FQ1 2023/24 75% 37% Red FQ2 2023/24 75% 43% Red FQ3 2023/24 75% 46% Red This indicator for FQ3 is below target however performance has increased slightly since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment We maintain 14,442 street lights throughout Argyll and Bute, including the islands. Some street lighting faults cannot be fixed by the Street Lighting Team and we require assistance from power suppliers (SSE or Scottish Power) or our Roads colleagues/external contractors to repair underground cable faults and power supply issues. These type faults are often reported as single dark lamps but following attendance/investigation they can be identified as more serious problems that will take longer to repair. On average throughout the year approximately 98.8% of our street lights are operating/functioning as designed. Our Maintenance Team comprises 3x Street Lighting Electricians, 1x Clerk of Works/Inspector and 1x Trainee Team Leader. At present around 95% of assets have been upgraded to Energy Efficient and more reliable LED Luminaires. Works are continuing to convert/upgrade the rest of our inventor. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 56
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Appendix 1 Page 29 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 1 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 3 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 1 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 0 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 2 No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of waste collection complaints has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment There were only 2 waste collection complaints received for the Isle of Bute this quarter. This is a very good level of service given the number of bins serviced. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Cowal Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 1 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 3 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 9 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 20 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 2 No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of waste collection complaints has decreased significantly since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment For the Cowal area there were only 2 waste collection complaints received this quarter, a very good service. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 57
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Appendix 1 Page 30 Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 35 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 53 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 67 No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 101 No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 18 No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of waste collection complaints has decreased significantly since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment For the months of October, November and December only 18 waste collection complaints were received. Given the number of bins serviced, domestic, commercial, recycling, glass and food this is a very good level of service. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 58
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Appendix 1 Page 31 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth COI – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered Performance is presented by Council-wide service provision. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 45.0% 56.7% Green FQ4 2022/23 45.0% 52.0% Green FQ1 2023/24 45.0% 47.6% Green FQ2 2023/24 45.0% 59.8% Green FQ3 2023/24 45.0% 49.0% Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target however performance has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment 49.0% recycling, composting and recovery (36.1% recycling/composting plus 12.9% recovery). Renewi sent some general waste to an energy from waste plant as part of a trial during December 23, which has improved recovery figures and reduced landfill during the quarter. Year to date figures are 53.3% recycling, composting and recovery (44.1% recycling/composting plus 9.2% recovery). Responsible person: John Blake Page 59
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Appendix 1 Page 32 Renewi (formerly Shanks) – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered Performance is presented by Council-wide service provision. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 67.4% No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 61.9% No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 53.0% No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 68.7% No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 55.3% No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the percentage of waste recycled has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment 55.3% recycling, composting and recovery (33.9% recycling/composting plus 21.4% recovery). Renewi sent some general waste to and energy from waste plant as part of a trial during December 23 which has improved recovery figures and reduced landfill during the quarter. Year to date figures are 60.9% recycling, composting and recovery (46.5% recycling/composting plus 14.4% recovery). Responsible person: John Blake Page 60
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Appendix 1 Page 33 Islands – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered Performance is presented by Council-wide service provision. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 43.5% No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 35.9% No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 39.2% No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 35.6% No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 34.2% No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the percentage of waste recycled has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment 34.2% recycling, composting and recovery. Year to date figures are 36.4% recycling, composting and recovery (36.4% recycling/composting and 0% recovery). Responsible person: John Blake Page 61
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Appendix 1 Page 34 H&L – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered Performance is presented by Council-wide service provision. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 37.5% No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 34.5% No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 40.1% No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 41.6% No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 41.5% No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the percentage of waste recycled has decreased slightly since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment 41.5% recycling, composting and recovery (40.8% recycling/composting plus 0.7% recovery). Year to date figures are 41.0% recycling, composting and recovery (40.8% recycling/composting and 0.2% recovery). Responsible person: John Blake Page 62
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Appendix 1 Page 35 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth COI – The number of tonnes of waste sent to landfill This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 5,100 3,882 Green FQ4 2022/23 5,000 4,610 Green FQ1 2023/24 5,850 5,075 Green FQ2 2023/24 5,550 5,510 Green FQ3 2023/24 5,100 4,253 Green This indicator for FQ3 is below target (lowest is best). FQ3 Comment Within target. Landfill reduction of biodegradable waste tonnes to landfill is partly due to Renewi sending some general waste to an energy from waste plant as part of a trial during December 23. This has helped reduce landfill during the quarter. Responsible person: John Blake Page 63
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Appendix 1 Page 36 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) – Bute (Monthly data combined to show quarterly average) Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 73 80 Green FQ4 2022/23 73 79 Green FQ1 2023/24 73 79 Green FQ2 2023/24 73 76 Green FQ3 2023/24 73 80 Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target and performance has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The LEAMS figure for the Isle of Bute has again exceeded the National and Benchmarking figures, showing a good level of street cleanliness. Responsible person: Tom Murphy LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) – Cowal (Monthly data combined to show quarterly average) Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 73 76 Green FQ4 2022/23 73 77 Green FQ1 2023/24 73 77 Green FQ2 2023/24 73 77 Green FQ3 2023/24 73 77 Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target with no change in performance since the last reporting period. Page 64
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Appendix 1 Page 37 FQ3 Comment The Cowal areas street cleanliness has remained steady this quarter with a score of 77. Responsible person: Tom Murphy LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) – Argyll and Bute (Monthly data combined to show quarterly average) Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 73 83 Green FQ4 2022/23 73 83 Green FQ1 2023/24 73 84 Green FQ2 2023/24 73 83 Green FQ3 2023/24 73 85 Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target and performance has increased slightly since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The overall level of street cleanliness this quarter is very good indeed with a score of 85. LEAMS was originally designed to gain a measure of street cleanliness and effectiveness of service provision, to keep land free from litter and refuse, keep roads clean, this includes weeds, graffiti, staining, flyposting and vandalism. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 65
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Appendix 1 Page 38 Making It Happen Teacher sickness absence – Bute and Cowal Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 2.36 days No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 3.61 days No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 3.64 days No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 2.00 days No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 3.72 days No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of sickness absence days has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The commentary provided for sickness absence compares the data against the same period in the previous year to allow for seasonal fluctuations. B&C Teacher absence has risen by 1.36 day per FTE on the same quarter last year. The top reasons are mental health, medical treatment and stomach/kidney/digestion issues. The top reason and third reason is consistent with the overall top 3 reasons but Medical Treatment is the second reason. Quarter 2 absence is traditionally low for Teachers as this is the summer holiday period and an increase against this quarter is traditionally seen. Responsible person: Jennifer Crocket Page 66
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Appendix 1 Page 39 Teacher sickness absence – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 1.70 days No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 2.48 days No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 2.15 days No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 1.25 days No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 2.82 days No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of sickness absence days has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The commentary provided for sickness absence compares the data against the same period in the previous year to allow for seasonal fluctuations. Overall Teacher absence has risen by 1.12 day per FTE on the same quarter last year. The top 3 reasons are mental health, infections and stomach/kidney/digestive reasons. Infections and Stomach issues are characterised by short term absence types such as Covid, flu, cold, upset stomach, vomiting and gastroenteritis. The top 3 reasons are consistent with the same quarter last year albeit in higher numbers of days lost. On the last quarter (Q2) there has been an increase of 1.5 days. Traditionally quarter 2 has low absence rates due to the summer holiday period. Responsible person: Jennifer Crocket (B&C and MAK) and Wendy Brownlie (H&L and OLI) Page 67
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Appendix 1 Page 40 Making It Happen LGE staff (non-teacher) sickness absence – Bute and Cowal Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 3.97 days No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 4.65 days No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 4.46 days No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 3.50 days No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 4.42 days No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of sickness absence days has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The commentary provided for sickness absence compares the data against the same period in the previous year to allow for seasonal fluctuations. B&C LGE absence has increased by 0.45 day per FTE on the same quarter last year. The top reasons for absence are mental health, back and neck problems and stomach/kidney/digestive issues. There has been an increase in absence on the last quarter which follows the traditional pattern as Q2 is the summer holiday period. Responsible person: Carolyn Cairns Page 68
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Appendix 1 Page 41 LGE staff (non-teacher) sickness absence – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 No target 3.65 days No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 4.04 days No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 3.53 days No target FQ2 2023/24 No target 3.18 days No target FQ3 2023/24 No target 3.73 days No target This indicator for FQ3 shows the number of sickness absence days has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment The commentary provided for sickness absence compares the data against the same period in the previous year to allow for seasonal fluctuations. Overall absence has stayed almost the same as the same quarter last year. It has increased slightly on FQ2 but traditionally we see this pattern with FQ2 being the summer holiday period. The top three reasons for absence were mental health, infections and other Musculoskeletal/back and neck problems. Responsible person: Carolyn Cairns Page 69
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Appendix 1 Page 42 Making It Happen COI – Increase the percentage of all self-service automated contacts This indicator is a Corporate Outcome Indicator that is reported quarterly. The performance presented is Council-wide only. Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ3 2022/23 70.0% 72.5% Green FQ4 2022/23 70.0% 72.2% Green FQ1 2023/24 70.0% 80.7% Green FQ2 2023/24 70.0% 72.1% Green FQ3 2023/24 70.0% 72.7% Green This indicator for FQ3 is above target and performance has increased since the last reporting period. FQ3 Comment In FQ3 there was 34,254 transactions dealt with by Customer Service Agents (27.3%) and 91,264 automated or self-service transactions (72.7%) so the 70.0% target was exceeded. Responsible person: Robert Miller Page 70
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1 Argyll and Bute Council 2023 - 2024 ‘Our Children, Their Future’ Education Service Primary Area Attainment Report: Bute and Cowal (B&C) March 2024 Page 71 Agenda Item 6
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2 Introduction Within the Bute and Cowal area there are 14 Primary Schools, three on Bute and 11 in Cowal. There is secondary school provision at Dunoon Grammar School and Rothesay Joint Campus. Nursery provision is provided within several of these schools and Gaelic Medium Education is provided at Sandbank Primary School. Primary school rolls in Bute and Cowal vary considerably ranging from 11 pupils (Kilmodan PS) to 298 (Kirn PS). This report provides a range of key information about school provision from June 2023 to January 2024 and reports the National collection of attainment and achievement data from June 2023. Additional and more detailed information about each school can be found in the schools’ Standards and Quality Reports. In addition, each school’s Improvement Plan outlines their main priorities for improvement. Most schools have an active website where these documents can be accessed and further links or information can be obtained from the Head Teacher. Page 72
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3 Bute and Cowal School Profiles 2022-2023 Cluster Primary Schools 19/20 20/21 21/22 22/23 23/24 % change in Roll over 5 years1 Dunoon Primary School 203 191 187 186 198 -2% Inellan Primary School 28 29 41 38 15 -46% Kilmodan Primary School 14 17 19 12 11 -21% Kirn Primary School 274 273 252 270 298 9% Lochgoilhead Primary School 25 29 23 21 24 -4% North Bute Primary School 36 38 39 26 27 -25% Rothesay Primary 254 249 240 246 241 -5% Sandbank primary School 70 62 56 60 39 -15% Sandbank Primary School Gaelic Unit 46 52 51 45 64 -9% St Andrew’s Primary 50 58 56 71 77 54% St Mun’s Primary School 99 87 77 68 33 -67% Strachur Primary 27 27 31 27 26 -4% Strone Primary School 20 23 25 21 24 20% Tignabruaich Primary School 40 45 55 66 67 68% Toward Primary School 27 21 21 19 23 -15% Total Roll for cluster 1213 1201 1173 1176 1167 -4% * Data for rolls provided at Census each year 1 Please note the % change in Roll over 5 years shows the percentage change in roll figures from 2019/20 to 2023/24 and is not an average. SIMD Profile SIMD is the Scottish Government's standard approach to identify areas of multiple deprivation in Scotland, with SIMD 1 indicating areas of highest deprivation and SIMD 10 indicating the least deprived. It can help improve understanding about the outcomes and circumstances of people living in the most deprived areas in Scotland. It can also allow effective targeting of resources and funding where the aim is to wholly or partly tackle or take account of area concentrations of multiple deprivation. Table shows percentage of pupils residing in each decile of the SIMD in each area of Argyll and Bute. Area 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Unkn own Bute and Cowal 16.6% 12.9% 18.7% 8.9% 21.4% 16.0% 2.3% 0.0% 1.5% 0.0% 1.7% HALCO 2.6% 6.3% 6.0% 3.2% 7.5% 13.6% 16.7% 21.9% 11.0% 8.7% 2.3% MAKI 0.0% 6.8% 8.3% 10.4% 9.2% 42.3% 22.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.4% OLI 1.3% 0.0% 0.2% 10.5% 25.9% 17.8% 27.0% 7.9% 0.0% 0.0% 9.4% * SIMD data from January 2024 Page 73
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4 Footwear and Clothing Grant and Free School Meal Information for AREA Clothing and Footwear Grant (CFG) is not shown as a National Average as each authority set their own criteria and therefore cannot be compared accurately. Please note that 2022-20223 data for CFG and Free School Meals (FSM) is to date (end December 2023) and therefore may change as the year progresses. In January 2022, the Scottish Government launched the extension of free school meal universal eligibility to include all children in primary 1-5. The above figures only show those pupils in P6 and P7. In August 2021 the Scottish Government introduced a School clothing grant minimum for all authorities set at £120 for Primary pupils and £150 for Secondary pupils. During session 2020/21 the Scottish Government introduced ‘Bridging’ payments of £130 per pupil in receipt of FSM under the National criteria (this excludes anyone eligible who receive FSM in P1 to P6 who do not qualify financially). These payments are made 4 times per year (Easter, Summer, October and Christmas).Further information can be found at Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payments - mygov.scot. In addition to this anyone eligible for these payments have been paid a FSM payment during the school holiday period. Further information School meals - mygov.scot Page 74
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5 Exclusion and Attendance Information for Bute and Cowal *2022-23 data taken from previous AC report up to Feb 2023 - Session 2022-23 under embargo by SG **2023-24 Data up to end December 2023 Authorised absence includes bereavement, short – term exceptional domestic situations, religious observance, weddings of immediate family. Unauthorised absence includes truancy, unexplained absence and most family holidays during term time. Attendance and absence is outlined in the recently updated Management Circular 3.03. There have been no primary school exclusions in the locality between August 2023 and January 2024. During 2020/21 there were additional attendance codes added for COVID. These codes can count as attendance, authorised absence or unauthorised absence depending on the circumstance. Please note that attendance & exclusion data for 2022/23 is up to 28 February and not a complete year. Due to SG Embargo Please note that attendance & exclusion data for 2023/24 is up to end December 2023 and not a complete year. It is therefore subject to change. Pupil attendance has been highlighted nationally as a concern. Significant work at authority level has been undertaken to maximise pupil attendance. This includes the formation of a strategic group and working party, refreshed policy and guidance, staff training, a media campaign highlighting the impact of non-attendance and individual school attendance targets. All of these aspects are working together to ensure a sharpened focus and emphasis on pupil attendance. Page 75
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6 Additional Support needs Table below indicates the numbers of pupils identified as having Additional Support needs across the Bute and Cowal area at each stage of primary schools. Care Experienced Children and Young People A Virtual Head Teacher took up post in April 2023. The core purpose of the role of the Virtual Head Teacher is to be relentless in driving improvements in the educational progress and attainment/achievement of an identified group of young people, including Care Experienced, across Argyll and Bute. The core function of the Virtual Head Teacher in terms of planning is to ensure that all children have access to appropriate and timely support achieved by collaborating with relevant professionals to ensure plans are of a high quality, with impact and outcomes followed up. The table below shows the numbers of care experienced children in our primary schools across each area of the Council as of January 2024. Page 76
