Public reports pack
Argyll and Bute Council · 5 September 2023
Back to Bute and Cowal Area Committee — 5 September 2023 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 29 August 2023 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 TEAM on TUESDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 2023 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 - 6 June 2023 (Pages 3 - 12) (b) Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group - 15 August 2023 (Pages 13 - 22) 4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME 5. AREA PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ1 2023/24 (Pages 23 - 62) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services 6. ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES UPDATE (Pages 63 - 66) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services 7. RECYCLING AND RECOVERY PERFORMANCE (Pages 67 - 74) Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services 8. PLAY PARK ENGAGEMENT - UPDATE REPORT - TO FOLLOW Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services 9. SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FUND - MONITORING OF PROJECTS FUNDED (Pages 75 - 88) Report by Chief Executive Public Document Pack
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10. CRUACH MHOR WINDFARM TRUST: APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES (Pages 89 - 94) Report by Executive Director with responsibilities for Legal and Regulatory Support REPORTS FOR NOTING 11. DRAFT BUTE AND COWAL AREA COMMITTEE WORKPLAN (Pages 95 - 98) 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, 6 JUNE 2023 Present: Councillor Liz McCabe (Chair) Councillor Gordon Blair Councillor Audrey Forrest Councillor Daniel Hampsey Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle Councillor Yvonne McNeilly Councillor Ross Moreland Councillor William Sinclair Councillor Peter Wallace Attending: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager Mark Calder, Project Manager Colin Fulcher, Senior Economic Regeneration Officer Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer Marilyn Rieley, Bute and Cowal Development Officer Charlotte Craig, Business Improvement Manager, HSCP Wendy Brownlie, Head of Education – Learning and Teaching Jennifer Crocket, Head of Education – Life Long Learning/Support Louise Lawson, Education Manager – Inclusion and Equality Simon Easton, Education Manager – Performance and Improvement David Mitchell, Head Teacher, Dunoon Grammar School Alex Johnson, Senior Depute Head Teacher, Dunoon Grammar School Louise Nicol, Head Teacher, Rothesay Joint Campus Brenda Reid, Head Teacher, Dunoon Primary School Kirsteen MacDonald, Head Teacher, Kirn Primary School 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. There were no apologies for absence intimated. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Councillor Audrey Forrest declared a non-financial interest in relation to item 12 of the agenda (Supporting Communities Fund 2023/24) with specific reference to the application from Addictions Recovery Café, advising that she is currently in the process of joining the board. She advised that she would leave the meeting during the consideration of this item of Business. Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle declared a financial interest in relation to item 12 of the agenda (Supporting Communities Fund 2023/24) with specific reference to the application from Fyne Futures, advising that she is employed by this organisation. She advised that she would leave the meeting during the consideration of this item of Business. Councillor Ross Moreland declared a non-financial interest in relation to item 12 of the agenda (Supporting Communities Fund 2023/24) with specific reference to the application from Duthchas, advising that he is a member of the group. He advised that he would leave the meeting during the consideration of this item of Business. Page 3 Agenda Item 3a
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Councillor Peter Wallace declared a non-financial interest in relation to item 12 of the agenda (Supporting Communities Fund 2023/24) with specific reference to the application from Crossroads Caring For Carers Cowal & Bute, advising that a family member is involved with the group. He advised that he would leave the meeting during the consideration of this item of Business. 3. MINUTES (a) Bute and Cowal Area Committee - 7 March 2023 The Minutes of the meeting of the Bute and Cowal Area Committee, held on 7 March 2023 were approved as a correct record. (b) Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group - 2 May 2023 The Minutes of the meeting of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group, held on 2 May 2023 were noted. (c) Cowal Transport Forum - 16 May 2023 The Minutes of the meeting of the Cowal Transport Forum, held on 16 May 2023 were noted. 4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Question on Dunoon’s Active Travel Route Several members of the public raised concerns on the plans to link Dunoon and Hunters Quay with a new active travel route and asked if further detail on the justification for this route could be shared with residents. Councillor Moreland advised that the active travel route was instigated by the Charette that had been drafted in 2016 and that at the moment a stage 1 consultation is being undertaken, with a further 6 stages of development to follow. Councillor Moreland highlighted that members of the public need to make their feelings known during the consultation process and that he expects the final route to look very different once resident’s comments had been taken into consideration. The Committee were asked what their feelings were on the proposals. Members of the Area Committee recognised that the initial plans do not have widespread support and encouraged people to engage with the consultation to ensure the final route reflects the wishes of residents, offers value for money and encourages active travel. A resident commented that the consultation did not offer an opportunity to suggest alternative proposals and that residents were forced to choose from 3 options. Councillor Moreland confirmed that should responders to the consultation wish they can submit alternative plans to Stantec via e-mail. Question from Valerie Edmonson Page 4
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Valerie Edmonson raised concerns regarding the demise of the Dial-a-Bus and replacement Pingo Service in the Cowal Peninsula which has negatively impacted on elderly and disabled users. Ms Edmonson advised that she had been told that the Pingo service was to be booked via an app or call centres which was not user friendly for service users, specifically elderly customers. Councillor Hampsey advised that as Chair of the Cowal Transport Forum he was happy to take this issue forward and provide an update at the next meeting of the Forum which is scheduled to be held on 13 September 2023. Question from John Brint, Ardentinny Community Council Mr Brint raised concerns on road safety in Ardentinny and advised that Ardentinny Community Council had sent a letter of improvement requests to the Roads Department and asked the Committee for support on this matter. The Project Manager advised that the department had received the letter on the 29th May and that they were currently in the process of looking through it. Mr Calder further advised that the department would respond to Mr Brint on all his points and would organise a meeting onsite to discuss further. 5. PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT 2022-23 - BUTE AND COWAL AREA The Committee gave consideration to a report and presentation which provided a range of key information about primary school provision in the Bute and Cowal area during the school session August 2022 to June 2023 and reported the National collection of attainment and achievement data from June 2022. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education dated June 2023, submitted) 6. SECONDARY SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORTS (a) Dunoon Grammar School The Committee heard from Mr Mitchell, Head Teacher of Dunoon Grammar School, who picked out some highlights from the school report which had been provided to Members. The report included information in relation to S3 attainment of Curriculum for Excellence levels in literacy and numeracy and Gaelic; the pass rates of National qualifications and the Insight dashboard. Information in relation to wider achievement qualifications; equity and attainment and Pupil Equity Funding was also provided. The Committee wished Mr Mitchell the best of luck at the Education Awards in which he is nominated as Head Teacher of the Year. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee noted the contents of the report and Page 5
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information provided. (Reference: Report by Head Teacher, Dunoon Grammar School, dated June 2023, submitted) (b) Rothesay Joint Campus The Committee heard from Ms Nicoll, Head Teacher of Rothesay Joint Campus, who picked out some highlights from the school report which had been provided to Members. The report included information in relation to S3 attainment of Curriculum for Excellence levels in literacy and numeracy and Gaelic; the pass rates of National qualifications and the Insight dashboard. Information in relation to wider achievement qualifications; equity and attainment and Pupil Equity Funding was also provided. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee noted the contents of the report and information provided. (Reference: Report by Head Teacher, Rothesay Joint Campus, dated June 2023, submitted) 7. AREA PERFORMANCE REPORT - FQ4 2022/23 Consideration was given to the Area Performance Report for financial quarter 4 of 2022/23 (January to March 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 is 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 4 May 2023, submitted) 8. 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 Page 6