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7 Attainment of Curriculum for Excellence Levels over time Curriculum levels are national levels to describe different stages of learning and progress. For most children the expectation is: Throughout the Broad General Education, children and young people are assessed and professional judgements are made by teachers about when a child or young person has achieved learning at a particular level. This means that they have broadly covered the experiences and achieved the expected outcomes for that level. In making this decision, the teacher takes into account the evidence mentioned above, and considers the benchmarks produced by Education Scotland for each level as well as diagnostic feedback from the National Standardised Assessments (NSAs). Attainment of Curriculum for Excellence Levels (ACEL) data is collected annually each June by the Scottish Government. The data collection collects information on pupil performance in four areas, known as organisers. Organisers consist of Numeracy and the three literacy components; Reading, Writing and Listening and Talking. A combined literacy measure is also produced based on the three literacy organisers: reading, writing and listening and talking. The data is collected for pupils at the key stages of P1, P4,P7 and S3. As an authority, we have made significant progress in raising attainment and closing the poverty related attainment gap. Authority level data for literacy and numeracy demonstrating increased attainment is displayed below. Further detail on progress towards closing the attainment gap between those residing in Quintile 1 and those in Quintile 5 can be found on pages 10 and 11. Page 77
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8 Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels across Bute and Cowal schools: June 2018-June 2023 Page 78
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9 NOTES: ER English reading, EW English writing, ELT English Listening and talking N Numeracy GR Gaelic reading, GW Gaelic writing, GLT Gaelic Listening and talking. There was no ACEL collection during session 2019/20 due to COVID In English medium by June 2022: In reading, 68% of P1 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved early level, this is compared with 76% at authority level and 81% nationally. In writing, 64% of P1 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved early level, this is compared with 72% at authority level and 78% nationally In talking and listening, 74% of P1 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved early level, this is compared with 83% at authority level and 87% nationally. In numeracy, 74% of P1 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved early level, this is compared with 79% at authority level and 85% nationally. In reading, 72% of P4 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved first level, this is compared with 77% at authority level and 78% nationally In writing, 65% of P4 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved first level, this is compared with 70% at authority level and 72% nationally In talking and listening, 78% of P4 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved first level, this is compared with 85% at authority level and 85% nationally. In numeracy, 65% of P4 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved first level, this is compared with 75% at authority level and 77% nationally. In reading, 77% of P7 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved second level, this is compared with 77% at authority level and 81% nationally In writing, 70% of P7 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved second level, this is compared with 70% at authority level and 75% nationally In talking and listening, 86% of P7 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved second level, this is in line with the authority and national averages. In numeracy, 73% of P7 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved second level, this is compared with 78% at authority level and 78% nationally. In Gaelic medium by June 2022: In reading, 75% of P1 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved early level, this is compared with 75% at authority level and 84% nationally In writing, 100% of P1 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved early level, this is compared with 79% at authority level and 84% nationally In talking and listening, 100% of P1 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved early level, this is compared with 71% at authority level and 86% nationally. In reading, 67% of P4 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved first level, this is compared with 62% at authority level and 73% nationally In writing, 67% of P4 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved first level, this is compared with 62% at authority level and 69% nationally In talking and listening, 100% of P4 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved first level, this is compared with 85% at authority level and 85% nationally. In reading, 67% of P7 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved second level, this is compared with 62% at authority level and 73% nationally In writing, 67% of P7 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved second level, this is compared with 62% at authority level and 69% nationally In talking and listening, 100% of P7 pupils in the BUTE AND COWAL area achieved second level, this is compared with 85% at authority level and 85% nationally. Page 79
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10 Argyll and Bute Stretch Aims Session 2023-24 and onwards to 2026 (Authority Level) The Scottish Attainment Challenge (SAC) is about achieving equity in educational outcomes, with a particular focus on closing the poverty-related attainment gap. SAC funding is provided to all of Scotland’s local authorities to help tackle the attainment gap and support education recovery and improve outcomes for children and young people most impacted by poverty. The Scottish Attainment Challenge aims to raise the attainment of children and young people living in deprived areas, in order to close the equity gap. Attainment Advisors within Education Scotland’s regional improvement teams, work with authorities to identify core attainment measures and specific aims (Stretch Aims) which, informed by local evidence and data, are identified as local priority areas for improvement. The stretch aims are intended to be both ambitious and achievable within local contexts and targets are specific to individual authorities. Progress towards achieving the current stretch aims will be reported on later in 2024. The Stretch Aims are intended to support recovery from the pandemic and accelerate progress in closing the attainment gap and include: Achievement of Curriculum for Excellence Levels (literacy P1/4/7 combined and numeracy P1/4/7 combined) The stretch aims for literacy and numeracy identify the percentage of young people who achieve their expected Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) level: An overall attainment target, which includes all young people An attainment target for young people who live in the most deprived areas (SIMD quintile 1) An attainment target for young people who live in the least deprived areas (SIMD quintile 5) A target to reduce the attainment gap between the most and least deprived young people The Argyll & Bute literacy and numeracy tables illustrate data from the most recent ACEL collection in 2023 (published December 2023), against the stretch aim for 2022-23 and also indicate the stretch aim targets in place for 2024-2026. The year-on-year trend in ACEL data has been positive; in the two-year period between 2022 and 2023 the overall proportions of primary school pupils achieving the expected levels in literacy had increased by 6 percentage points, while in numeracy there had been an increase of 3 percentage points. The percentage of Quintile 1 (most deprived) young people who achieved their expected CfE level has increased by 15pp in literacy and 8pp in numeracy between 2022 and 2023. Scottish Attainment Challenge - Stretch Aims 2023-26: Literacy In literacy, the attainment gap between young people from the most and least deprived areas of Argyll & Bute was 33 percentage points in 2021, by 2022 this narrowed to 27 percentage points and narrowed further to 13 percentage points by June 2023, therefore achieving our stretch aim by 8.5 percentage points. This is 7 percentage points below the national gap of 20pp. Argyll & Bute’s target is to reduce the attainment gap further to 11 percentage points by June 2024 and to 10 percentage points by June 2026. Scottish Attainment Challenge - Stretch Aims 2023-26: Numeracy Literacy (P 1/4/7 Combined) Stretch Aim Overall SIMD Q1 SIMD Q5 GAP (Q1-Q5) Stretch aim 22/23 68.4% 60% 81.5% 21.5pp Confirmed Dec 23 68% 68% 81% 13pp Interim Stretch Aim 2023/24 71% 70% 81% 11pp Interim Stretch Aim 2024/25 73.5% 72.5% 83% 10.5pp Final Stretch Aim 2025-26 76% 75% 85% 10pp Page 80
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11 In numeracy, the attainment gap between young people from the most and least deprived areas of Argyll & Bute was 29 percentage points in 2021, by 2022 this narrowed to 18 percentage points and narrowed further to 14 percentage points by June 2023. This was 3 percentage points below the national gap of 17pp. Argyll & Bute’s target is to reduce the attainment gap to 13.5 percentage points by 2024 and to 13 percentage points by June 2026. The table below outlines the National expectations of when most children and young people may achieve each level: CfE Level Stage Early The final two years of early learning and childcare before a child goes to school and P1, or later for some. First To the end of P4, but earlier or later for some. Second To the end of P7, but earlier or later for some. Third and fourth S1-S3, but earlier or later for some. Further information: National Improvement Framework for Scottish Education – https://www.gov.scot/policies/schools/national-improvement-framework/ Numeracy (P 1/4/7 Combined) Stretch Aim Overall SIMD Q1 SIMD Q5 GAP (Q1-Q5) Stretch aim 22/23 69% 58% 87% 29pp Confirmed Dec 2023 76.19% 76% 90% 14pp Interim Stretch Aim 2023/24 78% 76.5% 90.5% 13.50pp Interim Stretch Aim 2024/25 81% 77.75% 91% 13.25pp Final Stretch Aim 2025-26 83% 78.5% 91.5% 13pp Page 81
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12 Initiatives to raise attainment and achievement In response to data and evidence gathered in the areas of literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing, a range of work has been undertaken in order to drive forward improvement and raise attainment and achievement across the authority. Literacy Quality Improvement Approach to writing 7 new schools have taken part in the training and implementation of this approach, impacting on 11 classes. 3 practitioners from 2 schools previously involved have also been trained, implementing the approach in a further 3 classes. 100% of participants believe or strongly believe that the approach will have a positive impact on their pupils. Data on impact to be gathered following the conclusion of the training in February. 9 of the 10 schools involved in the initial stages of the programme are currently implementing some degree of school spread with the approach to reach other stages, led by internal leads and supported in some cases by the Education Support Officer (ESO). Evaluation of process and support with reflection of impact is currently underway. Talk for Writing Since August, 2 schools have been implementing the Talk for Writing approach across the whole school, the approach aims to improve children’s ability to articulate their ideas for writing and support them to ensure that they can then transfer these ideas onto paper. An additional school is implementing this at early level with a clear plan for whole school implementation in August 2024. Clear aims have been set for each class, the achievement of which will be measured following the next tracking and monitoring period. Progression Frameworks Working groups have been set up for early, 1st and 2nd level to create our own Argyll and Bute progression frameworks to support all staff with planning and monitoring progress. Listening and Talking have been completed, with Reading and Writing still ongoing. These will ensure a consistency of approach across schools and the authority and enable schools to further refine approaches to tracking progress of learners through and across levels. School Support The ESO continues to support schools on an individual basis. This includes: discussion of current curricular approaches, delivery of training sessions for staff, teaching of model lessons and discussion of data. The aim of this support is to improved experiences for learners, increase staff confidence and knowledge and ultimately lead to raised attainment. Numeracy From August 2023- January 2024 the following work has been undertaken in order to raise attainment in mathematics and numeracy. These include but are not limited to: Creation of a mathematics improvement plan, setting measurable goals and benchmarks to track progress over time. Work is underway to produce a mathematics framework to support mathematics and numeracy teaching in Argyll and Bute schools. Collaboration with colleagues to design and implement a customised professional learning programme focused on the latest pedagogical approaches, research and best practices in mathematics education. Collaboration with members of the central team to analyse assessment data and develop strategies for improving attainment and achievement in mathematics and numeracy, focussing on 2 schools as an initial test of change. Observations in targeted schools with focussed dialogue with practitioners and senior leaders on strengths and next steps. Follow up support is then identified within a given timescale and is coordinated by the numeracy lead. Page 82
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13 Wellbeing , Rights and Relationships The Glasgow Motivation and Wellbeing Profiling Tool has been introduced to schools as a way of measuring pupil wellbeing. Many schools have begun to use this, helping them to establish a sound understanding of the environment created for learning. A focus on play pedagogy and outdoor learning alongside developments in the health and wellbeing curriculum have also continued to be an important focus within school improvement plans to help support wellbeing. Through the UNICEF accredited Rights Respecting School journey, 36 schools have achieved Bronze, 12 Silver, 6 Gold awards. We will continue to provide support to schools to engage in this award. In taking a rights based approach to education, schools have been developing or embedding pupil voice structures within their setting. Food for Thought grants have been secured by two of our primary schools. This is allowing schools to develop enterprising and sustainable approaches to food with learners. Both schools have developed projects that involve a skills based approach to learning and connect our pupils to their local community Equality and diversity was a key feature of the Head Teacher conference in November. Head Teachers had the opportunity to engage in professional learning with Women’s Aid as part of Argyll & Bute’s work to reduce violence against women and girls. Education staff in a variety of roles have also taken up the offer to participate in the Safe and Together training. Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) have also delivered a session to Head Teachers to develop a stronger understanding of what inclusive education is and raise awareness of the national professional learning that all teaching staff have access to relating to LGBTQ+ issues. A large number of our schools are continuing on their journey to becoming a ‘Nurturing School’ supported by our Educational Psychology service through the ‘Our Children, their Nurturing Education’ programme. 22 schools have now achieved bronze accreditation, 6 have achieved silver and 1 school has achieved gold. Page 83
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14 School Contacts School Head Teacher Telephone No Dunoon Brenda Reid 01369 704159 Innellan Lisa Marle 01369 830560 Kilmodan Megan Stirling 01369 820280 Kirn Kirsteen MacDonald (until March 24) 01369 702509 Lochgoilhead Louise Blair 01301 703338 North Bute Marie Law 01700 503728 Rothesay Joint Campus Louise Nicol 01700 503227 Sandbank Gaelic Medium Norman MacDonald 01369 706350 Sandbank Norman MacDonald 01369 706350 St Andrew’s Jacqueline Shields 01700 503123 St Mun’s Brenda Reid 01369 703643 Strachur Marion Boyd 01369 860293 Strone Julie Fish 01369 840242 Tighnabruaich Megan Stirling 01700 811413 Toward Lisa Marle 01369 870259 Page 84
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE & COWAL AREA COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE 5 MARCH 2024 SERVICES ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES UPDATE 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 A Roads and Infrastructure standing report was a fixture on Area Committee agendas throughout the life of the last Council. In the first two rounds of Area Committee meetings in the new Council feedback was sought on the value of these updates, and their format and frequency. Generally Members felt having a standard item was beneficial and it was acknowledged that the Roads and Infrastructure weekly briefings issued to all members each Friday afternoon provide for the main sources of live information on current activities. On top of these briefings there is a bank of resources on the new Member Zone system which include the weekly briefings, subject specific briefings, ad hoc short briefings on issues, relevant previous committee reports, operational service procedures, legislation and Council policies. 1.2 In the last Council the purpose of these reports was to provide an update on service activities but since weekly briefings these have largely superseded the original stated purpose of these reports. 1.3 On the basis of the above this new format has been agreed through the December 2022 round of area committees for this standing item. This format removes duplication for Officers and rather links to existing published information, with additional updates only in the body of the reports if these are specifically requested/noted from previous meetings. The report remains as a standing item and continues to provide the opportunity for Officer engagement at the committee meetings. 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the Area Committee: 2.1 Note and consider the contents of this report. 3.0 DETAIL 3.1 Roads and Infrastructure Services provides Members with weekly briefings on topical service activities which are all available here. Page 87 Agenda Item 7
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3.2 As part of the resources on the new Member Zone system there are various key documents available in an online library here. 3.3 There are also additional online resources covering the streetlighting, footway, surface dressing and roads reconstruction programmes available on the website here. 4.0 CONCLUSION 4.1 This report provides links to existing published information on service activities and provides for the opportunity for Officer attendance and engagement at committee meetings. 5.0 IMPLICATIONS 5.1 Policy – Roads and Infrastructure work to a number of policies across the range of service areas 5.2 Financial – revenue and capital budgets are in place to deliver projects and cyclic work 5.3 Legal – Roads and Infrastructure Services work to a number of different pieces of legislation such as the Roads Scotland Act 194 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990 5.4 HR – none known 5.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: 5.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics – where appropriate EqSEIAs will be carried out to identify any implications 5.5.2 Socio-economic Duty – where appropriate EqSEIAs will be carried out to identify any implications 5.5.3 Islands – where appropriate Island impacts assessments will be carried out to identify any implications 5.6. Climate Change – due regard will be given to climate change with a view to minimising any climate change impact and these will be considered as and when they arise 5.7 Risk – risk managed through toolbox talks, safety briefings and where appropriate risk registers – all of the above are monitored through the RIS leadership and management teams 5.8 Customer Service – none known Page 88
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5.9 The Rights of the Child – none arising directly from this report. Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, Kirsty Flanagan Policy Lead for Roads and Transport, Councillor Andrew Kain January 2024 For further information contact: Jim Smith, Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services Mark Calder, Project Manager Page 89
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE AND COWAL AREA COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE 5 MARCH 2024 SERVICES ROADS CAPITAL RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME 2024/25 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Attached to this report is a draft programme for roads reconstruction schemes for 2024/25 in the Bute and Cowal area. This programme has been designed using the current Road Condition Index (RCI) which is produced by the national road condition survey data. In addition to the RCI data, information such as road traffic collisions, known development, activities such as timber harvesting and skid condition (of the carriageways surface) which is measured by a separate survey are also considered together with information brought forward from Elected Members during agreed Area Business Days with officers from Roads and Infrastructure Service. This information is considered at officer level when appropriate engineering judgement is also applied to ensure that maximum benefit can be derived from the available investment. 1.2 The Roads Reconstruction Programme has been structured in line with the Roads Asset Management and Maintenance Strategy. The focus has been to arrest the rate of decline and provide an overall improvement in condition as has been demonstrated in the Annual Status and Options Report. In previous years this has been achieved through the delivery of a mix of carriageway resurfacing, edge strengthening, patching/surface dressing and in-situ road surface recycling. These treatments have been designed to seal the road to stop the ingress of water, improve ride quality and reduce the number of reactive repairs. This has resulted in an overall improvement in road conditions. Without this investment and works there would have been a significant deterioration in condition and a detriment to the travelling public, economic opportunity and tourism. 1.3 Following the Council’s Budget Meeting, which took place on 22nd February 2024, £8M has been confirmed for the Capital Roads Reconstruction budget. 1.4 As per previous years any post winter deterioration may result in some adjustment to the programme to ensure that the best rates of return in terms of whole life costs can be achieved. Page 91 Agenda Item 8
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2.0 RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that the Bute and Cowal Area Committee: • Provide comments on the draft programme that is contained in Appendix 1 of this report. • Note that the programme will go forward to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee on 21 March 2024 for endorsement. 3.0 DETAIL 3.1 The focus of the roads reconstruction programme has been to recover the network through the delivery of a mix of carriageway resurfacing schemes, patching/surface dressing and in-situ road surface recycling, which follow the principles set out within the Roads Asset Management Plan. 3.2 This Council has approximately £122M of backlog maintenance (based on figures produced by SCOTS) across the road network. This means that over £122M would need to be invested to bring the road network up to an ‘A1’ standard. Most councils are in a very similar position. During these challenging financial times, it is very unlikely we will benefit from the level of investment required to bring the road network up to an ‘A1’ condition. 3.3 As in previous years, the proposed schemes have been selected using the Councils Roads Asset database WDM Payment Management System (PMS) using the information collected from the SCANNER Survey carried out in summer months, other information mentioned above and engineering judgement. The SCANNER surveys are carried out by a single contract for all 32 councils in Argyll and Bute. Unfortunately, this year a small number of councils, including Argyll and Bute, have not received a full network survey. In Argyll and Bute, the majority of the islands have not been surveyed and this means that previous year’s data has been used and qualified from safety inspection intelligence. Whilst this is not ideal, Members should note that full network surveys are not carried out on an annual basis, the frequency of surveys is detailed below: 100% of the A Class roads are surveyed (in one direction) 50% of the B Class roads 25% of the C Class roads 10% of the Unclassified road network 3.4 The survey data will categorise roads from red to green, with red being in worst condition and green not requiring attention. In-line with industry best practice, investment is not necessarily concentrated on all the red roads but instead has been aligned to focus on a combination of red and amber roads to arrest deterioration. This effectively provides a stitch in time approach and ensures that we get the best rate of return from the investment available. Red roads are roads requiring attention currently, amber roads are roads which will require attention in the not too distant future and green roads are roads which require no attention. Page 92
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By progressing schemes which will provide the best rate of return, taking consideration of the survey results and associated data, the Council is able to deliver a programme of schemes which maximises the benefits to the travelling public from the available investment. There is also a consideration applied that reflects route classification and hierarchy together with the Road Condition Index. 3.5 Surface dressing schemes are selected on the basis that, either the skid resistance of the road surface is poor, or the road surface requires sealing before it fails. Surface dressing can range from a standard binder with 6mm chippings through to polymer modified binders with more than one layer of chippings. 3.6 Following a presentation to Members in January 2023 and reports to Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee in June 2023, officers carried out Members Business Days in October/November 2023 to enable an opportunity for Members to bring forward priorities for consideration in the 2024/25 Capital Roads Programme. 3.7 As in previous years, the roads reconstruction programme will be delivered by a mixed economy model with the Councils in-house team delivering carriageway reconstruction and patching works. The surface dressing element of the programme will be delivered by an external contractor. This enables the maximum surface area to be covered which will help to seal carriageway cracks, prevent the ingress of water and reduce the amount of reactive maintenance for potholes. 3.8 The table below details the total of the 2024/25 allocation following the 2023 February Budget meeting. The capital budget allocation for 2024/25 has been split in line with the pre-agreed percentage formula which is based on road area and population. There are a number of schemes being carried forward for various reasons including ferry availability to transport materials. These have been shown at the bottom of the area programmes and are in addition to the £8M funding for 2024-25. Area Area Total OLI (35%) £2,800,000 MAKI (31%) £2,480,000 B&C (20%) £1,600,000 H&L (14%) £1,120.000 Total £8,000,000 3.9 In 2023/24 there was also a grant from the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme (STTS) totaling £387k. This grant was significantly less than in previous years and officers expect this to continue in the current frugal economic climate. This funding was used to match fund existing schemes on the council network where timber extraction was programmed to be carried out. It is officers’ intention to make Page 93
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further bids to the STTS for 2024/25 which, if successful, will provide additional investment for the road network. 3.10 The capital programme presented is based on carriageway condition late autumn/early winter. With the effect of winter this programme may need to be adjusted to ensure that any investment takes into consideration any winter deterioration. 3.11 The programme for each of the administrative areas will be forwarded to Area Committee Members and updates to Area Committees as the programme progresses. The programme will also be available on the Council website with key scheme status and dates. 4.0 CONCLUSION 4.1 This report provides details of the proposed roads reconstruction programme for 2024/25 and seeks comments from Elected Members on the draft programme. 5.0 IMPLICATIONS 5.1 Policy - works assessed and carried out under the current Roads Asset Management Plan. 5.2 Financial - programme will be based on capital allocation for year 2024/25. 5.3 Legal – None known. 5.4 HR - reconstruction works delivered by a combination of in-house roads operations team and sub-contractors. 5.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: None known. 5.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics – None known. 5.5.2 Socio-economic Duty – None known. 5.5.3 Islands – None known. 5.6 Climate Change – due regard will be given to climate change with a view to minimising any climate change impact and these will be considered as and when they arise. 5.7 Risk - completed works will reduce requirement to repair roads and will arrest the carriageway/footway deterioration. 5.8 Customer Service - overall improvement in road surfaces and the quality of driven journeys. Page 94
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5.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – the investment to improve our road network will contribute to a safer environment for young people to thrive in. Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure: Kirsty Flanagan Policy Lead for Roads and Transportation: Councillor Andrew Kain February 2024 For further information contact: Jim Smith, Head of Roads and Infrastructure Service jim.smith@argyll-bute.gov.uk APPENDICES Appendix 1 – B&C Proposed Roads Reconstruction Programme 2024/25 Page 95
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APPENDIX 1 – BUTE AND COWAL PROPOSED ROADS RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME 2024/25 BUTE AND COWAL SHARE OF £8M Budget 1,600,000.00£ 2024/25 draft schemes based on the historic % split of the current £8M budget COWAL 70% Scheme Location, Road number/Name Works Type Estimated Cost C7 - from B8000 to Tank Landing - Kames Overlay £ 120,000.00 A886 Ardachuple cutting - Colintaive Overlay £ 78,815.00 A8003 Royal brae - Tighnabruaich Inlay £ 26,694.85 A886 North of Communications Mast Overlay £ 60,000.00 A886 Dunans House Northwards Overlay £ 200,000.00 B8000 Largiemore Fish farm - Peir Ho Overlay £ 99,000.00 C57 Glenbranter Overlay £ 60,000.00 B839 / B828 Passing Place improvements construction £ 56,066.15 U22 West Glendaruel Overlay £ 99,000.00 A815 Var location below PSD Pre-SD 2024 40,000.00£ A815 Coylet - Inverchapel Laying 2024 91,140.00£ A815 Alexandar Parade - marine P- Pt Riddle Laying 2024 36,260.00£ A815 Braemar Cottage - Kelani Toward Laying 2024 73,024.00£ U27 Millhouse / U19 Couston Pre-SD 2025 80,000.00£ District Total 1,120,000.00£ BUTE 30% Scheme Location, Road number/Name Works Type Estimated Cost A844 East Princess St & Battery place Inlay £ 164,228.63 U39 /U69 Gowanfield Place to St Brides Rd Inlay £ 80,000.00 U58 Serpentine Rd - to B881 Bishop St Inlay £ 135,000.00 UC5 Glecknabae - Lenie hall - Pipers Cave Inlay £ 50,771.37 C1 Bruchag Road 2025 Pre-SD £ 50,000.00 District Total 480,000.00£ 2023/24 schemes re-scheduled for delivery in 2024/25 Scheme Location, Road number/Name Works Type 2023/24 allocated budget C/F A8003 Tighnabruaich Ph 7 Reconstruction £108,817 Page 96
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE & COWAL AREA COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 5th MARCH 2024 HOUSING SERVICES ACTIVITY UPDATE - STRATEGIC HOUSING INVESTMENT PLAN (SHIP) – ANNUAL UPDATE 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The main purpose of this report is to update Members of Housing Services activity within the Bute and Cowal area. This report will detail the following housing activity:- • Declaration of a Housing Emergency • Argyll and Bute Housing Summit • Housing Need and Demand • Homelessness • Affordable Housing Supply - Strategic Housing Investment Programme (SHIP) • Empty Homes • Private Sector Housing Grant Adaptations • Private Sector Housing Grant Repairs and Improvements • Energy Efficiency - Energy Efficiency Scotland: Area Based Scheme(EES:ABS) • Local Housing Strategy 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 Members are asked to consider the content of the report. Page 97 Agenda Item 9
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE & COWAL AREA COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 5th MARCH 2024 HOUSING SERVICES ACTIVITY UPDATE - STRATEGIC HOUSING INVESTMENT PLAN (SHIP) – ANNUAL UPDATE 3.0 INTRODUCTION 3.1 The main purpose of this report is to update Members of Housing Services activity and the delivery of the Local Housing Strategy within the Bute and Cowal area. This report will detail the following housing activity:- • Declaration of a Housing Emergency • Argyll and Bute Housing Summit • Housing Need and Demand • Homelessness • Affordable Housing Supply - Strategic Housing Investment Programme • Empty Homes • Private Sector Housing Grant Adaptations • Private Sector Housing Grant Repairs and Improvements • Energy Efficiency – Energy Efficiency Programme: Area Based Scheme • Local Housing Strategy 4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1 Members are asked to consider the content of this report. 5.0 DETAIL 5.1 As the Strategic Housing Authority, the Council has a series of important statutory housing functions to fulfil. A Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) is carried out every 5 years which enables Scottish Government funding to be brought into Argyll and Bute primarily to deliver affordable housing. A comprehensive revision of the local HNDA was approved as “robust and credible” by the Scottish Government’s Centre for Housing Market Analysis in December 2021. The Council also produces a Local Housing Strategy (LHS) every 5 years. Full Council approved the LHS 2022-27 in December 2021. It is subject to annual updates, which are published on the Housing Strategy pages of the Council website. Page 98
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The LHS has been developed in accordance with Scottish Government guidance and local priorities as identified in the new HNDA. This sets out the vision for Argyll and Bute: “Everyone in Argyll & Bute has access to a suitable, high quality home which is affordable and located within a vibrant, sustainable and connected community.” This report details the housing activity taking place in Bute & Cowal. 5.2 Declaration of a Housing Emergency In June 2023, following a report to the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee, Argyll and Bute Council became the first local authority to declare a housing emergency. A number of key statistics informed the emergency: • In 2023 there were just under 3,300 people on social rented housing waiting lists, representing an increase of 8% since the previous year. • The average housing price in 2022 was £206,000 which is 7 times the average income level in Argyll and Bute. • 11% of all homes are ineffective stock, with 6% second homes and 4% empty. • 42% of the property sales are made to people living out with the Argyll and Bute area. • There were 131 private house completions in the last 5 years representing only 17% of the expected rate. • Constructions costs have seen a 22% increase in 2022 with island construction costs significantly higher. This trend is continuing currently. • 92% of residents responding to the Housing Emergency survey said that housing shortage was having an impact on their community • Of employers who responded to the workforce housing survey, 75% said a shortage of housing was a barrier to recruiting or retaining staff 5.3 Argyll and Bute Housing Emergency Summit An action within the committee report was to hold an Argyll and Bute Housing Emergency Summit in response to the housing emergency, and this took place on the 27th November 2023 at the SAMS campus in Oban. The purpose of the Summit was to bring partners together to forge commitments aimed at tackling housing shortage by maximising resources, pursuing innovation, coordinating planning and targeting delivery capacity. An Action Plan is currently being developed and it is anticipated that this will be refined and presented to members in the next few months. Page 99
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5.2 HOUSING NEED & DEMAND IN BUTE & COWAL In addition there were 78 applicants for Bute and 167 for Cowal who received nil points according to the Common Allocation Policy and therefore would be deemed to have no housing need. For Bute & Cowal as a whole, the main requirement (56%) is for one bedroom properties, while 24% require 2 bedrooms; 12% require 3 bedrooms; and 8% need 4 or more. However, to establish actual need, the available supply must be factored into this, based on the available lets within the RSL stock during a year. HOMEArgyll Applicants RSL Lets 2021/22 (HOMEArgyll only) Pressure Ratio Bute 155 105 2:1 Cowal 347 110 3:1 B & C TOTAL 502 215 2:1 While the pressure ratios are only one factor in determining need and demand, they are useful indicators of areas where further research and analysis may be required. The fully revised Argyll & Bute HNDA 2021 takes account of a wide range of factors to determine existing need and future demand for new build housing, and demographic projections have a critical role in this assessment. Although the default population projections suggest a significant and continuous decline across Argyll and Bute, and consequently minimal or zero requirement for new build housing, the council has developed ambitious Housing Supply Targets based on an alternative, positive growth scenario for all areas. In this instance, 16% of the Argyll & Bute Housing requirement would be apportioned to Cowal and 6% to Bute; and over the next 5 years this could amount to around 340 new builds across all tenures for the Bute & Cowal area as a whole. HOMEArgyll WAITING LIST November 2023 – Active Applicants (excluding those with 0 points/no defined need) Minimum Bedroom Size Required TOTAL 0/1beds 2beds 3beds 4+beds Bute 104 25 18 8 155 Cowal 177 98 42 30 347 B & C TOTAL 281 123 60 38 502 Page 100
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5.3 HOMELESSNESS There were 188 homeless presentations across Bute and Cowal in 2022/23. This was an increase from 92 applications in 2021/22 (104%). There was an increase of 270% (37 up from 10) in homeless presentations on Bute during 2022/23. There was an increase of 18% in Cowal (114 up from 97). During 2022/23, there were 26 homeless cases closed on Bute; and 97 in Cowal. The figures below illustrate the number of homeless applications and cases closed for the period from 2018/19 to 2022/23. The main reasons for presenting as Homeless last year were “disputes with family/relationship breakdown”, “other action by landlord resulting in termination of tenancy”; and “being asked to leave”. 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Applications Cases closed Applications Cases closed Bute Cowal Homeless Applications and Cases Closed 2018/19 - 2022/23 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 Page 101
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Rough Sleeping Bute and Cowal experienced no overall change in the incidence of rough sleeping over the same period last year, with 4 cases (-3) in total across the area reporting that they slept rough the night preceding their presentation but 15 (+3) reporting that they had slept rough in the 3 months preceding their homeless application. These were disaggregated as follows:- AREA Number of Rough Sleepers in 2022/23 Night Before Application 3 Months Prior to Application Bute 1 3 Cowal 3 12 B&C Total 4 15 Argyll & Bute 26 36 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 1. Termination of tenancy/mortgage due to rent… 10. Dispute with household/relationship breakdown:… 11. Fleeing non-domestic violence 12. Harassment 13. Overcrowding 14. Asked to leave 15. Other reason for leaving accommodation/household 2. Other action by landlord resulting in the termination… 3. Applicant terminated secure accommodation 4. Loss of service/tied accommodation 5. Discharge from prison/hospital/care/other institution 7. Forced division and sale of matrimonial home 8. Other reasons for loss of accommodation 9. Dispute with household violent or abusive Bute and Cowal Reasons for Homelessness 2022/23 Cowal Bute Page 102
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5.4 AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUPPLY This continues to be a very challenging period for the construction sector and there is ongoing slippage in the new build programme due to disruption and shortages with materials and staffing. There were no Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) developments in Cowal and Bute during the reporting period of this report. However, further sites/projects in the Cowal area are being progressed or in early stages of development and may be programmed in the SHIP in the future include: ACHA Eton Avenue, Dunoon – 4 units for particular needs, completed 2023 Dunoon phases 1-4 – 120 units in SHIP; 2026/29 Fyne Homes Rothesay Academy site phases 1 and 2, Rothesay – site acquired March 2023, 80 units in SHIP; 2027/29 Ballochgoy, Rothesay – 8 units to be delivered in 2023/24 Tighnabruaich phase 2 – 10 units included in SHIP; 2028/29 Rothesay acquisitions – 8 units; 2024/25 Trust Housing Association Redevelopment of housing complex at Strachur 5.5 EMPTY HOMES In 2022/23 there were 13 private empty homes brought back into use in Bute & CowaI, amounting to 32% of all empty homes brought back into use across Argyll and Bute last year with assistance of Empty Homes Officer (41). Council Tax Information on Empty Homes The following table breaks down the numbers of empty homes including those subject to premium Council Tax charge across the Bute & Cowal area. The table does not include properties which are empty and exempt from Council Tax. The numbers of recorded empty homes can vary from day to day due to natural changes and reported numbers are snapshot from November 2022 reports. BUTE & COWAL Council tax data as at 01.11.23 Number of properties on Council Tax register Empty Homes Properties subject to 200% council tax levy Total EMPTY Isle Of Bute 4,374 73 86 159 Page 103
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Cowal 8,836 110 140 250 B & C TOTAL 13,210 183 226 409 Council Tax Exemptions There are also a number of empty properties which are on the Council Tax register which are exempt from paying council tax. In Bute & Cowal there are 443 properties which are empty and exempt from Council Tax. The categories for empty properties include: • Class 4A = Properties recently occupied but now empty and unfurnished (222) • Class 7A = Dwellings Empty Under Statute – Closing or Demolition Order (32) • Class 6A = Deceased owners – where estate has not been settled (138) • Class 8A= Held for demolition (16); • Class 5A= Living/detained elsewhere (24); • Class 19A= Difficult to let separately (1); • Class 2A= Unoccupied-renovation (7); • Class 13A= Repossessed dwelling (3) Second Homes As at 1st November 2023 there were 479 registered Second Homes on Bute and 596 in Cowal. The number second homes for Bute and Cowal (1,075) represents 35% of the total number of Second Homes in Argyll and Bute (3,052). Self-Catering Lets As at 3rd November 2022 there were 478 self-catering lets on the Rates register in the Bute & Cowal area. 20% of the Argyll and Bute total (2,341). 5.6 PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING GRANT – ADAPTATIONS In 2022/23, there were 17 individual updates installed in Bute & Cowal with PSHG aid. Bute & Cowal Rates data as at 01.03.23 Number of self-catering properties Bute 117 Cowal 361 Bute & Cowal TOTAL 478 PSHG ADAPTATION COMPLETIONS 2022 -2023 Page 104
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5.7 PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING GRANT – REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS In 2022/23, there were a total of 12 PSHG repair and improvement grants completed in Bute & Cowal, (across Argyll and Bute, the total was 57). Total cost of the works was £135,108 of which PSHG covered £46,634. 5.8 ENERGY EFFICIENCY (ENERGY EFFICIENT SCOTLAND: AREA BASED SCHEME (EES:ABS)) There were 78 individual energy efficiency measures fitted across Bute & Cowal in 2022/23 via the EES:ABS programmer. In total, 111 properties were improved across the area, at a total cost of £604,589. Grant aid in support of this work amounted to £539,864. Current estimates of local Fuel Poverty are based on Home Analytics data (Scottish figures sourced from The Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel):- Area Likelihood of Households in Fuel Poverty Extreme Fuel Poverty Bute 30% 26% Cowal 28% 21% Argyll and Bute 30% 25% Scotland 34% 23% 5.9 LOCAL HOUSING STRATEGY (LHS) 2022-2027 As the strategic housing authority for Argyll and Bute, the Council has a statutory duty to develop, implement and monitor a Local Housing Strategy over a five-year planning cycle, based on a robust and credible Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA) for the area. Following completion of the previous Argyll and Bute LHS (2016-2021) last year, a comprehensive revision and update of the strategy has been approved by the Council and was formally launched in April 2022. The planning process was based on a robust process of consultation and stakeholder engagement, which has been acknowledged as an exemplar model for other local authorities by the Scottish Government, the CHMA, and the Scottish Housing Network LHS Forum. The revised HNDA was approved as “robust and credible” by the Scottish Government’s CHMA in 2021, and this has informed the revised Housing HMA Grant Value Works Value ADAPTATION INSTALLED Ramp Stair lift Access Hoist Bathroom Adaptation Wash and Dry Unit External Drainage Collection Bute £44,100.47 £52,612.98 1 0 1 0 4 0 0 Cowal £53,659.43 £61,316.07 0 2 1 1 6 1 0 TOTALS £97,759.90 £113,929.05 1 2 2 1 10 1 0 Page 105