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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 May 2023, submitted) 9. CEMETERY MAINTENANCE AND ROADS ACCESS FUND The Committee gave consideration to a report that provided options on how to spend £75,000 that had been allocated from the Crown Estates funding to a Cemetery Maintenance and Roads Access Fund. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee: 1. agreed the package of proposals up to the value of £75,000; and 2. noted that regular updates would be provided via the Roads and Infrastructure weekly briefings. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated May 2023, submitted) 10. ARGYLL AND BUTE HSCP PERFORMANCE REPORT 2022/23 Consideration was given to the HSCP Annual Performance Report for 2022-23. The report detailed how the HSCP had performed and also provided progress updates on how they have improved and adapted services which are fit for the future. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee considered and noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Chief Officer, Health and Social Care Partnership, dated June 2023, submitted) 11. DUNOON BID 3RD TERM BALLOT RESULTS The Committee gave consideration to a verbal update on the outcome of the Dunoon BID Ballot held on Thursday 2 March 2023. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Verbal Presentation by Bute and Cowal Development Officer) Councillor Reeni Kennedy-Boyle, Councillor Audrey Forrest, Councillor Ross Moreland and Councillor Peter Wallace, having declared an interest in relation to the following item of business, left the meeting and took no part in the consideration of this item. 12. SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FUND 2023/24 Page 7
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Consideration was given to a report which detailed recommendations for the award of the Council’s Supporting Communities Fund (SCF) for the 2023/24 round of funding that had been made available in the Bute and Cowal area. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee agreed that the 17 applications, marked as ‘Award’ within Appendix 1 of the report, are awarded funding from the Supporting Communities Fund Budget totalling £38,228.09, as follows: Page 8
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(Reference: Report by Chief Executive, dated 12 May 2023, submitted) Ref Applicant Recommendation Amount Requested Award 2023/24 1 ARC Addictions Recovery Cafe Award £2,500.00 £2,500.00 2 POP Shop Enterprises CIC Award £2,450.00 £2,450.00 3 *Waterbaby Arts SCIO Award £2,500.00 £2,500.00 4 Comann nam Parant Comhghall Award £1,300.00 £1,300.00 5 Cowal Open Studios Award £2,488.00 £2,488.00 6 **Friends of Glenan Wood Award £2,500.00 £2,500.00 7 Dunoon Burgh Hall Trust Award £2,500.00 £2,500.00 8 **Sandbank Community Development Trust Award £1,975.00 £1,975.00 9 **Fyne Futures Ltd. Award £2,500.00 £2,500.00 10 Scenic Sandbank Award £2,500.00 £2,500.00 11 Dunoon and Cowal Heritage Trust Award £2,500.00 £2,500.00 12 Bullwood Nature Trail Award £2,500.00 £2,500.00 13 *Dunoon Foodbank Award £2,500.00 £2,500.00 14 Bute Community Land Company Award £2,500.00 £2,500.00 15 Bute Community Band Award (partial) £2,250.00 £2,157.04 16 **Hunter's Quay Com Council Award £701.00 £701.00 17 Toward Seasports Club(SCIO) Award (partial) £2,490.50 £2,157.05 18 South Cowal Community Enterprises Ltd. No award £2,500.00 £0.00 19 Voices of Argyll CIC No award £2,500.00 £0.00 20 Positive Pedals No award £470.00 £0.00 21 Duthchas No award £2,490.00 £0.00 22 Loch Goil Community Council No award £500.00 £0.00 23 Isle of Bute BID No award £1,880.00 £0.00 24 Crossroads Caring For Carers Cowal & Bute No award £2,500.00 £0.00 25 Bute Shinty Club No award £2,400.00 £0.00 26 Cowal Choral Club No award £2,500.00 £0.00 27 Dunoon Senior Citizens Club No award £2,335.00 £0.00 28 Carr Gomm No award £625.00 £0.00 29 Starter Pack Plus No award £1,500.00 £0.00 Page 9
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13. ROTHESAY JOINT CAMPUS ELC DELIVERY A report providing details of a planned change to the current Early Learning & Childcare (ELC) delivery model within Rothesay Joint Campus was before members for information. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee noted: 1. the work of the early years’ team in identifying a solution to the childcare issue on Bute; and 2. the plan to deliver non statuary childcare from within existing revenue. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Education, dated 24 April 2023, submitted) 14. CRUACH MOR AND CLACHAN FLATS WINDFARM TRUSTS A report providing an update on the work undertaken by the wind farm trusts set up at both Cruach Mhor (Glendaruel) and Clachan Flats (Cairndow) in accordance with consented developments was before the Committee for information. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support, dated May 2023, submitted) 15. DRAFT BUTE AND COWAL AREA COMMITTEE WORK PLAN The Bute and Cowal Area Committee work plan was before members for information. Decision The Bute and Cowal Committee noted the contents of the work plan. (Reference: Bute and Cowal Area Committee work plan, dated 6 June 2023) 16. LAMONT BEQUEST AWARD RECOMMENDATIONS The Committee gave consideration to a report providing information regarding an application that had been received for support from the Lamont Bequest. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee agreed to award £50 to the individual applicant who met the criteria for support from the Lamont Bequest. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Legal and Regulatory Support dated May 2023, submitted) Page 10
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The Committee resolved in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the press and public for the following item of business on the grounds that it was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 8 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 17. ROTHESAY TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE - RECOMMENDATION OF AWARD The Committee gave consideration to a report which asked Members to approve a grant award in relation to a shopfront within the town centre of Rothesay as part of the Rothesay Townscape Heritage Project. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Committee approved the grant as detailed in the report. (Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth dated 25 April 2023, submitted) Page 11
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BUTE AND COWAL COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP HELD BY MICROSOFT TEAMS ON TUESDAY, 15 AUGUST 2023 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 Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council PS Eddie McGunnigal, Police Scotland Martin Gerrish, Grow Food, Grow Dunoon Rhona Grant, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland Rhona Altin, UHI Argyll Alex Wilde, Shaping Places for Wellbeing, Improvement Service Becky Hothersall, Shaping Places for Wellbeing, Improvement Service John Parker, Sandbank Community Development Trust Ann Campbell, SURF Councillor Liz McCabe, Argyll and Bute Council Jim Osborne, Bute Community Council David Clough, Dunoon Community Council Gordon Ramsay, Transport Scotland Angela Anderson, Time for Change Argyll and Bute Christopher Spence, Scottish Fire and Rescue Services Angela Coll, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Jen Broadhurst, Citizens Advice Bureau Lauren Worrell, NFU Scotland Attending: Robin Webster, Friends of Glenan Wood Gordon Ross, Western Ferries Charlie Murphy, Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) Ross Gunn, Atkins WSP Joint Venture Iain Adams, Atkins WSP Joint Venture Mali Gravell, Project Lead for Food Policy and Delivery, Argyll and Bute Council 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of: Charles Dixon-Spain (Chair); John McLuckie, Community Planning Partnership Lead, Argyll and Bute Council; Sue McKillop, Scenic Sandbank; Juliette Gill, Hunters Quay Community Council; Councillor Gordon Blair, Argyll and Bute Council; Page 13 Agenda Item 3b
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Councillor Daniel Hampsey, Argyll and Bute Council; Councillor Audrey Forrest; and Tom McFarlane, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BUTE AND COWAL COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP HELD ON TUESDAY 2 MAY 2023 The Minutes of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 2 May 2023 were approved as a correct record. 4. COMMUNITY PLANNING Antonia Baird, Community Development Officer Argyll and Bute Council, provided the Group with an overview of Community Planning in Argyll and Bute. The presentation included information on the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015; the roles and responsibilities of the Community Planning Team; where the Area Community Planning Groups fit into the partnership and their relationship with the Management Committee; cross cutting themes and principles of effective community planning. The presentation also included information on the development day which is held once a year; action plans for each of the Area Community Planning Groups as well as the Argyll and Bute’s Outcomes Improvement Plan and how the Community Planning Team communicate with partners and members of the groups. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council) 5. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE Consideration was given to a briefing note which provided information on matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee, held on 22 June 2023. The Committee Manager highlighted that the CPP Management Committee recognised the issues raised by the Dunoon Gourock Ferry Action Group at the last Area Community Planning Group meeting and that the Management Committee were uncertain on what action the Group wanted. The Committee Manager advised that the Community Planning Team have offered to facilitate a discussion between the Chair of the CPP Management Committee, the Chair of Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group and the Chair of the Dunoon Gourock Ferry Action Group if the Group deemed this appropriate. Page 14