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Supply Targets set out in the new LHS. These targets are based on a positive demographic and economic growth scenario for Argyll & Bute and include ambitious and challenging Housing Supply Targets for the Cowal and Bute HMAs over the next 5 years and beyond. The Local Housing Strategy is subject to annual updates and the 2023 update can be found in the Housing Strategy pages of the Council website (https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2023LHSupdate ) 6.0 CONCLUSION 6.1 This report provides the detail of the Council Housing Services team activity in the Bute and Cowal area and outlines progress with the Local Housing Strategy. There are a variety of housing issues within the area which are being tackled by Housing Services and partner agencies with the aim of delivering a functioning housing system which meets the needs of the communities we serve. The scale of the challenge is shown in statistical evidence and the declaration of the Housing Emergency and the subsequent Housing Emergency Summit has shown that many concerns are common across agencies and communities. 7.0 IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Policy - Complies with approved SHIP and Local Housing Strategy. 7.2 Financial - none arising from this report. 7.3 Legal - we have a statutory duty to deliver statutory housing functions. 7.4 HR – none. 7.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: positive in terms of delivering affordable housing. 7.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics - none 7.5.2 Socio-economic Duty - positive in terms of delivering affordable housing. 7.5.3 Islands – positive in terms of delivering affordable housing on the islands. 7.6. Climate Change – the strategy and housing service deliver positive impacts for energy efficiency and climate change. 7.7 Risk – none. 7.8 Customer Service – none. 7.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – the housing activity described in the report will deliver affordable housing for families with children Kirsty Flanagan Executive Director with the responsibility for Development and Economic Growth Cllr Robin Currie Policy Lead for the Economy and Rural Growth Page 106
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January 2024 For further information contact: Douglas Whyte Team Lead – Housing Strategy E-mail: douglas.whyte@argyll-bute.gov.uk Tel: 01546 604 785 APPENDICES Appendix 1 – Extract from LHS 2022 - 2027 (data as of 2021) Cowal Appendix 2 – Extract from LHS 2022 - 2027 (data as of 2021) Bute Page 107
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Appendix 1 - Extract from LHS 2022 -2027 (data as of 2020) Cowal Cowal is projected to see a significant demographic decline if recent trends continue. It is the mainland housing market most influenced by house purchasers from out with Argyll and Bute – only 44% of sales in the area are to local residents. Average house prices have actually been lower than most other HMAs in Argyll and Bute in recent years, while household incomes are roughly average for the authority, making this one of the relatively affordable housing market areas within the authority. Since 2015 the total dwelling stock increased by over 5%, and currently Cowal accounts for 18% of the authority’s housing. At the time of the last LHS, in 2015, almost 14% of the dwelling stock was deemed ineffective to meet local needs, i.e. second/holiday homes and long-term vacant properties. This has improved to 11% of the total, albeit this remains a substantial proportion of the housing stock. Over the last five years RSL homes have increased by around 3%, bringing the total social rented stock in 2020 to 1,476 which is 17% of the Argyll and Bute sector total. There are approximately 3 waiting list applicants for every available let, and 20% of all homeless cases are located here; therefore it is evident that despite some development activity and historic population decline, a degree of unmet need remains. Parts of rural Cowal also fall within the planning remit of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, and issues regarding high levels of second/holiday homes, and affordability for permanent residents are often exacerbated in these areas. Key issues for Cowal HMA: Although the rate of population decline would suggest that a surplus supply might be generated from within existing housing stock and therefore the need for new build would be minimal; nevertheless there are ongoing levels of unmet need in terms of long waiting lists and relatively high homelessness, and a judicious, strategically planned programme of new build could in fact help to support economic growth and reverse the population decline as well as addressing specific unmet needs, such as demand for specialist accommodation. Population Households Dwellings Ineffective Stock (%) RSL Stock Waiting List Applicants RSL Lets (2019/20) Pressure Ratio Lower Quartile House Price Lower Quartile Income LQ Affordability Ratio 14,003 7,362 8,722 11% 1,476 400 131 3:1 £65,375 £14,617 4.5 Cowal Page 108
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Appendix 1 - Extract from LHS 2022 -2027 (data as of 2021) Bute Bute HMA is one of the least self-contained housing markets in Argyll and Bute, with only 38% of house sales being to local residents. Almost 35% of purchasers originate elsewhere in Scotland. Despite the lowest average household income in Argyll & Bute, historically it has been by some way the most affordable area in the authority with a local price to income ratio of 4.0. Over the course of the last LHS, the number of dwellings increased very marginally (0.4%), although total RSL stock has declined (due to a demolition/reconfiguration programme), while the number of households decreased by around 1%. Over 19% of the general housing stock is unavailable to meet local need i.e. second/holiday homes or long-term vacant. While evidence remains of potential over-supply in the RSL sector - with relatively high annual turnover, areas of low demand, and the main landlords sustaining a number of voids– nevertheless there are indications of increased market activity and growing pressures. Key issues for Bute HMA: The main focus for Bute remains maintaining, repairing, improving and managing the existing stock, across all tenures. However, emerging perceptions on the island suggest that need for additional, affordable housing may be growing as greater pressures are becoming evident with increased market activity and more properties potentially being lost from the effective, permanent housing stock. Tackling fuel poverty, improving energy efficiency and targeting Housing Options advice and assistance remain priorities; as does supporting those with particular needs to remain independent in their home or within the community as far as possible. Population Households Dwellings Ineffective Stock (%) RSL Stock Waiting List Applicants RSL Lets (2019/20) Pressure Ratio Lower Quartile House Price Lower Quartile Income LQ Affordability Ratio 5,981 3,372 4,247 19% 1,054 148 172 0 £45,000 £11,093 4.0 Bute Page 109
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL Bute and Cowal Area Committee DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 05 March 2024 2023/24 Active Travel Progress Report 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1. This report provides an update to Members on the progress made in 2023/24 in relation to active travel projects in the Bute and Cowal (B&C) Area, informs Members of the significant changes in Scottish Government active travel funding and seeks continued support for the projects and wider active travel measures from Members. 1.2. Active travel encompasses accessible, everyday Walking, Mobility Assistance and child prams (sometime collectively termed “Wheeling”) and Cycling. The focus of active travel is on accessible provision including those with mobility impairments. 1.3. The Council’s Active Travel Team, 1.7 Full Time Equivalent employees, is part of the Strategic Transport Team within the Development and Economic Growth Service. No Council funding is currently received by the Active Travel Team. All project costs, including internal staff costs, have to be funded via successfully securing highly competitive external challenge funds. 1.4. The Active Travel Team work with communities, internal and external stakeholders across Argyll and Bute to develop and deliver active travel projects which provide new/improved accessible infrastructure (e.g. paths, cycle lanes) and behaviour change (e.g. access to bikes, walking/cycle training, promotional activities). 1.5. In 2023/24 to date, the Active Travel Team secured £2.56M external funding for the development and delivery of a total of 23 projects across Argyll and Bute. These include 4 Argyll and Bute wide projects, valued at £155,000 in 23/24 and projects specific to the B&C area, with a 23/24 value of £667,000. 1.6. The Active Travel Team work to source and secure highly competitive funding from a range of sources, the main of which are Transport Scotland’s Places for Everyone (PFE) Programme (administered by Sustrans), the Scottish Government’s Cycling, Walking and Safer Routes (CWSR) fund and Delivery Resource Fund, Paths for All Smarter Choices Smarter Places (SCSP) programme, Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Transformation Fund (ATTF), Page 111 Agenda Item 10
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and HITRANS Regional Active Travel Fund. Further funding has been secured for some projects via local community organisations and from willing businesses. It is recognised at a national level that the Active Travel Team in Argyll and Bute Council secure significantly more funding, and subsequently deliver more projects, than similar staffed teams in other Local Authorities and/or local authorities with similar populations. 1.7. Transport Scotland have informed Officers that, as of 24/25, the funding model for active travel will change. The primary change will be the reallocation of the significant funding currently disbursed via third-sector organisations (such as Sustrans or Paths for All) and, to a lesser extent Transport Scotland (e.g. CWSR), to individual Local Authority block grants and a single Transport Scotland controlled Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF). This will be undertaken incrementally over a 2 year transition period. 1.8. Transport Scotland informed Officers on 23 January 2024 that, as of 24/25, the funding model for active travel will change. Transitional arrangements for infrastructure design and construction are understood by Officers to be: • 24/25 a proportion of the Scottish Government’s active travel funding will be allocated to Local Authority block grants with the remainder remaining as challenge funding, in particular in the PFE Programme (administered by Sustrans) and Transport Scotland’s ATIF fund. Transport Scotland have stated that failure to expend the block grant allocation on appropriate active travel projects will negatively affect the Council’s opportunity to secure additional funding from the ATIF. The Scottish Government’s budget commits a total of £220M to active travel in 24/25. • 25/26, those Local Authorities which chose (in 24/25) to expend the full amount of active travel funding in their block grant on appropriate active travel projects will receive an increase in their block grant allowance for active travel, with a smaller percentage of the overall funding being available via challenge funds following the closure of the PFE programme (forecast for December 2025). The Scottish Government has set an objective of committing 10% of the 25/26 transport budget to active travel, estimated to be c.£320M. • 26/27 onwards the challenge funding available will be solely focused on assisting Local Authorities with the cost of delivering very highly ambitious active travel projects, as active travel infrastructure funding for smaller projects will be included within block grants of those Local Authorities which have chosen in 24/25 and 25/26 to dedicate it to active travel. 1.9. Transitional arrangement for behaviour change is understood by Officers to be the transfer of the majority of the Scottish Government’s behaviour change funding in 24/25 onwards from third sector organisations to the Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs). This will enable the development and delivery of behaviour change programmes/activities which are tailored to the specific requirements of each RTP area. A small element of the Scottish Government’s Page 112
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behaviour change funding will be retained to continue campaigns/cycle training programmes which are deemed to be most effective when delivered at a national scale. 1.10. Separately, Officers are working to develop an Active Travel Strategy (ATS) for Argyll and Bute which will set out the policy and strategic context for the development and delivery of active travel across the whole of Argyll and Bute. Subsequent to this, an Active Travel Delivery Plan (ATDP) will be developed which will identify the specific projects to be developed in order to achieve the ambition set in the ATS. 1.11. Active Travel can offer significant benefits to the area: • Access to essential services and employment: In B&C 30% of households (3,204 households) do not have access to a motor vehicle and are therefore reliant on public transport and active travel modes. • Health benefits: being more active reduces the risk of premature morbidity and death, particularly from diseases related to inactivity. • Economics: People who travel to shops by walking and/or cycling have a higher monthly spend than people who travel to shops by private car. • Improving safety: reduces injuries from car collisions. 1.12. A number of active travel projects link to schools, offering the opportunity to increase the numbers of pupils, parents and staff choosing to walk, cycle or wheel to school. While the main benefits are improved physical and mental health, where new active travel infrastructure creates a safe route to school where one did not previously exist it could reduce the requirement to provide school transport on safety grounds, thereby creating a revenue saving to the school transport budget. RECOMMENDATIONS 1.13. It is recommended that the Bute and Cowal members: 1.13.1. Welcome the progress made to date across a significant number of active travel projects by the small Active Travel Team. 1.13.2. Support the continuation of the projects and the submission of future funding applications to external challenge funds (while these still exist) to continue to develop design and construction stages in order to deliver these projects. 1.13.3. Support the allocation of the active travel funding element in the Council’s 24/25 block grant to the development and delivery of appropriate active travel projects, including those already underway in B&C. Page 113
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1.13.4. Instruct Officers to continue to identify and develop new active travel projects to benefit local residents, businesses and communities. Page 114
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL Bute and Cowal DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 28 February 2024 2023/24 Active Travel Progress Report 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1. This report provides an update to Members on the progress made in 2023/24 in relation to active travel projects in the Bute and Cowal (B&C) Area and seeks continued support for the projects from Members. 2.2. Active travel encompasses accessible, everyday Walking, Mobility Assistance and child prams (sometime collectively termed “Wheeling”) and Cycling. The focus of active travel is on accessible provision including those with mobility impairments. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1. It is recommended that the Bute and Cowal members: 3.1.1. Welcome the progress made to date across a significant number of active travel projects by the small Active Travel Team. 3.1.2. Support the continuation of the projects and the submission of future funding applications to external challenge funds (while these still exist) to continue to develop design and construction stages in order to deliver these projects. 3.1.3. Support the allocation of the active travel funding element in the Council’s 24/25 block grant to the development and delivery of appropriate active travel projects, including those already underway in B&C. 3.1.4. Instruct Officers to continue to identify and develop new active travel projects to benefit local residents, businesses and communities. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1. The Council’s Active Travel Team, 1.7 FTE (Full Time Equivalent employees), is part of the Strategic Transport Team within the Development and Economic Growth Service. No Council funding is currently received by the Active Travel Page 115
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Team. All project costs, including internal staff costs, have to be funded via successfully securing highly competitive external challenge funds. 4.2. It is recognised at a national level that the Active Travel Team in Argyll and Bute Council secure significantly more funding, and subsequently deliver more projects, than similar staffed teams in other Local Authorities and/or local authorities with similar populations. 4.3. The Active Travel Team work with communities, internal and external stakeholders across Argyll and Bute to develop and deliver active travel projects which provide new/improved accessible infrastructure (e.g. paths, cycle lanes) and behaviour change (e.g. access to bikes, walking/cycle training, promotional activities). 4.4. In 2023/24 to date, the Active Travel Team secured £2.56M external funding for the development and delivery of a total of 23 projects across Argyll and Bute, including Argyll and Bute wide projects, valued at £155,000 in 23/24 and projects specific to the B&C area, with a 23/24 value of £667,000. Further details of these projects is presented in Appendix 1. Future Funding Model 4.5. Transport Scotland informed Officers on 23 January 2024 that, as of 24/25, the funding model for active travel will change. At the time of writing, Transport Scotland have stated that they are unable to confirm the value of specific funding streams for 24/25 as these are still subject to agreement with COSLA. It is understood the primary change will be the reallocation of the significant funding currently disbursed via third-sector organisations (such as Sustrans or Paths for All) and, to a lesser extent Transport Scotland (e.g. CWSR) to individual Local Authority block grants and a single Transport Scotland challenge fund, the Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF). This will be undertaken incrementally over a 2 year transition period. 4.6. Provisional transitional arrangements for infrastructure design and construction are understood by Officers to be: • 24/25 the allocation of a proportion of the Scottish Government’s active travel funding to Local Authority block grants with the remainder remaining as challenge funding, in particular in the PFE Programme (administered by Sustrans) and Transport Scotland’s ATIF. The split of allocation the funding is understood to still be in negation between Transport Scotland and COSLA with Transport Scotland expecting to confirm values in early 24/25. Transport Scotland have also stated that failure to expend the block grant allocation on appropriate active travel work will negatively affect the Council’s opportunity to secure additional funding from the ATIF. • 25/26, those Local Authorities which chose (in 24/25) to expend the full amount of active travel funding in their block grant on appropriate active Page 116
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travel projects will receive an increase in their block grant allowance for active travel, with a smaller percentage of the overall funding being available via challenge funds including the closure of the PFE programme (forecast for December 2025). • From 26/27 onwards the challenge funding available (e.g. ATIF) will be solely focused on assisting Local Authorities with the cost of delivering very highly ambitious active travel projects, as the active travel infrastructure funding for smaller projects will be included within the block grants of those Local Authorities which chose to dedicate it to active travel in 24/25 and 25/26. 4.7. Behaviour change funding will be transferred from third sector organisations to the Regional Transport Partnerships (RTPs) in 24/25 onwards. This will enable the development and delivery of behaviour change programmes/activities which are tailored to the specific requirements of each RTP area. A small element of the Scottish Government’s behaviour change funding will be retained to continue campaigns/programmes which are deemed to be most effective when delivered at a national scale. Officers have started to engage with our RTPs (HITRANS and SPT) in order to understand and influence the future plans for the delivery of behaviour change projects. Current (2023/24) Funding Model 4.8. The Active Travel Team work to source and secure highly competitive funding from a range of sources, the main of which are Transport Scotland’s Places for Everyone (PFE) Programme (administered by Sustrans), the Scottish Government’s Cycling, Walking and Safer Routes (CWSR) fund and Delivery Resource Fund, Paths for All Smarter Choices Smarter Places (SCSP) programme, Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Transformation Fund (ATTF), and HITRANS Regional Active Travel Fund. Further funding has been secured for some projects via local community organisations and from willing businesses. It is recognised at a national level that the Active Travel Team in Argyll and Bute Council secure significantly more funding, and subsequently delivery more projects, than similar staffed teams in other Local Authorities and/or local authorities with similar populations. 4.9. The primary external funding route for active travel infrastructure design is Transport Scotland’s Places for Everyone (PFE) programme (which Sustrans are paid to administer). The PFE Programme is a competitive challenge fund structured around 8 project stages; with the 32 local authorities, 7 regional transport partnerships, two national parks and numerous community groups across Scotland competing against each other to secure the funding each project requires. In 23/24, the Active Travel Team secured £1.7M from the PFE Programme. It has been announced that the PFE Programme will by wound down with a final closure date of December 2025. Page 117