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Decision The Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group: 1. considered and noted the briefing note; and 2. agreed that a discussion, facilitated by Community Planning Team, involving the Chair of the CPP Management Committee, the Chair of Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group and the Chair of the Dunoon Gourock Ferry Action Group be organised. (Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 15 August 2023, submitted) 6. TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE (a) Transport Update - Argyll and Bute Council Consideration was given to a Transport Update by the Contract Officer at Argyll and Bute Council. The update provided information on the work being done in preparation of pupils returning to school after summer; the continued operation of the call centre team in Berwick in handling Pingo calls and the planned replacement of damaged bus stops in greater Dunoon. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Contract Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 15 August 2023, submitted) (b) Access to Argyll and Bute (A83) The Group gave consideration to a presentation by Transport Scotland and Atkins WSP Joint Ventures on the permanent solution for the A83. The presentation included information that had been delivered at both virtual and in person public exhibitions within in the locality, specifically key features and benefits of the preferred route; the preferred route plan; the scheme assessment process and the next stages of the assessment and construction phases. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Transport Scotland and Atkins WSP Joint Ventures) (c) Western Ferries Gordon Ross of Western Ferries provided the Group with an overview of the service provided. Gordon advised that in June 2023 Western Ferries celebrated 50 years of service and that they were currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of the naming Page 15
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ceremony of their newer boats the Sound of Seil and the Sound of Soay. Mr Ross advised that Western Ferries provide approximately 32,000 sailings a year from 6am until midnight, 365 days a year adding that they provide a reliable, frequent and flexible service to the community. It was also highlighted that Western Ferries provide a free out of hour’s service for emergency services in Dunoon and have a stand by crew permanently on call. Discussion took place in relation to the lack of joint working with bus operators to provide a bus link at Hunters Quay into Dunoon. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and noted the information provided; and 2. requested that the Committee Manager relay the concerns of the Group regarding the lack of connectivity between ferry services and bus services to the Contract Officer. (Reference: Verbal Report by Managing Director, Western Ferries) 7. CLES - COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING The Group gave consideration to a presentation on Community Wealth Building from Charlie Murphy from CLES (Centre for Local Economic Strategies). Charlie highlighted that the CLES mission is to develop local economies which work for people, planet and place and that it is the lead organisation for Community Wealth Building in the UK. Charlie advised the Group that CLES have been commissioned by the TSI on behalf of the CPP to conduct research on Community Wealth Building in Argyll and Bute. It was highlighted that CLES would be running a workshop in Dunoon on the 5th September exploring Community Wealth Building in Argyll and Bute. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Researcher, Centre for Local Economic Strategies) 8. PARTNER UPDATES (a) Police Scotland Update Consideration was given to an update which included information on the ongoing work of the Service and provided information on the expansion of the Partners intelligence portal; the emergency services day held in Dunoon; youth engagement activities; the ‘Move in May’ challenge which Police Scotland staff took part in; Progress Pride flag’s journey around Argyll and West Dumbartonshire Division and Page 16
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the Keep Safe scheme. 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 Police Scotland, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group. (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) FQ1 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 Dumbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Local Senior Officer Activities and home fire safety. 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) Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership - Public Health Update The Group considered a public health update from Angela Coll, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by the HSCP Public Health Team in Argyll and Bute. The update highlighted information on the Public Health Intelligence Team (PHIT); the Money Counts Level 1 awareness raising sessions; the Living Well Networks and the merge of the Living Well Strategy and Prevention Board. 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 Care Partnership, submitted) (d) Live Argyll - Community Learning Services Update The Group gave consideration to an update from Rhona Grant, Live Argyll - Community Learning Services. The update provided information relating to youth work in the Bute and Cowal area such as the GIVE summer programme; the Friday night football being run once a month in partnership with Police Scotland and Black Page 17
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Park cages; the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV); the work with Developing Young Work Force (DYW) and the summer exchange programme. The update also provided information on adult learning with it being highlighted that both Bute and Cowal now have a Community Learning Worker who works as an Adult Learning Lead in a part time capacity. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Team Leader – Community Learning Services, Live Argyll, submitted) (e) UHI Argyll Update Consideration was given to an update by Rhona Altin, UHI Argyll. The update highlighted that all UHI centres held an open day on the 14th June in which people were encouraged to drop into their local centres to enquire about courses and find out what support is available to them and information on new NQ, NC and Access courses that are available. It was noted that UHI Argyll staff have been attending some local events during the summer months and are currently preparing for the new academic year and the intake of new students. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by UHI Argyll, dated 2 August 2023, submitted) (f) Skills Development Scotland Update The Group gave consideration to an update from Susan MacRae, Skills Development Scotland. The update included information on the work that career advisors have been doing in Dunoon Grammar School and Rothesay Joint Campus; the support they have been providing to school leavers; the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment initiative and the annual participation measures which are due to be published on 31st August. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Area Manager, Skills Development Scotland, submitted) Page 18
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(g) Opportunity for Verbal Updates Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Jen Broadhurst highlighted that Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) have been very busy and have supported just under 800 clients in the last 3 months with 370 of those being new to the bureau with the majority being in relation to welfare rights. Of those clients 218 were provided with welfare rights support, 41 were supported to access digital, food or fuel crisis funding. Jen added that the overall client financial gain, generated from the advice provided was just under £360,000 with 78% of the funding being generated by Welfare Rights. Jen also provided information on other areas such as the new data hub which provides statistical data on the range of clients that they support across the region; debt advice; the Armed Services advice project which has been extended until the end of the year; energy advice; the adviser training programme; the cost of care research; the updating of the Bureau’s business plan and the wellbeing networking event which is to be held on the 13th September. It was also highlighted that CAB have partnered with Dunoon Foodbank to offer appointments and drop ins every couple of weeks. Dunoon Community Development Trust Ann Campbell highlighted that Dunoon Community Development Trust has just completed a recruitment phase following a successful grant application and advised that she has been appointed as Partnership and Development Manager with there also being a part time information engagement co-ordinator and a part time volunteering for wellbeing co-ordinator. Ann added that they are currently in the process of establishing the Trust as an employer and once confirmed as such further information will be shared with partners. 9. SHAPING PLACES FOR WELLBEING The Group considered an update from Alex Wilde and Becky Hothersall, Shaping Places for Wellbeing Dunoon. The update provided information on the recent work of the service, with it being highlighted that they can support organisations create their own Place and Wellbeing Assessment and that they are also planning to work with local partners on exploring active travel plans for Dunoon. It was also highlighted that since the last meeting the team has co-ordinated a Place and Wellbeing assessment of the Health and Social Care Partnership’s Joint strategic plan and joint commissioning strategy, and the Argyll and Bute Local Policing Plan 2023-26. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Community Link Lead, Shaping Places for Wellbeing, Dunoon, submitted) Page 19
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10. BUTE COMMUNITY COUNCIL - CONSULTATION EXERCISE Jim Osborne from Bute Community Council provided the group with an update on the consultation exercise currently being undertaken by the Community Council. Jim advised that the new Community Council agreed last year to revisit a conversation that took place in 2015 on how the Community Council can improve Bute and reverse depopulation on the Island. Mr Osbourne advised that the Community Council had organised a public meeting in Rothesay at the end of March where around 60 people attended and presented their views on how to improve the Island with 7 main themes emerging, the top 3 being, facilities for visitors, town regeneration and facilities for young people. Jim advised that a couple of follow up meetings with other communities on Bute had been organised with similar outcomes emerging, with facilities for the elderly being added as a main theme. It was also highlighted that the Community Council are still in the process of Community engagement and at this time need to set up meetings with other communities and with young people on Bute to find out their thoughts and what they would like to see in the area. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Verbal Report by Jim Osborne, Bute Community Council) 11. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Sandbank Community Development Trust The Group considered a presentation by John Park, Director of Sandbank Community Development Trust which was established in 2002 to provide social and community facilities, environmental improvements, preservation of local heritage and support for local businesses. Mr Park also provided information on the Community Action plan and the ongoing activities of the Trust such as the Ardnadam Community Park and Holy Loch Nature Reserve. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Director, Sandbank Community Development Trust, dated August 2023, submitted) 12. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Climate Change Working Group Highlight Report Page 20
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Consideration was given to a report which highlighted the ongoing work of the Climate Change Working Group. The report outlined the proposal to produce a strategic Action Plan as a means to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute; the approved governance arrangements to support the Climate Change Project Manager post and the ongoing work on the recruitment of a Project Manager. 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 the Climate Change Working Group, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group. (Reference: Report by Chair of the Community Planning Partnership Climate Change Working Group, dated 2 August 2023, submitted) (b) Friends of Glenan Wood Consideration was given to a presentation by Robin Webster of Friends of Glenan Wood which provided information on the woodlands which is 148 hectares of unique Atlantic temperate rainforest located in Portavadie. Robin highlighted that the woods were acquired by the local community from Forestry Scotland via the Scottish Land Act in 2019 and now has approximately 80 local members and 7 local trustees. The presentation also included information on what visitors can expect to find in the woodlands; grants that they have received; work parties for volunteers; the weekly ‘brew and blether’ and the challenges they are facing. More information can be found at: https://www.glenanwood.org.uk/. Decision The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Verbal Report by Secretary, Friends of Glenan Wood) (c) Progress on Argyll and Bute Climate Hub It was noted that a written update from Argyll and Bute TSI would be circulated to the Group following the meeting and that any questions should be sent to the Committee Manager to forward to the Argyll and Bute TSI for consideration and response as appropriate. (d) Opportunity for verbal updates on community based initiatives There were no verbal updates provided under this item. Page 21
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13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The Chair thanked everyone in attendance at the meeting, and thanked all partners for their continued proactive work in the community. The Group noted that the next meeting of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday 31 October 2023. Page 22
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1 ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE AND COWAL AREA COMMITTEE CUSTOMER SUPPORT SERVICES 5 SEPTEMBER 2023 AREA PERFORMANCE REPORT – FQ1 2023/24 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 This paper presents the Area Performance Report for Financial Quarter 1 2023/24 (April to June 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 three 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. These were well received by members at a recent seminar and will be made available, as requested, for the December Area Committees, with training provided in advance. Page 23 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. Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director with responsibility for Customer Support Services Jane Fowler Head of Customer Support Services 23 August 2023 For further information, please contact: Sonya Thomas Organisation Development Officer - Performance and Improvement Page 24
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3 Customer Support Services 01546 604454 Appendix 1: FQ1 2023/24 B&C Performance Report Page 25
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Appendix 1 Page 1 Performance Reporting Performance Reporting .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1 All Areas .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 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 ....................................................................................................................................................... 7 Corporate Outcome No.2 – People live in safer and stronger communities .................................................................................................................................... 8 Car parking income to date – Bute and Cowal............................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Car parking income to date – Argyll and Bute ............................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Corporate Outcome No.2 – People live in safer and stronger communities .................................................................................................................................. 10 Dog fouling – total number of complaints – Bute and Cowal ..................................................................................................................................................... 10 Dog fouling – total number of complaints – Argyll and Bute ...................................................................................................................................................... 10 Corporate Outcome No.3 – Children and young people have the best possible start ................................................................................................................... 11 COI – Increase the percentage of our care experienced young people that have the recommended additional tracking and monitoring plans in place .... 11 Corporate Outcome No.3 – Children and young people have the best possible start ................................................................................................................... 12 COI – Provide quality meals with cost margins to all pupils ....................................................................................................................................................... 12 Corporate Outcome No.4 – Education, skills and training maximises opportunities for all .......................................................................................................... 13 Maximise the percentage of 16-19 years olds participating in education, training or employment – Bute and Cowal .......................................................... 13 Maintain the percentage of 16-19 years olds in Argyll and Bute participating in education, training or employment services – Argyll and Bute ................ 13 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 15 Page 26
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Appendix 1 Page 2 Number of affordable social sector new builds completed per annum – Bute and Cowal ....................................................................................................... 15 Number of affordable social sector new builds completed per annum – Argyll and Bute ........................................................................................................ 15 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 17 Percentage of pre-planning application enquiries processed within 20 working days – Bute and Cowal ................................................................................ 17 Percentage of pre-planning application enquiries processed within 20 working days – Argyll and Bute ................................................................................ 17 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 19 Householder planning applications – average number of weeks to determine – Bute and Cowal ........................................................................................... 19 Householder planning applications – average number of weeks to determine – Argyll and Bute ........................................................................................... 20 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 21 COI – The number of new homeless applicants who required temporary accommodation this period .................................................................................. 