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4.10. A minimum of three new competitive funding submissions are required to complete a project using PFE funding, with competitive applications required, as a minimum, prior to Stage 0 (Strategic Definition), Stage 3 (Developed Design) and Stage 5 (Construction). The full project stages are (0) Strategic Definition, (1) Preparation and Brief, (2) Concept Design), (3) Developed Design, (4) Technical Design, (5) Construction, (6) Handover & Close Out and (7) In Use. 4.11. The Scottish Government Cycling, Walking and Safer Routes (CWSR) fund is an annual ring-fenced fund which provides the opportunity for Local Authorities to identify and deliver lower value active travel infrastructure without the level of complexity and time required by the PFE route. In 23/24, the Active Travel Team secured £551,000 from the CWSR fund. It is understood by Officers that the CWSR fund will terminate in March 2024. 4.12. The Smarter Choices Smarter Places (SCSP) programme is run by Paths for All and provides funding for behaviour change projects. Behaviour change projects are designed to influence behaviour and choice, rather than provide new infrastructure. In 23/24, the Active Travel Team secured £80,000 from the SCSP programme. It has been announced that the SCSP programme will terminate in March 2024. 4.13. Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Transformation Fund (ATTF) was launched in 23/24 and focuses on supporting Local Authorities, RTPs and National Parks with the additional cost of constructing very ambitious, high-quality active travel projects. Projects must be fully construction ready prior to submission to the ATTF. Officers submitted two applications to the 23/24 ATTF, but, while these were shortlisted on the reserve list, were unsuccessful in securing funding in 23/24. The application deadline for 24/25 projects to ATTF is late January 2024 and, at the time of writing, Officers are developing competitive submissions. 4.14. HITRANS Regional Active Travel Fund has previously supported a number of projects in B&C. HITRANS have a relatively small capital budget compared to the geographical area covered and require to support five local authorities. Benefits of Active Travel 4.15. 30% of households (3,204 households) in the B&C area do not have access to any motor vehicles (2011 census) and are therefore reliant on public transport and active travel methods to move around. 4.16. Transport poverty is defined as households and individuals who spend a significant percentage of their income to make the journeys they need (UK Government, 2019). In B&C, where a higher than Scottish average of the population have low incomes (SIMD, 2020), the cost of travel is a significant barrier to a substantial number of the community. This is highlighted by the higher than Scottish average number of households have multiple cars but Page 118
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shorter than Scottish average journey distances to work/study (2011 census), indicating that a significant number of households own multiple cars to travel short distances. Walking, wheeling (mobility aids/child prams) and cycling are much cheaper than running a car or using public transport, and improving opportunities to choose to walk/cycle for essential journeys can improve access to essential services, reduce social exclusion and increase opportunities to access education and employment. 4.17. Health benefits of enabling individuals and communities to choose to travel more actively are well documented and a significant body of research has identified that having active, healthy lifestyles helps to reduce fragility and reduce falls as individuals age, and increase social inclusion and accessibility. In particular, being more active reduces the risk of premature morbidity and death, particularly from diseases related to inactivity including cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, stroke, dementia, type 2 diabetes, hip fractures and cancer. Active travel also has significant mental health benefits including increasing social inclusion and reducing depression. This means those who choose to be more active are less likely to require social care services in later life which could result in a future saving to the Council or HSCP (DfT, 2014; CIHT, 2016; Centre for Mental Health, 2016; Scottish Government, 2018; Dunoon Shaping Places for Wellbeing, 2022; World Health Organisation, 2022; Public Health Scotland, 2022; Public Health Scotland, 2023). 4.18. Economics: People who travel to shops actively by walking and/or cycling, while they spend less per individual visit, make more visits a month and have a higher monthly spend than people who travel to shops by private car (Pedestrian Pound, 2018). Improving public realm and routes to shops for pedestrians and cyclists can increase trade by up to 40% (Pedestrian Pound, 2018). 4.19. Improving safety through good design, in particular to protect more vulnerable individuals, pedestrians and cyclists, reduces injuries from car collisions (Public Health Scotland, 2022). Where people choose to travel actively to make a journey instead of using a private car, this reduces the number of car movements which makes streets cleaner, improves air quality, reduces traffic congestion and reduces demand for space to park in key hotspots. 4.20. A number of the active travel projects link to schools, thereby offering the opportunity to increase the numbers of pupils, parents and staff choosing to walk, cycle or wheel to school. While the main benefits are improved physical and mental health, such provision may also generate a saving on school transport provision. Argyll and Bute Council provide free school transport to some pupils on safety grounds. This is where pupils live less than the legislative minimum distance from school to qualify for free school transport provision, but where there is no safe active travel route to school. Where new active travel infrastructure creates a safe route to school where one did not previously exist it Page 119
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could reduce the requirement to provide school transport on safety grounds, thereby creating a revenue saving. Design guidance 4.21. It is understood that adherence to the latest design criteria for active travel (e.g. Cycle by Design for cycle projects) will continue to be a requirement. However, the removal of national third-sector organisations from control of the main active travel funding steams should enable Officers to apply the guidance in a more flexible and specific manner to local circumstances. Utilising adopted design guidance provides a clear framework for development of designs which are appropriate, accessible, attractive and safe. Active Travel Strategy (ATS) 4.22. Separately, Officers are working to develop an Active Travel Strategy (ATS) for Argyll and Bute which will set out the policy and strategic context for the development and delivery of active travel across the whole of Argyll and Bute. Subsequent to this, an Active Travel Delivery Plan (ATDP) will be developed which will identify the specific projects to be developed in order to achieve the ambition set in the ATS. 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1. Significant changes to the funding model in 2024/25 and 2025/26 will create opportunities for active travel projects to focus on local priorities, rather than projects which meet the aspirations and objectives of national organisations. However, continued delivery of new and improved active travel opportunities to the residents, businesses, communities and visitors in the B&C area will require Members to commit the additional active travel funding allocation in the 24/25 Council Block Grant to the development and delivery of active travel projects. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1. Policy Completion of this project will support the Council’s SOA outcomes 2: We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth and 5: People live active, healthier and independent lives. The project also supports achievement of the Scottish Government’s objectives set out in the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS) and Let’s Get Scotland Walking - The National Walking Strategy. 6.2. Financial The change in approach to the provision of active travel funding by the Scottish Government from external challenge funding to including it within the Page 120
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Council’s block grant will require Members to decide to allocate the funding to develop and deliver active travel projects. Improved active travel provision could reduce the requirement to provide school transport on safety grounds, thereby creating a revenue saving. There is strong evidence that people who are more active, for example by walking or cycling, have better physical and mental health and are less likely to require social care services in later life which could result in a future saving to the Council or HSCP. 6.3. Legal Continued input will be required from Legal Services to support any land acquisition required for the creation of active travel routes. 6.4. HR None. 6.5. Fairer Scotland Duty: 6.5.1 Equalities Provision of new and improved active travel infrastructure and behaviour change options will provide enhanced opportunities for residents and visitors to choose to travel more sustainably and actively by walking, wheeling and cycling. All new active travel routes are designed to be accessible and DDA compliant to provide a safe and accessible route for those with mobility aids including wheelchairs and parents/guardians with a child’s pram or buggy. 6.5.2 Socio- economic Duty New and improved active travel routes will improve access to essential services, retail, leisure and employment opportunities for local residents, with studies demonstrating those who travelled actively had a higher monthly spend in local businesses than those who travel via motorised transport. The routes will also offer opportunities for individuals to travel for leisure, again encouraging spend in local businesses connected by the routes. 6.5.3 Islands A number of the active travel projects are based on islands, thereby providing the same opportunities for island residents/visitors to choose to travel actively as those on the mainland. Where visitors choose to travel actively in leu of taking a motor vehicle this can help reduce demand for the overstretched vehicle capacity on the ferry services. Page 121
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6.6. Climate Change Active Travel is the least carbon intensive mode of travel. Providing the opportunity for residents and visitors to consider an alternative to having to use a private car to travel will help lower Argyll and Bute’s carbon footprint. 6.7. Risk There is a reputational risk to the Council if the projects are not completed within a reasonable timeframe. 6.8. Customer Services None. 6.9. The Rights of the Child Active travel is the most accessible mode of travel to young people, as it does not have any minimum age limits, does not require any form of licence, is free to use and is not tied to any fixed timetable. All new active travel infrastructure is designed to be utilised by an unaccompanied 12 year old. Engagement with school pupils indicates that the vast majority of pupils strongly support the provision of new active travel infrastructure, even where it would adversely impact other modes of transport. Executive Director with the responsibility for Development and Economic Growth: Kirsty Flanagan Policy Lead: Cllr Andrew Kain 24 January 2024 For further information contact: Colin Young Strategic Transportation Delivery Officer colin.young@argyll-bute.gov.uk 01546 604275 Appendix 1: 2024/25 Active Travel Projects Page 122
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Appendix 1: 2024/25 Projects Project Outline Programme Detail Active Travel Promotional Campaign Spring 2024: launch and 1st campaign 24/25: continue campaign Future: Creation of a new sustainable travel (walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport) promotional brand “Better Journeys” and develop a promotional campaign to raise awareness of opportunities to travel actively and sustainably across Argyll and Bute. External funding has been retained within the Council by working with the Council’s Communications Team to develop the brand, campaign materials including posters and social media clips and prepare to launch the campaign in spring 2024. Beat the Street Game 14 Feb – 27 Mar 2024 Beat the Street is a 6-week game run by Intelligent Health and funded by Paths for All Smarter Choices Smarter Places, supported by Transport Scotland. The Argyll and Bute Beat the Streets game is being run jointly with North Ayrshire Council between 14 Feb and 27 Mar 2024, and within Argyll and Bute includes the settlements of Helensburgh, Cardross, Rhu and Kilcreggan; Dunoon, Toward, Strone and Sandbank; Rothesay and Port Bannatyne; Campbeltown, Carradale, Drumlemble and Southend. Beat the Street is a free, fun, walking, cycling and wheeling game which gets communities, school pupils, and their families out and about in the local area, having fun and keeping healthy. It’s designed to get children and communities moving by helping people to make small changes, such as walking or cycling to school every day, to improve physical and mental health and help embed physical activity into everyday life. Free game packs have been delivered to primary schools within the areas above, including a contactless game card for each Page 123
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pupil. Additional game cards can be collected by members of the public from public distribution locations such as libraries in the game areas. Players use contactless game cards to hover over the Beat Boxes which have been installed on lamp posts in the game areas and score points as they travel around. There is also a smartphone app which players over 13 years old can download. For further information please see: https://www.beatthestreet.me/activenation/ Smart phone app promotion Summer 2023: 1st campaign Summer 2024: 2nd campaign Future: potential to repeat campaign annually Promotional campaign to raise awareness and use of the five existing active travel smartphone apps (Campbeltown, Dunoon, Helensburgh, Oban and Rothesay). The first year of the campaign in summer 2023 increased downloads of the free to access apps by 74%. Pedestrian and Cycle Counters Ongoing: dependent on securing annual funding Argyll and Bute Council operate a network of automated pedestrian and cycle counters with 36 installed across the Council area. The data from these counters is used to monitor changes in pedestrian/cycle numbers, including from new routes, and by partners to support compilation of national statistics. The data is also publicly available via a dedicated website. Dunoon Active Travel Bothy Ongoing: dependent on securing annual funding Working in partnership with Cycling UK, the successful Dunoon Bothy project supports local residents in Dunoon and Cowal to choose to walk or cycle. The Bothy staff and volunteers offer a range of activities including family activities, led walks, led rides, cycle training and cycle loan to encourage and enable residents to view active travel as a viable option for short everyday journeys. Dunoon Behaviour Change Plan 2023/24: plan drafted 2024/25 – onwards: plan implemented Working in partnership with Dunoon Community Development Trust and the Shaping Places for Wellbeing project to develop a town wide behaviour change plan to support individuals and groups to find opportunities to become more active with the Page 124
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objectives of increasing inclusion/reducing social isolation, increasing access to services, improving health and reducing transport poverty. Dunoon to Hunters Quay Active Travel Route 2018/19: Concept Design v1 2023/24: Concept Design v2 2024/25: Developed and Technical Design 2026/27 – 2029/30: Construction This project seeks to improve the strategically important corridor between Dunoon and Hunters Quay that connects the ferry terminal at Hunters Quay with Dunoon Town Centre and the Dunoon Ferry Terminal for pedestrians and cyclists. The project also seeks to introduce a series of improved crossing facilities at key locations along its length in order to create safer accessible links over the A815 thereby improving the connection for everyone including those with limited mobility between the route which runs along the seaward side of the A815 and facilities and residential areas that are located on the landward side of the A815. The project also seeks to introduce public realm improvements at key locations such as the Kirn Shops to help emphasize Kirn as a destination and create an improved sense of place. Rothesay Town Centre to Joint Campus 2018/19: Concept Design 2020/21 - 2021/22: Developed Design 2024/25: Technical Design 2026/27 – 2029/30: Construction This project has developed a preferred option for a safe route between Rothesay Town centre and the Joint Campus along the B881 High Street, and in 24/25 it is planned to develop the preferred option to a fully constructible set of designs. This will deliver on the community ambition to create a safe route between the town centre and the Joint Campus, and it will create an important active travel route that will link in with the health centre, hospital, leisure centre, town centre, ferry terminal and other key services/destinations. Rothesay Pavilion to Albert Pier 2023/24: Concept Design 2024/25: Developed Design 2025/26: Technical Design This project will undertake extensive community engagement to develop options and designs to improve the walking, wheeling and cycling environment along the A844 Victoria Street, including the provision of links into the neighbouring communities and destinations along the route, from the Rothesay Pavilion to the Page 125
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2026/27 – 2027/28: Construction Rothesay Ferry Terminal and on to Albert Pier. This route is a key commuter and community link that will provide a safe active travel route to places of employment, essential services, residential areas, transport hubs, key recreational facilities and a range of retail services. The designs will include appropriate place making elements to enhance the route and offer wider public benefits along the route corridor. The designs will also improve pedestrian links into Rothesay Town Centre, Discovery Centre and the Rothesay Pavilion, and make allowance for potential future active travel connections, including onward on the A844 and the planned active travel improvements between Rothesay Ferry Terminal and the Joint Campus. Dunoon Castle Gardens Path Upgrade As per Economic Development plan Financial support to Economic Development colleagues to support upgrading paths within Dunoon Castle Gardens as part of the wider Castle Gate Lodge project to improve links to the newly refurbished Gate Lodge and improve walking, wheeling and cycling links through the Castle Gardens to improve active travel links between Dunoon Ferry Terminal, Town Centre and Promenade and the large residential areas behind the Castle Gardens. Page 126
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE AND COWAL AREA COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 5 MARCH 2024 ROTHESAY TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE SCHEME – MARCH 2024 FINAL UPDATE 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1. The purpose of this report is to update members on the progress of the Rothesay Townscape Heritage (TH) scheme as the programme nears completion. 1.2. The 5 year programme, which started in September 2017, was due to complete in September 2022. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent impact on the construction industry, completion was delayed until 31st December 2023. Further contractor and weather related delays now mean the programme will have a final completion date of 31st March 2024 to allow for these final transformational projects to be completed as planned. 1.3. The programme has made a transformational difference to the town centre of Rothesay including: • 4 priority buildings restored with a 5th due to complete by end of March 2024. This includes the new Argyll and Bute Council Customer Service hub at 37 Victoria Street. • 4 shopfronts restored with a 5th due to complete by end March 2024. • 9 traditional window projects completed. • 14 training and community engagement events held involving School Pupils and Homeowners. • 1 Community pop-up shop and innovation space created. RECOMMENDATIONS That members of the Bute and Cowal Area Committee note and consider the content of the report. Page 127 Agenda Item 11
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE AND COWAL AREA COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 5 MARCH 2024 ROTHESAY TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE SCHEME – MARCH 2024 FINAL UPDATE 2. INTRODUCTION 2.1. The purpose of this report is to update members on the progress of the Rothesay Townscape Heritage (TH) scheme as the programme nears. 2.2. The 5 year programme which started in September 2017 was due to complete in September 2022. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent impact on the construction industry, completion was extended until 31st December 2023 to allow for all of the regeneration projects to complete as planned. Further contractor and weather related delays now mean the programme will have a final completion date of 31st March 2024 to allow for all of these transformational projects to be completed as planned. 2.3. The Rothesay Townscape Heritage (TH2) Project is a £2.8m jointly funded grant programme focusing on the regeneration of historic buildings as well as traditional skills, training and community engagement. 2.4. Rothesay TH is part funded by the Scottish Government, The European Community Argyll and the Islands LEADER Programme 2014-2020, Historic Environment Scotland, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Smarter Choices Smarter Places, and Argyll and Bute Council. 2.5. The programme has made a transformational difference to the town centre of Rothesay including: • 4 priority buildings restored with a 5th due to complete by end of March 2024. This includes the new Argyll and Bute Council Customer Service hub at 37 Victoria Street • 4 shopfronts restored with a 5th due to complete by end of March 2024. • 9 traditional window projects completed. • 14 training and community engagement events held involving School Pupils and Homeowners. • 1 Community pop-up shop and innovation space created. Page 128
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3. RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1. It is recommended that members of the Bute and Cowal Area Committee note and consider the content of the report. 4. DETAIL 4.1. Rothesay Townscape Heritage (TH) Scheme is primarily a heritage and regeneration focused grants administration scheme that involves substantial amounts of dialogue and commitment with property owners, both residential and business, and the wider community to see the economic regeneration realised. A large component of the programme is also dedicated to raising awareness of the historic built environment and celebrating the heritage and culture of the Isle of Bute. 4.2. The scheme has been transformational for the town centre and has delivered visual improvements benefitting those who live, work and visit this historic town. 4.3. Priority Building Repairs Full scale repairs have now been carried out to the following properties: • Isle of Bute Discovery Centre (The Winter Gardens) • 73-77 Victoria Street • 39-43 Victoria Street • 1 Tower Street & 37 Victoria Street (New Customer Service Hub) • 69-72 Victoria Street (due to complete by end of February 2024) The regeneration works that have taken place at 1 Tower Street/37 Victoria Street include the new customer service hub. Argyll and Bute Council had purchased 37 Victoria Street (former Royal Bank of Scotland Branch) and this allowed for registration staff to be relocated from Eaglesham House to this ideal town centre location. The public response to announcements on social media has been very positive and a welcome move in terms of accessibility. 4.4. Shopfront Restoration The following shops have benefitted from full-scale restoration: • The Electric Bakery • Glens Clothing, Victoria Street • Bussey’s, Victoria Street (currently occupied by “For Bute”) • DC Murray, Argyle Street • 70 Victoria Street (Empty Premises to become “Gallacher Furniture”) Page 129
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4.5. Training and Community Engagement The following projects have been delivered with a view to raising awareness of the historic built environment, to celebrate the heritage and culture of Bute, and to help strengthen resilience within the island’s creative, innovative and tourism industries: • Built Heritage Information Sessions – 244 school pupils learnt about common building problems and the importance of maintenance through a range of educational tools and workshops. A range of practical workshops were also held for homeowners, including the repair and maintenance of timber windows, and working with lime render. • Environmental Arts Project – An audio tour of Rothesay, entitled, “If these stones could talk” encouraged an audience of 22 to discover the hidden delights of Rothesay and what makes it a great place to live, work and visit. • Audience Development – The work sought to engage with the local community to understand how best to market Bute to visitors. Targeted segments including: heritage, wildlife and active tourism were recommended as a result of the exercise, and which form the basis of a toolkit that is available to businesses island-wide, and which has been shared with Visit Bute as a resource that can be further developed by the organisation. This report has also been shared with Bute BID who have expressed it contains very useful information and research in relation to delivering their primary aim of establishing the Island as a thriving, vibrant place where visitors will want to visit and where new businesses will want to invest. • Digital Strategy – Further analysis explored the digital journey that visitors make from first considerations to actually stepping foot on the island, and which resulted in recommendations around the need for a Bute brand, specific digital platforms, and a central organised marketing effort. This report has been shared with Bute BID who are looking in to improving the digital presence of Bute Businesses. • Artist’s Workshop Analysis – A project was undertaken to analyse demand for town centre artists’ workshop and studio space using the WASPS model, which houses workshops in restored historic derelict buildings. The study recognised Bute’s vibrant artistic community, and suggested there is interest for a shared workshop/studio space, though also illustrated the difficulties in achieving this due to the variety of art practices, all of which require quite different and specific needs. • Wayfinding – Areas of the town centre were reviewed with sustainable transport in mind. As part of the TH boundary, options for Page 130
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the Harbour and Promenade area were developed to detailed design stage and which include potential for enhanced walking and cycling routes. This report has been shared with colleagues in Sustainable Transport who have now been able to secure external funding and have commissioned a contractor to develop options for improving walking/cycling facilities linking Rothesay Pavilion, Ferry Terminal and Albert Pier along the A844 Argyle Street / Victoria Street. Part of this will involve community consultation on the potential improvements. • The BANK Enterprise Space – Rothesay TH grant funded the full operational costs relating to a popup and co-working space pilot, from which substantial learning was derived. This pilot has provided a well- used community space that delivers events, engagement opportunities and temporary office space. • Rothesay Castle “Town and Sea” Projection – A two day event that projected on to the castle wall, mural projects, based on the maritime past of Bute and the colours, textures and materials that make up the townscape. • Programme Evaluation – A contractor was commissioned in 2023 to undertake an evaluation of the programme. The exercise evaluated the impact of both the current programme and previous “Rothesay THI 2011-16” programme. A socio economic data and perception analysis was also carried out as part of this exercise in order to compare data with the previous programme. This report is being updated to include the most recently completed buildings and will be finalised and available following the programme closure in March 2024. 5. CONCLUSION 5.1. Programme staff are now working closely with owners and their respective architects to ensure the successful completion of the remaining two building projects. 5.2. The 5 year programme has delivered a transformational benefit to the town centre of Rothesay. This has complemented previous investment by the “Rothesay Townscape Heritage Initiative 2011-16” programme that focused on the eastern side of the town. 5.3. Following completion of the programme at the end of March 2024 the evaluation report will be finalised providing key outputs. Page 131
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6. IMPLICATIONS 6.1. Policy - The Outcome Improvement Plan, Local Development Plan, Economic Strategy and Economic Recovery Plan support town centre regeneration and a diverse and thriving economy. 6.2. Financial - Argyll and Bute Council funding of £200,000 is committed. In addition, Rothesay TH is also made up of the following which do not include the owners contributions: National Lottery Heritage Fund £1,888,500 Historic Environment Scotland £500,000 Highlands and Islands Enterprise £70,249 LEADER £65,800 Smarter Choices Smarter Places £21,500 6.3. Legal - Grant contracts were provided to third parties. 6.4. HR - A dedicated project officer has been recruited for the duration of the project. Staff salaries are included within the project budget. 6.5. Fairer Scotland Duty: 6.5.1 Fairer Scotland Duty – None. 6.5.2 Equalities – None. 6.5.3 Socio-economic Duty – None. 6.5.4 Islands – This project benefits the town of Rothesay. 6.6. Climate Change - No direct implications. The importance of this subject is communicated to contractors to ensure that where possible climate adaption and mitigation is considered to help create a thriving, sustainable local economy and a healthier, happier place fostering lower carbon lifestyles. 6.7. Risk - That grant schemes are undersubscribed or that projects run over time or budget. These risks will be carefully monitored and mitigation measures introduced on a case by case basis. The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic also presents a risk to meeting project timelines and as such related Government guidance will continually be reviewed. 6.8. Customer Service - The council is responsible for administering Rothesay Townscape Heritage grants on behalf of National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland and for ensuring due diligence in the performance of its duties. Page 132
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6.9. The Rights of the Child – None arising directly from this report. Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth Fergus Murray, Head of Development and Economic Growth Councillor Liz McCabe, Policy Lead for Islands and Business Development February 2024 For further information contact: Colin Fulcher, Senior Economic Regeneration Officer, Transformation Projects and Regeneration Team Audrey Martin, Transformational Projects and Regeneration Manager Page 133
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE & COWAL AREA COMMITTEE COMMUNITY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 5th March 2024 SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FUND - Monitoring of Projects Funded 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide monitoring information on the funding given to community projects from the council’s Supporting Communities Fund. 1.2 12 constituted, not-for-profit community organisations were awarded funding in 2022/23. Projects were required to spend their funding within 18 months of and submit an End of Project Monitoring Report outlining the project’s projected costs, actual costs incurred and beneficiaries. 1.3 Members are asked to consider the summary of information supplied by organisations in their End of Project Monitoring Reports highlighting the positive impact of projects in communities. 1.4 Members are asked to note the return of unspent funds of £676.69 and agree these are allocated to the 2024/25 round of Supporting Communities Fund. Page 135 Agenda Item 12
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE & COWAL AREA COMMITTEE COMMUNITY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 5th March 2024 SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FUND - Monitoring of Projects Funded 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 This report highlights the positive outcomes for communities in Bute and Cowal through the allocation of the Council’s Supporting Communities Fund (SCF) in the 2022/23 round of funding. 2.2 A total of £22,980.29 was awarded to 12 organisations in 2022/23. Organisations have up to two months from the end of the project to complete and return a project monitoring report. 2.3 A total of £676.69 unspent funds has been returned; and is proposed to be included in the distribution of the SCF for 2024/25. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the Bute and Cowal Area Committee: 3.1 Note and consider the positive contribution of the Supporting Communities Fund detailed in section 4 and the attached table. 3.2 Note that a total of £676.69 in unspent funds has been returned and agree that this be included in the distribution of the SCF for 2024/25. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 The funded projects supported over 2,350 people to participate in a variety of activities including outdoor, sports, music and activities to support positive mental health. Highlights include: • An immersive and inclusive outdoor heritage interpretation project enabling children to access local archaeological sites, working with Bute Museum and Ardencriag Gardens and a historian. The project encouraged creativity, fun and self- expression with a drama tutor and Page 136
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was delivered by Achievement Bute. • A community food growing project by Kirn Primary pupils, partnering with volunteers from the Grow Food Grow Dunoon project to grow and sell year-round produce from a poly-tunnel and garden. School environmental and climate topics linked to the project that was delivered by Dunoon Community Development Trust. • Live music was performed by Cowal Community orchestra, for Ukrainian refugee events, Christmas and community Burns Suppers. With new sheet music and musical director hours, the orchestra reached new audiences and supported an opportunity for a talented young musician. • An exciting film project for people with additional support needs encouraged participants to get moving and improve wellbeing after Covid-19 and express themselves through choreographed dance. They are reaching out to inspire others following the success of the project that was delivered by Waterbaby Arts. 4.2 The attached table summarises information received from individual projects. 4.3 12 grant recipients have submitted an End of Project Monitoring Report. 4.4 £676.69 in unspent funds has been returned; £676.69 to be included in the distribution of the SCF for 2024/25. Page 137
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2022/23 SCF Round of Funding No Organisation Project Funded Award End of Project Achievements No. of people in communities benefitting 1 Achievement Bute tutor fees, transport and materials to support the provision of a child-led programme of heritage and history based outdoor activities £2,500.00 Our original aim was to build on the success of previous work to offer children opportunities during school holidays to investigate, explore and interpret local landmarks/buildings and/or sites of historical interest. We worked with volunteers from the Bute Museum and Ardencraig Gardens Friends Group, together with a local historian/archaeologist and freelance drama tutor and we created a unique, educational immersive experience celebrating the history of Ardencraig Gardens. Free minibus transport was included (with a wheelchairadapted minibus) to ensure equality of access and no charge was made for the activities. 181 2 Argyll & Bute Befrienders 40 sessions of therapeutic and personal development activities for young people £680.00 We met the aims of the project in that we provided opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people to experience a range of recreational and therapeutic activities with the support of their befriender. The main activities undertaken were various sports including climbing, swimming, cycling and minigolf, arts and crafts activities such as pottery painting and felting and several of our young people benefited from horse-riding in small groups to build their confidence and help them learn to regulate their emotions. 19 (A&B wide ) 3 Argyll Mausoleum Limited t/a Historic Kilmun preparation of a feasibility study and delivery of a community consultation for the use of visitor centre at St Munn's Church. £637.71 The original aim of the project had been to consult with the community and stakeholders and using an architect to produce documents with drawings to present to potential funders and planning department for preplanning discussion about the future of the building. This funding enabled us to carry out the first stage of this. 68 4 Bute Community Land Company support for 6 community engagement events and will include the purchase of £2,464.70 Our events provided people with an opportunity to gather and meet like-minded people in a different social setting (the forest). All of our events contained an element of catering which 395 Page 138
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2022/23 SCF Round of Funding equipment and materials, expert fees and marketing costs. encouraged people to socialise and chat about the event they had just attended. As well as this the finish time for our events was always kept loose where people were welcome to stay and chat for as long as they liked. 5 Cairndow Community Childcare promotion, delivery and administration of 6 days of bicycle maintenance workshop sessions. £2,250.00 The cycle workshops proved very popular and were much appreciated by those who attended. The levels of knowledge regarding cycle maintenance were raised along with an awareness of how to cycle safely in our locality. The project has encouraged greater use of cycles in the area and a greater ability for cyclists to maintain their bikes without having to take them out with the area for repairs. 24 6 Cormonachan Community Woodlands Ltd provision of two free theatrical events during Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, one event aimed at children and the other for adults £2,000.00 We had 71 visitors attend the 2 free events on 3rd June 2022.:- The Wonderland Adventure at 2 pm with 39 attendees including lots of children and: Macbeth the Red at 7 pm with 32 adult attendees. We could not have provided these events for the local community without this valuable funding. 71 7 Cowal Choral Club venue hire and Musical Director fees to support the delivery of musical events and productions throughout 2022. £2,500.00 The impact on club and local community members was positive. The Club reduced isolation, establishing a WhatsApp group for members in-between rehearsals. Club membership was boosted to 58 members. We welcomed Ukrainians newly arrived in Dunoon, their inclusion has benefited them and the club. "…. I've enjoyed being back in rehearsals and especially back on stage - but it's the camaraderie, friendship and support from all of you that makes it extra special and all the more fun." A review published in the Dunoon Observer following our first production at the Queen’s Hall since 2014 demonstrated that the Club are ‘back in business.’ 58 8 Cowal Community Orchestra purchase of new music for the orchestra and 50 hours of Musical Director fees £1,500.00 We played in Oban for the Ukrainian Refugees event and also in Dunoon too. One of our new members is Ukrainian. Our youngest member has also been playing with the Nicola 279 Page 139
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2022/23 SCF Round of Funding Benedetti Conservatoire Orchestra which is so wonderful for a 12 year old. The Christmas Choir concert in Dunoon Burgh Hall was a great example of cross musical talents coming together to have a fun evening for the community. We also attend Burns Suppers to assist with tradition music too. We also busk in the town centre during the summer months so this attracts client groups not necessarily attending concerts or organised events. Herewith the concert programme and a sample of playing. 11 J'est me, Le Divin Enfant.mp3 9 Dunoon Community Development Trust volunteer expenses, insurance, and the purchase of materials, tools and plants to create raised beds £2,500.00 Our ‘Grow Food, Grow Dunoon’ working group established a partnership initiative with Kirn Primary School to establish a growing space in the school grounds. This space allowed a group of adult volunteers to create a ten-bed rotation vegetable garden alongside the school’s existing poly- tunnel. Food growing activities ran year-round with pupils from the school actively involved with their teachers and the adult volunteers in learning about our environment, our climate, nutrition, food supply chains and the value of local growing. 1,000 10 Dunoon Junior Shinty Club training fees, Camanachd Association Membership and insurance for 8 voluntary coaches, the purchase of 8 £2,500.00 This funding has helped us to provide safety equipment for players; supported volunteer membership, insurance and qualifications; and helped cover pitch fees so that club member fees could be used to purchase more safety equipment (helmets) 137 Page 140
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2022/23 SCF Round of Funding helmets and a contribution to annual pitch fees and playing equipment (sticks and balls). We ran a Family Fun Day at Dunoon Stadium which saw over 50 people attending to take part in fun games of shinty for all abilities. 11 Tighnabruaich Development Trust 60 Gaelic classes online/face-to-face using Speak Gaelic Materials, pre- school sessions, Gaelic holiday scheme play sessions and outdoor workshop in Glenan Community Woodland £948.88 The ‘Bringing Gaelic Home’ day was a success. The art club had produced 50+ art works with Gaelic titles and descriptions. The children’s story wring workshops were successful and enjoyed by all.. Adults popped into the hall throughout the day to take part or use the cafe, and the evening Ceilidh and meal was enjoyed by many. Gaelic classes using the Speak Gaelic materials are ongoing. The group meets weekly and will finish the first set of materials before the summer. The weekly on line zoom group is going well and are a couple of weeks behind the ‘face to face’ group. 110 12 Waterbaby Arts SCIO 6 weeks of bespoke dance workshops and 2 weeks of filming for dancers with additional support needs to produce a film capturing their creative response to Covid-19 £2,499.00 We produced 2 lovely films and exceeded expectations in the impact that the films made on the public and dancers. The dancers are now more enthused than ever and want to promote disability awareness by teaching in schools and helping others make films. We had so many workshops in choreography and basic movement - everyone could see the change in the participants, ownership of the film and their moves. 84 Page 141
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5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 The project monitoring form has a section asking for comments on the grant process. Not all applicants have completed this section but of those received, the comments have largely been very positive. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy: None 6.2 Financial: The report sets out the expenditure from the Bute & Cowal area 2022/23 budget for the allocation of Supporting Communities Fund 6.3 Legal: None 6.4 HR: None 6.5 Fairer Scotland Duty/Equalities/Islands: Compliant with policy and noting that 2 of the funded projects were on the Isle of Bute. 6.6 Climate Change: None 6.7 Risk: None 6.8 Customer Service: None 6.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC): None Chief Executive – Pippa Milne Policy Lead - Cllr Alistair Redman Communities and Partnership Manager – Rona Gold 12 February 2024 For further information contact: Community Development Officer Ailie Law on 01546 604707 / ailie.law@argyll-bute.gov.uk. Page 142
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Area Plans Update COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP/ AREA COMMITTEE FQ4 2023/24 Stuart Green Chief Executives Unit Argyll and Bute Council Page 143 Agenda Item 13