21 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 22 COI – Maintain the percentage of local suppliers that benefit from the awards of contracts via the procurement portal .................................................... 22 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving .................................................................................................................................................. 23 COI – Increase the number of community benefits that are delivered through contracts we award locally ........................................................................... 23 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth ............................................................................................................... 24 Street lighting – percentage of faults repaired within 10 days – Bute and Cowal ..................................................................................................................... 24 The percentage of street lighting faults are completed within 10 working days – Argyll and Bute .......................................................................................... 24 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth ............................................................................................................... 26 Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Bute ................................................................................................................................................. 26 Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Cowal ............................................................................................................................................... 26 Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Argyll and Bute ............................................................................................................................... 27 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth ............................................................................................................... 28 COI – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered ................................................................................................................................................ 28 Renewi (formerly Shanks) – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered ........................................................................................................... 28 Islands – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered .......................................................................................................................................... 29 Page 27
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Appendix 1 Page 3 H&L – Percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered ............................................................................................................................................... 30 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth ............................................................................................................... 31 COI – The number of tonnes of waste sent to landfill ................................................................................................................................................................. 31 Corporate Outcome No.6 – We have infrastructure that supports sustainable growth ............................................................................................................... 32 LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) – Bute ......................................................................................................................................... 32 LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) – Cowal ...................................................................................................................................... 32 LEAMS (Local Environment Audit and Management System) – Argyll and Bute ....................................................................................................................... 33 Making It Happen.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 34 Teacher sickness absence – Bute and Cowal ............................................................................................................................................................................... 34 Teacher sickness absence – Argyll and Bute ................................................................................................................................................................................ 34 Making It Happen.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 35 LGE staff (non-teacher) sickness absence – Bute and Cowal ...................................................................................................................................................... 35 LGE staff (non-teacher) sickness absence – Argyll and Bute ....................................................................................................................................................... 35 Making It Happen.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 36 COI – Increase the percentage of all self-service automated contacts ....................................................................................................................................... 36 Page 28
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Appendix 1 Page 4 All Areas FQ1 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 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 FQ1 2022/23 95.3% 87.5% Red FQ2 2022/23 95.3% 115.1% Green FQ3 2022/23 95.3% 129.2% Green FQ4 2022/23 95.3% 144.0% Green FQ1 2023/24 95.3% 112.9% Green Performance in FQ1 has exceeded the target and actual has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment From 1 April 2023 to 30 June 2023 our Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF) spend is £129,456 which is £14,886 higher than our profiled quarterly amount. The total allocation for SWF this financial year is £458,284. Applications have remained consistent during this first quarter and we are carefully monitoring application numbers to decide whether priority levels require to be changed. Responsible person: Fergus Walker Page 30
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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 FQ1 2022/23 100% 100% Green FQ2 2022/23 100% 100% Green FQ3 2022/23 100% 100% Green FQ4 2022/23 100% 95% Red FQ1 2023/24 100% 100% Green This indicator for FQ1 has met the target with no change in performance since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment 16 questionnaires returned, but 2 did not answer this question. Accordingly, 14 out of 14 responses were positive. Responsible person: Lee Roberts Page 31
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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 FQ1 2022/23 No target 266 No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 517 No target FQ3 2022/23 No target 403 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 415 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 296 No target This indicator for FQ1 shows the number of parking penalty notices has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment Warden assisting in H&L area (enforcement and cash collection) in OLI area (cash collection) and with private events, as well as enforcing B&C area. Responsible person: Hugh O’Neill Number of parking penalty notices issued – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ1 2022/23 No target 2,043 No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 2,124 No target 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 This indicator for FQ1 shows the number of parking penalty notices has increased significantly since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment H&L currently recruiting one warden and requiring assistance from other areas. OLI requiring assistance from other areas for cash collection duties. Responsible person: Hugh O’Neill Page 32
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Appendix 1 Page 8 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 FQ1 2022/23 £21,604 £4,237 Red FQ2 2022/23 £53,904 £13,203 Red FQ3 2022/23 £70,063 £29,825 Red FQ4 2022/23 £85,667 £42,381 Red FQ1 2023/24 £20,912 £13,741 Red This indicator for FQ1 shows the cumulative amount of income collected is lower than the cumulative target. There is no performance trend as this data is cumulative. FQ1 Comment An exercise regarding the number of vehicles coming into Argyll and Bute was carried out, and there was a drop in vehicles coming into the area over the COVID years and we are now seeing a return to the average, with year 2022/23 less than a 10% drop from the average non-COVID years. Ascertaining the reason for a shortfall in income can be difficult however it can be affected by such things as weather, events and community. Responsible person: Hugh O’Neill Actual quarterly income collected in Bute and Cowal for FQ4 and FQ1. Car Park Location FQ4 Actual FQ1 Actual Guildford Street, Rothesay £154 £461 Church Street, Dunoon £1,947 £1,232 Swimming Pool, Dunoon £2,033 £1,695 Dunoon Pier £120 £1,167 Moir Street, Dunoon £2,800 £3,149 Argyll Street, Dunoon £2,296 £2,215 Jane Villa, Dunoon £3,091 £3,822 Page 33
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Appendix 1 Page 9 Car Park Location FQ4 Actual FQ1 Actual B&C (parking permits) £116 £0 Total £12,556 £13,741 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 FQ1 2022/23 £250,661 £165,678 Red FQ2 2022/23 £625,430 £491,453 Red FQ3 2022/23 £812,919 £709,585 Red FQ4 2022/23 £993,968 £817,788 Red FQ1 2023/24 £234,056 £253,705 Green This indicator for FQ1 shows the cumulative amount of income collected is exceeded the cumulative target. There is no performance trend as this data is cumulative. FQ1 Comment Overall parking income is performing well – the team have had a vacancy since March 2023. An offer of employment has been made, which will see the team return to full staffing. Responsible person: Hugh O’Neill Page 34