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#abplace2b Area Plans – What, Why and How? What? Creating area-based plans for all our communities, reflecting investment opportunities and local service prioritisation. Why? Increase rate of external investment by improving how we align with growing number of external funding streams (e.g. government). How? Through consensus, forward plan investment opportunities that improve outcomes. Page 144
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#abplace2b Area Plans – Mandate Council Agreed Priorities – November 2022 Corporate Plan 2023 - 2027; Agreed by Policy and Resources Committee – October 2023 Number of locality plans. Purpose & Principles Approach Resourcing and timescales In addition; agreed to reflect any relevant outcomes from the Community Planning Partnership Community Wealth Building Review relevant to the Council in the approach to producing area plans. Page 145
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#abplace2b No of Locality Plans 8 Areas Page 146
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#abplace2b Area Plans – Purpose & Principles Purpose Capture community vision and aspirations for each area. Reflect investment opportunities Identify local projects. Principles 1. The plans will be orientated towards maximising external funding. 2. The plans do not guarantee the provision of funding towards any of the projects contained therein. 3. The plans will seek to promote proposals that are aligned with the Council’s strategic plans and priorities. 4. All projects delivered by the Council will be prioritised and developed using our adopted project methodologies and processes. Page 147
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#abplace2b What is in scope? Projects – planned and proposed by CPP Partners and community groups. Community wealth building opportunities. Housing; needs, demands and opportunities. High level summary on socio economic data. Collating this information provides a baseline narrative and narrative. Page 148
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#abplace2b Community engagement Important to get right. Sense of consultation fatigue (anecdotal). Scottish Government Islands Consultation Community Led Action Plans/ Charrettes ABOIP More to come. Community Planning Group Area Plans Local Development Plans – Local Place Plans Need to coordinate engagement with our communities. Page 149
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#abplace2b Efficient use of resources. Area Plans Community Wealth Building CPG Area Plans Clear synergies to develop in tandem with; Community Planning Group Area Plans. Community Wealth Building. Careful consideration given to; Efficient and optimal use of resources. Co-ordinated consultation. Page 150
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#abplace2b Area plans - Approach Stages Activity 1 Collation of information and data e.g. Scottish Government island consultation data, data from ABOIP place standard consultations, existing community led plans etc. 2 Engage community councils, development trusts and community groups initially to test our findings and identify gaps and update maps and plans. 3 Wider public consultation on draft vision and maps and plans. 4 Publish analysis on feedback from engagement on draft vision and maps and plans. 5 Submit vision and maps and plans to Members for consideration. Page 151
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#abplace2b Governance and Flow of Information Page 152
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#abplace2b Phasing A phased but over-lapping approach is being taken to developing the Area Plans which will allow a) most effective use of resources and b) an iterative approach to learning from the process and identifying optimum methodologies. The phasing will be as follows; Phase 1; two localities – one island(s) locality and one mainland locality. Phase 2; three localities – one island(s) locality, two mainland localities. Phase 3; three localities – one island(s) locality, two mainland localities. Each phase will run for 12 months from start to finish. Phases 2 and 3 will commence 3 months after the previous phase starts. The 3 phases will almost run concurrently with the total programme scheduled to last 18 months (and not 36 months if run sequentially) April 2024 to September 2025. This is designed to expedite the process in the quickest time possible in relation to the available resource. Page 153
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#abplace2b How we will use the information? Area Plans should be viewed as a partnership document. Opportunity to capture all investments and aspirations for all to support development of visions for each area. May support strategic partners in developing future investment decisions and/or demonstrate community support. Plans will inform future opportunity for external funding. Effectively a ‘snap shot’ in time and does not prevent future opportunities. The plans do not guarantee the provision of funding towards any of the projects included but; Should provide clarity on opportunities, prioritisation, and improve matching and opportunities with external funding (which is significant). Page 154
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#abplace2b Your help please. 1. Identify all community groups in your area. 2. Identify all locations in your area suitable for individuals to see and comment on draft proposals. (This is to ensure individuals that cannot or choose not to access plans digitally are not excluded from the consultation process). 3. Encourage Community Councils, Development Trusts and Community Groups to participate in the process. Page 155
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE & COWAL AREAL COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 5TH MARCH 2024 PORT RIDDELL SLIP – UPDATE AND FUTURE OPTIONS 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 This report provides members with an update on Port Riddell Slip, Dunoon following the decision to remove the project from the Rural Growth Deal (RGD) Tourism and Place Programme. As part of the options appraisal process for the Rural Growth Deal Argyll and Bute Council commissioned Stantec and Mott MacDonald to undertake a high level ‘Condition and Initial Option Development Report’ to consider the options for the redevelopment of Port Riddell Slip. A copy of the report is included in Appendix 1 of this report. 1.2 The RGD Programme Board made the decision in May 2023 to remove this project from consideration for funding under the RGD as it was unlikely that a robust business case in the context of the Treasury Five-Case Model could be made for such an investment. As such, it was very unlikely that this project would meet the criteria necessary for investment via the RGD. 1.3 It is recommended that the Area Committee: • Note that members of the local community have indicated that there remains interest in the redevelopment of Port Riddell Slip to facilitate enhanced access to the local marine environment for leisure activities. • Note that Port Riddell Slip is no longer part of the RGD programme and no funding has currently been identified to progress any enhancements to this facility. This project could be considered for future grant funding bids or a community asset transfer. • Note that the facility is currently in a poor state of repair and vehicular access from the A815 has been restricted however, members of the public can still access the facility on foot. Consideration should be given to installing signage advising the public that use of the facility is at their own risk. Page 157 Agenda Item 14
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE & COWAL AREAL COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 5TH MARCH 2024 PORT RIDDELL SLIP – UPDATE AND FUTURE OPTIONS 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 This report provides members with an update on Port Riddell Slip, Dunoon following the decision to remove the project from the Rural Growth Deal (RGD) Tourism and Place Programme. 2.2 The RGD considered Dunoon for funding under the “Tourism - Creating a World Class Visitor Destination” Theme. A long list of project options were drawn up with the support of the RGD Tourism Steering Group. 2.3 Port Riddell Slip was included in the options list following a request by the Dunoon CARS Officer and Visit Scotland. The RGD Programme Management Office were advised that local Community Groups and Dunoon Presents (BID) had previously contacted the Council looking for assistance to fund improvements at Port Riddell, however to date had not been successful in any bid for funding. 2.4 Argyll and Bute Council commissioned Stantec and Mott MacDonald to undertake a high level ‘Condition and Initial Option Development Report’ to consider the options for the redevelopment of Port Riddell Slip. The Report was completed in June 2023 and is included in Appendix 1 of this briefing note. 2.5 The RGD Programme Board made the decision in May 2023 to remove this project from consideration for funding under the RGD as it was unlikely that a robust business case in the context of the Treasury Five-Case Model could be made for such an investment. As such, it was very unlikely that this project would meet the criteria necessary for investment via the RGD. 2.6 RGD tourism funding is now focussed on the completion of Rothesay Pavilion and the Kintyre Seasports project. This decision was endorsed by the Councils Policy and Resources Committee in August 2023. Page 158
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3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the Area Committee: 3.1 Note that members of the local community have indicated that there remains interest in the redevelopment of Port Riddell Slip to facilitate enhanced access to the local marine environment for leisure activities. 3.2 Note that Port Riddell Slip is no longer part of the RGD programme and no funding has currently been identified to progress any enhancements to this facility. This project could be considered for future grant funding bids or a community asset transfer. 3.3 Note that the facility is currently in a poor state of repair and vehicular access from the A815 has been restricted however, members of the public can still access the facility on foot. Consideration should be given to installing signage advising the public that use of the facility is at their own risk. 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 The facilities at Port Riddell consist of a concrete slipway, adjacent parking area, vehicular access ramp, dis-used Victorian changing rooms and pedestrian steps from the A815. There are 9 small Victorian changing rooms, located below the A815 promenade, which have been closed for some time. It is believed that these changing rooms accompanied a historic bathing area (public open air swimming pool / lido) that has since been capped with a concrete slab. Figure 1 gives an Overview of the Port Riddell area: 4.2 Mott MacDonald’s walkover inspection found that the structures at Port Riddell require considerable repair for the facilities to be brought back into use for launching leisure vessels and to improve waterfront access. Discussions with community representatives have shown that the main desired use for a redevelopment of Port Riddell is to allow the launching of small craft, kayaks and Page 159
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access for wild swimming. The lack of water access within Dunoon is a key concern for the Dunoon community. 4.3 The key defects observed by Mott MacDonald were: • Large areas of the vehicle approach and parking area concrete slab are dislodged, spalled or missing, • Cracks and open joints are visible along the parking area seaward and rear walls • Changing rooms are in poor condition. 4.4 Mott MacDonald have advised the Council that if works to Port Riddell Slip are not undertaken, consideration should be made as to whether the area is still safe for the public to access, given the poor condition of the concrete on the vehicle approach. The area is generally in poor condition and could pose a Health and Safety risk to the public and put the Council at risk of action should any member of the public suffer injury. 4.5 It should be noted that vehicular access to the Port Riddell Slip from the A815 is currently restricted by a traffic bollard however, the facility can be accessed on foot by members of the public. During a site visit, the Council were observed to be treating the existing slipway for marine growth. Potential Improvements and Costs 4.6 Options and high level cost estimates for improving the infrastructure at Port Riddell were explored by Mott MacDonald and these are set out in Table 3.1 below:- Table 3.1 – Summary of Options and high level cost estimates Option Summary Estimated CAPEX Range 1 Make good the existing structures £150,000 - £240,000 2 Provide adequate turning area for vehicles (includes option 1) £270,000 - £440,000 3 Extend and widen the slipway (includes options 1 and 2) £450,000 - £730,000 4 Refurbish the changing rooms (includes option 1) £260,000 - £420,000 5 Provide a new facilities block £100,000 - £160,000 4.7 At this time, no funding has been identified to undertake any of the options listed in Table 3.1 however, it is considered that this project could be considered for future grant funding applications by the Council. 4.8 There could also be an opportunity for a Community Asset Transfer of the Port Riddell Slipway and Changing Rooms, which may open up additional funding routes. This would need to be considered further to understand the most appropriate organisation to take on ownership or if there is community appetite for this. Page 160
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5.0 CONCLUSIONS 5.1 Port Riddell Slip was considered as part of the Rural Growth Deal options appraisal process however, this project was not progressed as it was unlikely that a robust business case in the context of the Treasury Five-Case Model could not be made for such an investment. 5.2 There remains an aspiration from some members of the local community and stakeholders such as Visit Scotland to redevelop the Port Riddell slip to facilitate enhanced access to the marine environment for leisure activities. 5.3 No funding has currently been identified to progress any enhancements to this facility however, there may be future opportunities to consider this project for grant funding bids or a community asset transfer. 5.4 The facility is currently in a poor state of repair and vehicular access from the A815 has been restricted via a traffic bollard however, members of the public can still access the slipway and changing area on foot. Consideration should be given to installing signage advising the public that use of the facility is at their own risk. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy – The RGD is consistent with the Council’s Economic Strategy. 6.2 Financial – No funding has been identified to progress enhancements at Port Riddell Slip. 6.3 Legal – none known. 6.4 HR – none known. 6.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: 6.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics – where appropriate EqSEIAs will be carried out to identify any implications. 6.5.2 Socio-economic Duty – where appropriate EqSEIAs will be carried out to identify any implications. 6.5.3 Islands – none known. 6.6. Climate Change –none known. 6.7 Risk – current facility is in a poor state of repair creating a risk to members of the public who access it. 6.8 Customer Service – none known. 6.9 The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – no implications. Page 161
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Kirsty Flanagan Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth Policy Lead for Strategic Development, Councillor Robin Currie January 2024 For further information contact: Fergus Murray, Head of Development and Economic Growth fergus.murray@argyll-bute.gov.uk Jonathan Welch, Rural Growth Deal Programme Manager jonathan.welch@argyll-bute.gov.uk Appendix 1 – Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Options Development Page 162
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Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development June 2023 Page i of v Page 163
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Page iii of v Mott MacDonald St Vincent Plaza 319 St Vincent Street Glasgow G2 5LD United Kingdom T +44 (0)141 222 4500 mottmac.com Argyll and Bute Council Kilmory Lochgilphead Argyll PA31 8RT Mott MacDonald Limited. Registered in England and Wales no. 1243967. Registered office: Mott MacDonald House, 8-10 Sydenham Road, Croydon CR0 2EE, United Kingdom Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development June 2023 Page 165
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development Page iv of v Issue and Revision Record Revision Date Originator Checker Approver Description A 12.06.23 Graduate Project Manager Project Director For Client Comment Document reference: A | Information class: Standard This document is issued for the party which commissioned it and for specific purposes connected with the above- captioned project only. It should not be relied upon by any other party or used for any other purpose. We accept no responsibility for the consequences of this document being relied upon by any other party, or being used for any other purpose, or containing any error or omission which is due to an error or omission in data supplied to us by other parties. This document contains confidential information and proprietary intellectual property. It should not be shown to other parties without consent from us and from the party which commissioned it. Page 166
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development Page v of v Contents Executive Summary 1 1 Introduction 2 1.1 General 2 1.2 Background and Record Information 2 1.3 Description of the Structure 2 1.4 Scope of Inspection and Limitations 3 2 Condition Summary 4 2.1 Access Ramp 4 2.2 Parking Area 5 2.3 Slipway 6 2.4 Historic Bathing Area 7 2.5 Victorian Changing Rooms and Walkway 8 3 Option Development and Cost Estimates 9 3.1 Make Good Existing Structures 9 3.2 Widen Entrance and Provide Increased Turning Area 9 3.3 Extend and Widen Existing Slipway 9 3.4 Refurbish Existing Changing Rooms 10 3.5 Provision of Facilities Block 11 3.6 Cost Estimates 11 3.7 Next Steps 11 A. Overview Drawings for Information 12 B. Photographs 13 Page 167
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 1 of 20 Executive Summary The facilities at Port Riddell, Dunoon, consist of a concrete slipway, adjacent parking area, vehicular access ramp, dis-used Victorian changing rooms and pedestrian steps from the A815. Limited information is known about the historic use of the structures and as-built records are not available. There are 9no. small Victorian changing rooms at Port Riddell, located below the A815 promenade. These have been closed for some time. It is believed that these changing rooms accompanied a historic bathing area (public open air swimming pool / lido) that has since been capped with a concrete slab. Mott MacDonald were appointed by Stantec Ltd, on behalf of Argyll and Bute Council, to undertake a topside walkover of Port Riddell to ascertain the general condition of the existing structures and to provide potential engineering options and associated cost estimates for the repair or future development of Port Riddell. Indicative plans for redevelopment have been provided by Argyll and Bute Council for consideration. These plans improve access to the waterfront and would facilitate use by small leisure craft, launching of kayaks or similar activities. MML’s walkover found that the structures at Port Riddell require considerable repair for the facilities to be brought back into use for launching leisure vessels and to improve waterfront access. Options for improving the infrastructure at Port Riddell were developed identified by Argyll and Bute Council and have been further developed by Mott MacDonald. The access route and slipway could be widened, and a facilities block could be provided either on the promenade or in the location of the existing capped lido. The changing rooms could also be refurbished. This report does not consider redevelopment or re-opening of the lido. The key defects found were: ● Large areas of the vehicle approach and parking area concrete slab are dislodged, spalled or missing, ● Cracks and open joints are visible along the parking area seaward and rear walls, and ● Changing rooms are in poor condition. This report presents the following 5 options to repair or upgrade the facilities at Port Riddell: Table 1.1: Summary of options and costs Option Estimated CAPEX Range 1. Make good the existing structures £150,000 - £240,000 2. Provide adequate turning area for vehicles (includes Option 1) £270,000 - £440,000 3. Extend and widen the slipway (includes Option 1 and 2) £450,000 - £730,000 4. Refurbish the changing rooms (includes Option 1) £260,000 - £420,000 5. Provide a new facilities block (subject to size and facilities offered) £100,000 - £160,000 The preliminary cost estimates are based on experience of similar projects. Page 168
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 2 of 20 1 Introduction 1.1 General Mott MacDonald Ltd (MML) were appointed by Stantec Ltd, on behalf of Argyll & Bute Council (A&BC), to undertake a visual walkover and condition assessment of the existing structures at Port Riddell. MML have reviewed and further developed A&BC’s proposals and have produced cost estimates for future development at Port Riddell. The aim of the walkover was to visually assess the condition of the structures at Port Riddell and was carried out on the 12th of April 2023 along with colleagues from Stantec and Argyll and Bute Council. This report details the following: ● Findings of MML’s site walkover, along with review of any existing information to better understand the site history and current condition of the existing structures, and ● 5 no. potential development options and the anticipated capital costs. 1.2 Background and Record Information There is limited information available regarding the history of the structures at Port Riddell and as-built records, or records of repairs, are not available. The age of the infrastructure is unknown. However, from a search on the Argyll and Bute Council website, a set of minutes from a Strategic Policy Committee meeting in November 2003 confirms that Port Riddell would have been used as a bathing area, to which the Victorian changing rooms would be associated. A&BC advise the slipway has been previously used for the launching of small leisure craft. The following appendices present supplementary information: ● Appendix A: A&BC’s overview drawings and potential future plans ● Appendix B: MML’s site photographs (2023) 1.3 Description of the Structure Port Riddell is approximately 0.5 miles north of Dunoon Ferry Terminal, directly adjacent to the A815. There is an approach ramp from the A815 that leads to a small parking area at the head of a concrete slipway. Vehicle access is currently restricted at the entrance from the A815. Port Riddell includes a historic bathing area, capped with a concrete slab and 9no. disused Victorian changing rooms at the north-eastern extent of the site. The above elements can be seen in Figure 1 below. Page 169