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Appendix 1 Page 10 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 FQ1 2022/23 No target 13 No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 15 No target FQ3 2022/23 No target 19 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 25 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 13 No target This indicator for FQ1 shows the number of dog fouling complaints has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment The number of dog fouling complaints has dropped this quarter, with Bute only having 5 and Cowal 8. Hopefully the number of dog fouling complaints will continue to reduce as the warden service carry out their patrols. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Dog fouling – total number of complaints – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ1 202/23 No target 61 No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 45 No target FQ3 2022/23 No target 47 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 77 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 60 No target This indicator for FQ1 shows the number of dog fouling complaints has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment The total number of dog fouling complaints is down this quarter to 60; B&C 13, H&L 11, MAKI 32 and OLI 4. The Warden Service will continue to patrol and monitor this in an effort to reduce the numbers further. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 35
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Appendix 1 Page 11 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 FQ1 2022/23 100% 100% Green FQ2 2022/23 100% 100% Green FQ3 2022/23 100% 100% Green FQ4 2022/23 100% 100% Green FQ1 2023/24 100% 100% Green This indicator for FQ1 has met the target with no change in performance since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment There is individual tracking and monitoring in place on SEEMIS in all schools for care experienced children and young people. In addition to this, the Virtual Head Teacher for Care Experienced Children and Young People (CECYP) undertakes additional analysis of the data held. The way in which attendance data is monitored has been refined and there is greater scrutiny around absence and targeted interventions to support school attendance. An updated system to track attainment data specifically for CECYP is currently being developed and will ensure breadth and depth of data is collected for each learner throughout their educational journey. This long term intended impact is to identify and address themes, ensuring early and targeted interventions across a range of indicators. Data collated continues to inform how our Care Experienced Education Team of Health and Wellbeing Liaison Officers and Lead Additional Support Needs Assistants are deployed to offer support for the CECYP and, as appropriate, their family. Responsible person: Louise Chisholm Page 36
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Appendix 1 Page 12 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 FQ1 2022/23 +/-5.00% 3.77% Green FQ2 2022/23 +/-5.00% 0.98% Green FQ3 2022/23 +/-5.00% 6.09% Red FQ4 2022/23 +/-5.00% -2.56% Green FQ1 2023/24 +/-5.00% 5.00% Green This indicator for FQ1 is within the +/-5.00% target variance and performance has improved since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment The total percentage variance for all schools is 5.00%. This is just within the target range. A new cashless catering system is currently being implemented in schools and will allow for more efficient reporting of figures. The system was rolled out in FQ1 and may have resulted in some reporting issues. We will continue to monitor any schools that had a food cost percentage out with the 5% variance target. B&C 10.07% H&L 1.07% MAKI 2.61% OLI 7.16% Responsible person: Jayne Jones Page 37
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Appendix 1 Page 13 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 FQ1 2022/23 94.00% 92.70% Red FQ2 2022/23 94.00% 94.36% Green FQ3 2022/23 94.00% 92.17% Red FQ4 2022/23 94.00% 91.80% Red FQ1 2023/24 94.00% 92.19% Red This indicator for FQ1 is below target and performance has increased slightly since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment As of 29 June 2023, the participation figure for 16-19 year-olds in Bute and Cowal was 767 young people, which equates to 92.19%. This is 1.71% below the 2021/22 annual Argyll and Bute Participation figure of 93.9%. The 2022/23 Annual Participation Measure for Argyll and Bute will be released by Skills Development Scotland at the end of August 2023. Responsible person: Simon Easton 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 FQ1 2022/23 94.00% 94.00% Green FQ2 2022/23 94.00% 93.90% Red FQ3 2022/23 94.00% 93.90% Red FQ4 2022/23 94.00% 93.62% Red FQ1 2023/24 94.00% 93.75% Red This indicator for FQ1 is slightly below target however performance has increased slightly since the last reporting period. Page 38
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Appendix 1 Page 14 FQ1 Comment As of 29 June 2023, the participation figure for 16-19 year olds across Argyll and Bute was 3,435 young people, which equates to 93.75%. This is 0.15% below the 2021/22 annual Argyll and Bute Participation figure of 93.9%. The 2022/23 Annual Participation Measure for Argyll and Bute will be released by Skills Development Scotland at the end of August 2023. Responsible person: Simon Easton Page 39
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Appendix 1 Page 15 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 FQ1 2022/23 0 0 Green FQ2 2022/23 0 0 Green FQ3 2022/23 0 0 Green FQ4 2022/23 0 0 Green FQ1 2023/24 0 0 Green This indicator for FQ1 shows the number of completions has met the target for the reporting period. FQ1 Comment No units scheduled for completion this quarter. Responsible person: Kelly Ferns Number of affordable social sector new builds completed per annum – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status FQ1 2022/23 36 36 Green FQ2 2022/23 48 48 Green FQ3 2022/23 37 37 Green FQ4 2022/23 67 67 Green FQ1 2023/24 26 26 Green This indicator for FQ1 shows the number of completions has met the target for the reporting period. FQ1 Comment B&C: No units scheduled for completion in FQ1. H&L: No units scheduled for completion in FQ1. MAKI: No units scheduled for completion in FQ1. Page 40
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Appendix 1 Page 16 OLI: 26 completions in FQ1 achieved through Link/C~urb for social rent at the Dunbeg Phase 3 development. 20 of these are general needs, 3 are amenity and 3 are specific need housing. 20 general needs (made up of 4x2 bed terraced houses, 4x3 bed terraced houses, 1x4 bed terraced house, 4x1 bed flats and 7x2 bed flats). 3 wheelchair accessible (2x1 bed flats). 3 amenity (2x1 bed flats and 1x2 bed flat). Responsible person: Kelly Ferns Page 41
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Appendix 1 Page 17 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 FQ1 2022/23 75.0% 75.0% Green FQ2 2022/23 75.0% 45.5% Red FQ3 2022/23 75.0% 50.0% Red FQ4 2022/23 75.0% 55.6% Red FQ1 2023/24 75.0% 27.3% Red This indicator for FQ1 is below target and performance has decreased significantly since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment Performance across Development Management continues to be impacted by an extended period of operating with key staff vacancies and a backlog of casework from the pandemic. The introduction of National Planning Framework 4 in February 2023 by The Scottish Government and the subsequent progression of the Council's proposed Local Development Plan 2 in June 2023 has further impacted on productivity and required a significant volume of casework to be re-assessed against the emerging policy background. During this reporting period available resource has been prioritised towards the resolution of statutory casework - the effect of this will be a detrimental impact on non-statutory casework including an extended time period to respond to pre-application enquiries. Responsible person: Peter Bain 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 FQ1 2022/23 75.0% 60.5 Red FQ2 2022/23 75.0% 64.7% Red FQ3 2022/23 75.0% 52.5% Red FQ4 2022/23 75.0% 55.4% Red FQ1 2023/24 75.0% 47.5% Red This indicator for FQ1 is below target and performance has decreased since the last reporting period. Page 42
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Appendix 1 Page 18 FQ1 Comment Performance across Development Management continues to be impacted by an extended period of operating with key staff vacancies and a backlog of casework from the pandemic. The introduction of National Planning Framework 4 in February 2023 by The Scottish Government and the subsequent progression of the Council's proposed Local Development Plan 2 in June 2023 has further impacted on productivity and required a significant volume of casework to be re-assessed against the emerging policy background. During this reporting period available resource has been prioritised towards the resolution of statutory casework - the effect of this will be a detrimental impact on non-statutory casework including an extended time period to respond to pre-application enquiries. Responsible person: Peter Bain Page 43
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Appendix 1 Page 19 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 FQ1 2022/23 8.0 weeks 14.9 weeks Red FQ2 2022/23 8.0 weeks 10.6 weeks Red 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 This indicator for FQ1 has not met the target and performance has decreased significantly since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment This measure only relates to planning applications received for alterations to existing premises. Performance across Development Management continues to be impacted by an extended period of operating with key staff vacancies and a backlog of casework from the pandemic. The introduction of National Planning Framework 4 in February 2023 by The Scottish Government and the subsequent progression of the Council's proposed Local Development Plan 2 in June 2023 has further impacted on productivity and required a significant volume of casework to be re-assessed against the emerging policy background. During this reporting period, available resource has been prioritised towards the resolution of statutory casework - in particular the progression and determination of older cases. The determination of a higher-than-normal volume of legacy cases has a significant impact on "average time taken" performance measures, as a relatively small number of cases can readily skew the outcome. This is evidenced in that the performance time to determine "All Local Applications" would be 25.7 weeks, however five of those weeks is attributable to six legacy applications alone. Of the Local Applications determined in FQ1, 90% of applications determined were less than one year old and were determined in an average time period of 18 weeks. It is further commented that 60% of those applications were less than 6 months old at the time of determining and were determined in an average time period of 11.6 weeks. Responsible person: Peter Bain Page 44
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Appendix 1 Page 20 Householder planning applications – average number of weeks to determine – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ1 2022/23 8.0 weeks 12.4 weeks Red FQ2 2022/23 8.0 weeks 13.1 weeks Red 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 This indicator for FQ1 has not met the target and performance and performance has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment This measure only relates to planning applications received for alterations to existing premises. Performance across Development Management continues to be impacted by an extended period of operating with key staff vacancies and a backlog of casework from the pandemic. The introduction of National Planning Framework 4 in February 2023 by The Scottish Government and the subsequent progression of the Council's proposed Local Development Plan 2 in June 2023 has further impacted on productivity and required a significant volume of casework to be re-assessed against the emerging policy background. During this reporting period, available resource has been prioritised towards the resolution of statutory casework - in particular the progression and determination of older cases. The determination of a higher-than-normal volume of legacy cases has a significant impact on "average time taken" performance measures, as a relatively small number of cases can readily skew the outcome. This is evidenced in that the performance time to determine "All Local Applications" would be 25.7 weeks, however five of those weeks is attributable to six legacy applications alone. Of the Local Applications determined in FQ1, 90% of applications determined were less than one year old and were determined in an average time period of 18 weeks. It is further commented that 60% of those applications were less than 6 months old at the time of determining and were determined in an average time period of 11.6 weeks. Responsible person: Peter Bain Page 45
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Appendix 1 Page 21 Corporate Outcome No.5 – Our economy is diverse and thriving COI – The 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 FQ1 2022/23 No target 32 No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 28 No target FQ3 2022/23 No target 41 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 30 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 32 No target This indicator for FQ1 shows the number of applicants has increased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment During FQ1, the housing service provided temporary accommodation for 32 new homeless households. B&C 13 H&L 3 MAKI 1 OLI 15 Responsible Person: Morven Macintyre Page 46
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Appendix 1 Page 22 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 FQ1 2022/23 20.0% 13.2% Red FQ2 2022/23 20.0% 22.2% Green FQ3 2022/23 20.0% 19.4% Red FQ4 2022/23 20.0% 22.5% Green FQ1 2023/24 20.0% 10.8% Red This indicator for FQ1 is below target and performance has decreased significantly since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment Of the 5 contracts receiving local bids, 2 of which were Framework awards with multiple successful suppliers, 4 local suppliers were successful with an estimated contract value of £500k. The Procurement, Commercial and Contract Management Team (PCCMT) continue to support local suppliers by providing useful information on the Council’s website i.e. pre-recorded webinars on how to bid for Council contracts, hints and tips for tendering, as well as our current contract plan. Details of upcoming Supplier Development events and our Category Officer’s contact details are also provided, all of which enable local suppliers to be able to bid for our contracts. Responsible person: Anne MacColl-Smith Page 47
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Appendix 1 Page 23 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 FQ1 2022/23 No target - No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 30 No target FQ3 2022/23 No target - No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 43 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target - No target This indicator is reported in FQ2 and FQ4. This indicator for FQ4 shows the number of community benefits has increased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment Reported on a six monthly basis. Next report available October 2023. Responsible person: Anne MacColl-Smith Page 48
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Appendix 1 Page 24 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 FQ1 2022/23 75% 32% Red FQ2 2022/23 75% 65% Red FQ3 2022/23 75% 33% Red FQ4 2022/23 75% 30% Red FQ1 2023/24 75% 54% Red This indicator for FQ1 is below target however performance has increased significantly since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment The percentage of faults completed within the 10 day indicator is 54% in FQ1. This equates to 20 jobs of the total 37 faults completed in the period. Responsible person: Tom Murphy 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 FQ1 2022/23 75% 29% Red FQ2 2022/23 75% 48% Red FQ3 2022/23 75% 30% Red FQ4 2022/23 75% 32% Red FQ1 2023/24 75% 37% Red This indicator for FQ1 is below target however performance has increased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment The total number of street lighting jobs completed in FQ1 was 175. Of the total completed within the quarter, 64 were completed within the 10 day indicator giving an overall performance of 37%. We still have a number of faults reported as dark lamps that turn out to be more serious cable or section faults requiring power company/supply repairs. More jobs were completed and closed off than new ones raised, within the period, slightly reducing the overall backlog in repairs. Page 49
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Appendix 1 Page 25 There have been some resourcing issues due to sickness absence and annual leave and the commencement of the Capital Improvement Schemes in Helensburgh and Bute. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 50
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Appendix 1 Page 26 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 FQ1 2022/23 No target 5 No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 4 No target FQ3 2022/23 No target 1 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 3 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 1 No target This indicator for FQ1 shows the number of waste collection complaints has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment There was only one waste collection complaint received for the first quarter for Bute, this is an excellent level of service given the number of properties serviced on the Island. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Cowal Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ1 2022/23 No target 4 No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 8 No target FQ3 2022/23 No target 1 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 3 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 9 No target This indicator for FQ1 shows the number of waste collection complaints has increased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment For the first quarter there were only 9 waste collection complaints received for the Cowal area, again another very good level of service. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 51
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Appendix 1 Page 27 Total number of complaints regarding waste collection – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ1 2022/23 No target 58 No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 65 No target FQ3 2022/23 No target 35 No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 53 No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 67 No target This indicator for FQ1 shows the number of waste collection complaints has increased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment There were 67 waste collection complaints received this quarter, given the number of bins serviced; domestic, glass and food, this is a very good level of service. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 52