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 3 of 20 Figure 1: Port Riddell Overview More information on the current condition of the structures is provided in Section 2 of this report. 1.4 Scope of Inspection and Limitations The scope of this inspection included a top-side walkover of the infrastructure at Port Riddell around low tide. Structural assessments or intrusive surveys have not been undertaken. The majority of the structures are within the ‘splash zone’ and their use may be subject to tidal restrictions and ongoing maintenance to remove marine growth. MML’s site walkover was limited to areas that are accessible by the public, noting the lido and Victorian changing rooms are sealed with concrete blockwork and the internal condition of one changing room only could be viewed via gaps in the concrete blocks. This report does not consider redevelopment of the bathing area. Victorian Changing Rooms Concrete Slipway Historic Bathing Area Parking Area Access Ramp from A815 Page 170
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 4 of 20 2 Condition Summary This section provides a summary of the condition of the structures at Port Riddell as informed MML’s walkover. 2.1 Access Ramp The access ramp is approximately 7.2m wide and 30m long. Vehicular access to the ramp is currently restricted by a traffic bollard and the route passes over the public promenade, as shown in the photograph in Appendix B.1. The entrance to the access ramp from the A815 is narrowed by low-level brick walls, also shown in the photo in Appendix B.1. Figure 2: Approach Ramp and Parking Area There is a small set of steps approximately 10m from the head of the access ramp, with railings either side. These steps narrow the width of the access ramp by approximately 2m and would prohibit two-way traffic on the ramp. There is handrailing on the seaward side of the access ramp that terminates approximately 2m from of the base of the ramp. The vertical wall to the seaward side of the access ramp is protected by rock armour at the toe of the structure, and then by a section of formal revetment with stone pitching at the base of the ramp, as can be seen in the photograph in Appendix B.2. The pitching appears to be in fair condition; however, mortar loss is observed between the paving stones and the toe of the revetment is some distance above the beach level; this may be due to a number of reasons including: seasonal or storm related beach mobility, local scour around the manmade hard structures etc. The structural form of the vertical wall is unknown. It could be masonry with a protective facing – with cracks following the bedding joints. Alternatively, the cracks could be associated with cold joints as concrete was placed in layers. Page 171
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 5 of 20 2.2 Parking Area The parking area at the head of the slipway is approximately 7.2m wide x 30m long and comprises a concrete slab that is raised approximately 1 – 1.5m above the current beach level. There is scattered rock armour placed in front of the parking area, as can be seen below and in the photographs in Appendix B.2 and B.4. The concrete slab to the parking area is in poor condition with large areas of broken and dislodged concrete, rebar exposed and cracking of the concrete visible. These defects are observed over the majority of the surface and can be seen in Appendices B.2 and B.3. At the beach, the seaward face of the concrete structure does not appear to be undermined; however, cracks, spalled concrete and voids are observed on the vertical face. The joint between the seaward face of the wall and the concrete slab to the parking area has widened over time, allowing seawater below the slab, potentially worsening the condition of the structure. This can be seen in the photograph in Appendix B.3. To the rear of the parking area, there is a concrete wall, approximately 2.5 – 3.0m high, which retains the public promenade. This wall has various horizontal cracks along its length, with small areas of concrete spalling around the cracks, this can be seen in the photograph in Appendix B.5. This rear wall is also within the splash zone, with potential corrosion of any reinforcement within the concrete; however, this was not visible during MML’s walkover. There is a drainage pipe, assumed to be a surface drainage pipe from the promenade above, that discharges directly onto the parking area, also shown in the photograph in Appendix B.5. There is a further set of steps leading to the promenade from the north-east corner of the parking area, these steps are also at the head of the concrete slipway and can be seen in Figure 5. Figure 3: View of Parking Area and Access Ramp from Slipway Page 172
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 6 of 20 2.3 Slipway The concrete slipway has an apron extending from the parking area / in front of the historic bathing area. The apron is approximately 23.5m wide at the top and narrows to 3.5m along the main section of the slipway. The length of the slipway is unknown, and the toe of the slipway was not visible during MML’s site walkover. Figure 4: Concrete Slipway Anecdotally, A&BC advise that the current slipway gradient is acceptable, however the slipway is currently too narrow and abruptly ends, therefore it is considered unsafe to launch/recover small craft. The joint between the slipway apron and the parking area has widened, with voids visible in the wall at the corner of the apron, show in the photograph in Appendix B.3. The slipway appears in fair condition with no undermining of the structure visible on either side of the slipway or the apron during MML’s walkover. Page 173
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 7 of 20 2.4 Historic Bathing Area The parking area is bound to the east by the historic concrete bathing area / lido. The bathing area has been capped with a concrete slab, and potentially infilled. This can be seen below and in the photograph in Appendix B.6. Figure 5: Historic Bathing Area There are cracks present around the bathing area walls, some of which are potentially joints that have widened over time. Similar to the vertical wall at the access ramp, the structural form is unknown and could be masonry with a protective facing – with cracks following the bedding joints. Alternatively, the cracks could be associated with cold joints as concrete was placed in layers. There are also some gaps in the seaward wall of the bathing area that have been filled with what is assumed to be timber. It is assumed that these were originally associated with water inlets/drainage infrastructure from the bathing area. There are two drainage outfalls that discharge directly onto the concrete cap of the bathing area. This discharge then flows over the bathing area and down onto the walkway towards the Victorian changing rooms, leading to an accumulation of algae/marine growth at the top of the steps to the beach. This is shown in the photograph in Appendix B.11. This is noted as a health and safety hazard as the algae/marine growth is extremely slippery and makes the steps unsafe for use. Page 174
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 8 of 20 2.5 Victorian Changing Rooms and Walkway To the north of the historic bathing area, there are 9no. disused Victorian changing rooms which can be accessed via a 0.7m wide walkway. The changing rooms are directly below the public promenade retained by the seawall. Anecdotal evidence from A&BC confirms use of the changing rooms would be tidally restricted. The walkway is approximately 0.8m above the beach level and a set of steps beside the bathing area leads from the walkway down to the beach. There are no handrails present. Figure 4: Victorian Changing Rooms and Walkway The changing rooms are currently not in use and are blocked off with lightweight concrete blocks, therefore the condition of each of the changing rooms is unknown. However, the top row of blocks at changing room 1 is missing and the internal space could be viewed using a camera, as shown in photograph in Appendix B.12. Changing room 1 is approximately 1.5m wide x 1.9m high x 2.5m deep. The walls and ceiling of changing room 1 appear in fair condition; however, a render or painted surface has been used on the surfaces, therefore the condition of the blocks making up the structural wall is unclear. The exposed edge of the concrete roof slab above the changing rooms varies in condition along the length. There are sections with spalling concrete, large cracks and portions missing, as shown in the photograph in Appendix B.10. The walkway in front of the changing rooms appears in good condition with the exception of the corner nearest the steps down to the beach. This section appears to be undermined where the steps meet the wall and voids are present here. The voids were not measured due to the presence of large amounts of algae and seaweed on the steps making them unsafe. This is shown in the photographs in Appendix B.10 and B.11. Page 175
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 9 of 20 3 Option Development and Cost Estimates This section presents development options that Argyll and Bute Council have asked to be explored in relation to the redevelopment of Port Riddell. Preliminary cost estimates for each option are presented in Section 3.6. Some of the development options should not be considered in isolation. These are noted accordingly. 3.1 Make Good Existing Structures The first option would be to make good the existing structures, including: ● Repair the parking area slab, ● Repair the parking area rear wall, ● Repair the parking area seaward wall, ● Repair the corner of the walkway wall at the beach access steps, and ● Replace the missing blocks at the changing rooms to block them off. This option would bring the structures at Port Riddell back into a good condition. However, it does not address safety concerns over the existing width and sudden termination of the slipway. The bathing area and Victorian changing rooms would remain closed. 3.2 Widen Entrance and Provide Increased Turning Area The second option could be to improve vehicular access from the A815 to the slipway, and therefore includes all elements in Option 1, plus: ● Widen the entrance to the site from the A815 to allow for a two-way junction, ● Remove set of steps near the top of the access ramp, ● Remove rock armour in front of historic bathing area, ● Repair parking area structure (deck slabs, seaward and rear walls), ● Remove historic bathing area concrete cap and lido structure, ● Provide new concrete deck below historic bathing area, and ● Reinstate rock armour in front of parking area. Again, this option does not address safety concerns over the existing width and sudden termination of the slipway. The bathing area and Victorian changing rooms would remain closed. 3.3 Extend and Widen Existing Slipway This option would require the provision of an adequate turning area and therefore includes all elements in Options 1 and 2, plus: ● Widen the existing slipway by 1.5m, and ● Extend the existing slipway by 5.0m. This would allow for vehicles to bring leisure craft on trailers to Port Riddell and launch them from the slipway. The removal of the historic bathing area would provide a ‘T-head’ area of approximately 30m long in which vehicles could facilitate turning at the top of the slipway. Page 176
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 10 of 20 3.4 Refurbish Existing Changing Rooms This option could be undertaken either in conjunction with the above options, or separately; however, the existing structures would require to be made good (Option 1), so they are safe for public access. This option would require: ● Make good existing structures to eliminate any health and safety risks (parking area deck and seaward and rear walls), ● Removal of concrete blockwork to open the changing rooms, ● Removal of beach access steps, ● Reclamation of approximately 0.5m of land to the seaward side of the walkway to increase width to 1.2m, ● Removal of step at changing rooms and reprofile to provide EA compliant access, ● Construction of new beach access ramp, ● Installation of a handrail round the walkway from the bathing area and along in front of the walkway in front of the changing rooms, ● Repairs to the concrete exposed edge of the roof slab above the changing rooms, ● Repairs to the internals of the changing rooms (floors, walls and ceilings), and ● Refurbishment of the changing rooms (provision of doors, drainage, painting / tiling, etc.). This option would allow for the changing rooms to be used by swimmers, kayakers, etc. However, the changing rooms would require locks or a form of security in order to prevent misuse or vandalism. The changing rooms would require adequate drainage to ensure that any water from swell / waves does not collect inside the changing rooms. The existing changing rooms height is 1.9m which may decrease further depending on the repairs required. M&E upgrades have not been considered. MML have experience of developing proposals for beach huts and chalets as part of other seafront development projects and masterplans. Key features of these proposals highlighted the importance of resilience, security, accessibility, and drainage. Recent examples are shown below: Figure 5: MML’s example beach chalet project Page 177
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 11 of 20 3.5 Provision of Facilities Block A final addition to Port Riddell could be a ‘facilities block’ with a connection to existing services that would provide toilets and cold-water showers. There are various locations in which the facilities block could be positioned: the bathing area could be removed, and the block positioned there, or the facilities block could be located at road level through the removal of a section of the existing on-street parking. If the facilities block were to be provided at road level, this may impact on the views of those who reside on the opposite side of the A815. However, the facilities block would likely be within the splash zone if located where the historic bathing area is positioned; this would increase the cost of the building and would result in an increased maintenance burden given increased exposure to waves etc. and the high levels of corrosion experienced in this area. There are a number of options for provision of a facilities block, including: Modular building at street level, Permanent building at street level, or Permanent building at slipway level (not recommended for the reasons described above). 3.6 Cost Estimates Preliminary cost estimates for the five repair / development options are based on experience of similar projects including feedback on previous cost estimates. The table below summarises the estimated capital costs associated with each of the options above. Option Estimated CAPEX Range 1. Make good the existing structures £150,000 - £240,000 2. Provide adequate turning area for vehicles (includes Option 1) £270,000 - £440,000 3. Extend and widen the slipway (includes Option 1 and 2) £450,000 - £730,000 4. Refurbish the changing rooms (includes Option 1) £260,000 - £420,000 5. Provide a new facilities block (subject to size and facilities offered) £100,000 - £160,000 3.7 Next Steps MML advise the next steps would include further liaison with potential users and the public and rationalisation of the options to agree what features should be included in the preferred option. Page 178
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 12 of 20 A. Overview Drawings for Information Page 179
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3.5m wide slipway remains of groin 700mm wide walkway outside changing room recesses under promenade brick planters main level promenade level footpath to parkingroadway level concrete mass main stair second stair vehicle access with centre bollard stair down to beach A-A 0201 Title Scale at A3 RevStatusDrawing Number Client We accept no responsibility for the consequences of this document being relied upon by any other party, or being used for any other purpose, or containing any error or omission which is due to an error or omission in data supplied to us by other parties. This document is issued for the party which commissioned it and for specific purposes connected with the captioned project only. It should not be relied upon by any other party or used for any other purpose. Suit. Code MMD Project No. Security Suitability Description App'dCh'k'dDescriptionDrawnDateRev Seq. Number P1 14/04/2023 16:27:26 C:\BIM\Dunoon.rte 1 : 500 St Vincent Plaza 319 St Vincent St Glasgow, G2 5LP United Kingdom T +44 (0)141 222 4500 F +44 (0)141 221 2048 W www.mottmac.com 100401059 S0 Suitable for Review & Comment Client Name Port Riddell Slipway Client Line 1 Client Line 2 Client Line 3 PRE Client Line 4 MMDL-MMD-00-XX-DR-A-0201 STD SHEET 1 ARCHITECTURAL STANDARD NOTES Layout 14/04/2023 DRAFT SUITABLE FOR INFORMATION 000 .1 : 500 Site Layout . 3D View P1 14.04.23 DR PRELIMINARY ISSUE FOR INFO .1 : 500 Section A-A Page 180
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 13 of 20 B. Photographs Page 181
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 14 of 20 Figure B 1: Entrance from A815 Figure B 2: Paved revetment and access ramp Page 182
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 15 of 20 Figure B.3: View of broken deck slabs at parking area, joint with head of slipway Figure B.4: Rock armour in front of parking area Page 183
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 16 of 20 Figure B.5: Wall to the rear of the parking area Figure B.6: View of capped bathing area from above Page 184
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 17 of 20 Figure B.7: Concrete slipway from parking area Figure B.8: View of slipway from in front of bathing area Page 185
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 18 of 20 Figure B.9: Walkway around bathing area towards Victorian changing rooms Figure B.10: Walkway in front of Victorian changing rooms Page 186
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 19 of 20 Figure B.11: Steps down to beach in front of Victorian changing rooms Figure App B.12: Inside of changing room 1 Page 187
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Mott MacDonald | Port Riddell Condition Report and Initial Option Development A | June 2023 Page 20 of 20 mottmac.com Page 188
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Bute and Cowal Area Committee Workplan 2024-2025 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/ consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment March 2024 5 March 2024 Area Performance Report – FQ3 2023/24 Customer Support Services – Sonya Thomas Quarterly Report 9 February 2024 5 March 2024 Area Plans Update Customer Support Services – Stuart Green As Required 9 February 2024 5 March 2024 Roads and Infrastructure Service Update Roads and Infrastructure – Mark Calder Quarterly Report 9 February 2024 5 March 2024 Housing Services Activity Update - Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) - Annual Update Development and Economic Growth – Douglas Whyte Annual Report 9 February 2024 5 March 2024 Supporting Communities Fund - Monitoring of Projects Funded Chief Executive – Ailie Law Annual Report 9 February 2024 5 March 2024 Primary School Report Education – Louise Lawson Annual Report 9 February 2024 5 March 2024 Rothesay Townscape Heritage Scheme – Development and Economic Growth – Colin Fulcher As Required 9 February 2024 Page 189 Agenda Item 15
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Bute and Cowal Area Committee Workplan 2024-2025 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/ consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment March 2024 Final Update 5 March 2024 Port Riddell Slip – Update and Future Options Development and Economic Growth – Jonathon Welch As Required 9 February 2024 5 March 2024 2023/24 Active Travel Progress Report Development and Economic Growth – Colin Young As Required 9 February 2024 5 March 2024 Roads Capital Reconstruction Programme 2024/25 Roads and Infrastructure – Jim Smith As Required 9 February 2024 June 2024 4 June 2024 Secondary School Report – Dunoon Grammer School Education – David Mitchell Annual Report 10 May 2024 4 June 2024 Secondary School Report – Rothesay Joint Campus Education – Louise Nicol Annual Report 10 May 2024 4 June 2024 Area Performance Report – FQ4 2023/24 Customer Support Services – Sonya Thomas Quarterly Report 10 May 2024 4 June 2024 Roads and Infrastructure Service Update Roads and Infrastructure – Mark Calder Quarterly Report 10 May 2024 4 June 2024 HSCP Bi-Annual Performance Report Health & Social Care Partnership – Bi-Annual Report 10 May 2024 Page 190
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Bute and Cowal Area Committee Workplan 2024-2025 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/ consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment Charlotte Craig 4 June 2024 Cruach Mor and Clachan Flats Windfarm Trusts Legal & Regulatory Support – Stuart McLean Annual Report/ For Noting 10 May 2024 4 June 2024 Supporting Communities Fund Applications 2024/25 Chief Executive – David Hagerty Annual Report 10 May 2024 September 2024 3 September 2024 Area Performance Report – FQ1 2024/25 Customer Support Services – Sonya Thomas Quarterly Report 9 August 2024 3 September 2024 Roads and Infrastructure Service Update Roads and Infrastructure – Mark Calder Quarterly Report 9 August 2024 3 September 2024 Recycling and Recovery Performance Roads and Infrastructure – John Blake Annual Report 9 August 2024 December 2024 3 December 2024 Area Performance Report – FQ2 2024/25 Customer Support Services – Sonya Thomas Quarterly Report 8 November 2024 3 December 2024 HSCP Bi-Annual Performance Report Health & Social Care Partnership – Charlotte Craig Bi-Annual Report 8 November 2024 3 December 2024 Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds Legal & Regulatory Support – Stuart McLean Annual Report 8 November 2024 Page 191
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Bute and Cowal Area Committee Workplan 2024-2025 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/ consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment 3 December 2024 ACHA Annual Update ACHA – Chief Executive Annual Report/ Presentation 8 November 2024 3 December 2024 The Third Marquis of Bute’s Silver Wedding Dowry Fund Legal & Regulatory Support – Stuart McLean As Required 8 November 2024 3 December 2024 The Provost’s fund (Bute) – Award Recommendations Legal & Regulatory Support – Stuart McLean As Required 8 November 2024 3 December 2024 Roads and Infrastructure Service Update Roads and Infrastructure – Mark Calder Quarterly Report 8 November 2024 Page 192