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Appendix 1 Page 28 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 FQ1 2022/23 45.0% 52.1% Green FQ2 2022/23 45.0% 50.5% Green FQ3 2022/23 45.0% 56.7% Green FQ4 2022/23 45.0% 52.0% Green FQ1 2023/24 45.0% 47.6% Green This indicator for FQ1 is above target however performance has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment 47.6% recycling, composting and recovery (37.4% recycling/composting plus 10.2% recovery). Overall rate above target although recovery less than same quarter in previous year. This is mainly because mixed general waste which goes to Barr Environmental (mainly from Helensburgh and Lomond area) is now all landfilled. This is due to Barr's decision to cease operation of their mixed waste treatment plant following The Scottish Government introduction of a Landfill Tax Abatement Order from July 2022. Responsible person: John Blake 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 FQ1 2022/23 No target 54.4% No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 58.1% No target 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 Page 53
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Appendix 1 Page 29 This indicator for FQ1 shows the percentage of waste recycled has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment 53.0% recycling, composting and recovery (35.8% recycling/composting plus 17.2% recovery). Renewi recycling and recovery rates now back to more normal levels as had been higher in 2022/23 year mainly due to significant wood and green garden waste tonnages being sent for recycling/composting plus and energy from waste trial increased recovery tonnages. Responsible person: John Blake 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 FQ1 2022/23 No target 33.3% No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 34.7% No target FQ3 2022/23 No target 43.5% No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 35.9% No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 40.1% No target This indicator for FQ1 shows the percentage of waste recycled has increased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment Recycling rate higher than previous quarter i.e. FQ4 in 2022/23 mainly due to significant green garden waste tonnage being sent for composting. Recovery rate much lower than same quarter in previous year i.e. FQ1 in 2022/23, mainly due to Barr Environmental no longer operating a mixed general waste treatment plant at their Auchencarroch Landfill Site (near Alexandria) following The Scottish Government introducing a Landfill Tax Abatement Order from July 2022. Responsible person: John Blake Page 54
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Appendix 1 Page 30 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 FQ1 2022/23 No target 53.6% No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 41.0% No target FQ3 2022/23 No target 37.5% No target FQ4 2022/23 No target 34.5% No target FQ1 2023/24 No target 39.2% No target This indicator for FQ1 shows the percentage of waste recycled has increased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment Recycling and composting rate of 39.2% is an improvement on previous quarter and same quarter in 2022/23. Responsible person: John Blake Page 55
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Appendix 1 Page 31 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 FQ1 2022/23 5,850 4,546 Green FQ2 2022/23 5,550 4,947 Green FQ3 2022/23 5,100 3,882 Green FQ4 2022/23 5,000 4,610 Green FQ1 2023/24 5,850 5,075 Green This indicator for FQ1 is below target (lowest is best) and performance has increased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment Tonnes of biodegradable waste to landfill within target, however more was landfilled than in same quarter during previous year. This increase was mainly because all mixed general waste delivered to Barr Environmental in FQ1 this year (from the Helensburgh and Lomond area) was landfilled. This was due to Barr's decision to cease operation of their mixed waste treatment plant following The Scottish Government Landfill Tax Abatement Order (which was introduced from July 2022). The Renewi energy from waste trial has ended, therefore in this quarter there is no extra recovery from the PPP area to offset the recovery reduction from the Helensburgh and Lomond area. Responsible person: John Blake Page 56
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Appendix 1 Page 32 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 FQ1 2022/23 73 81 Green FQ2 2022/23 73 78 Green FQ3 2022/23 73 80 Green FQ4 2022/23 73 79 Green FQ1 2023/24 73 79 Green This indicator for FQ1 is above target however and performance has remained the same since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment The LEAMS figures for the first quarter for Bute are April 79, May 78 and June 79, another good level of performance. 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 FQ1 2022/23 73 78 Green FQ2 2022/23 73 76 Green FQ3 2022/23 73 76 Green FQ4 2022/23 73 77 Green FQ1 2023/24 73 77 Green This indicator for FQ1 is above target and performance has remained the same since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment The LEAMS figures for Cowal were 77 for the quarter, showing a good level of performance. Page 57
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Appendix 1 Page 33 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 FQ1 2022/23 73 85 Green FQ2 2022/23 73 82 Green FQ3 2022/23 73 83 Green FQ4 2022/23 73 83 Green FQ1 2023/24 73 84 Green This indicator for FQ1 is above target and performance has increased slightly since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment The overall score for the whole of Argyll and Bute is 84 this quarter, this shows a very good level of street cleanliness and exceeds both the National Standard and Benchmark score. Responsible person: Tom Murphy Page 58
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Appendix 1 Page 34 Making It Happen Teacher sickness absence – Bute and Cowal Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ1 2022/23 No target 1.97 days No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 1.36 days No target 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 This indicator for FQ1 shows the number of sickness absence days has increased slightly since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment Teacher absence has increased very slightly against the last quarter and has increased by 1.67 days on the same quarter last year. The top reason for absence is Medical Treatment replacing Infections which was the top reason in the same quarter last year. Responsible person: Jennifer Crocket Teacher sickness absence – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ1 2022/23 No target 1.79 days No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 1.22 days No target 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 This indicator for FQ1 shows the number of sickness absence days has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment Overall, Teacher absence has decreased by 1/3 of a day on last quarter and increased by 1/3 of a day on the same quarter last year. The top reasons for absence are Stress, Infections and Medical Treatment. Medical Treatment replaces Stomach/Liver/Kidney as no. 3 reason on the same quarter last year. Responsible person: Jennifer Crocket (B&C and MAKI) and Wendy Brownlie (H&L and OLI) Page 59
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Appendix 1 Page 35 Making It Happen LGE staff (non-teacher) sickness absence – Bute and Cowal Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ1 2022/23 No target 4.12 days No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 3.76 days No target 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 This indicator for FQ1 shows the number of sickness absence days has decreased slightly since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment LGE absence has decreased slightly on last quarter and increased by 1/3 of a day quarter on the same quarter last year. The top reason for absence is Stress, consistent with the same quarter last year. Responsible person: Carolyn Cairns LGE staff (non-teacher) sickness absence – Argyll and Bute Reporting Period Target Actual Status Trend of ‘Actual’ over the period FQ1 2022/23 No target 3.57 days No target FQ2 2022/23 No target 3.66 days No target 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 This indicator for FQ1 shows the number of sickness absence days has decreased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment Overall LGE absence has decreased by 1/2 a day on the previous quarter and decreased slightly on the same quarter last year. The top three reasons for absence are Stress, Other Musculoskeletal and Stomach/Liver/Kidney. Stomach/Liver/Kidney replaces Infections which was no. 3 reason this quarter last year. Responsible person: Carolyn Cairns Page 60
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Appendix 1 Page 36 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 FQ1 2022/23 70.0% 79.4% Green FQ2 2022/23 70.0% 75.4% Green FQ3 2022/23 70.0% 72.5% Green FQ4 2022/23 70.0% 72.2% Green FQ1 2023/24 70.0% 80.7% Green This indicator for FQ1 is above target and performance has increased since the last reporting period. FQ1 Comment In FQ1 there 38,647 transactions dealt with by Customer Service Agents (19.3%) and 162,111 automated or self-service transactions (80.7%) so the 70.0% target was exceeded. Note: figures are provisional due to implementation of new website and analytics engine. Responsible person: Robert Miller Page 61
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE AND COWAL AREA COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SEPTEMBER 2023 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 were introduced around 18 months ago (at the time of writing this report we are on to briefing Edition 97) 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. Page 63 Agenda Item 6
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3.0 DETAIL 3.1 Roads and Infrastructure Services provides Members with weekly briefings on topical service activities which are all available here. 3.2 As part of the resources on the new Member Zone system there are various key documents available in an online library 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 – none known 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 64
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Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, Kirsty Flanagan Policy Lead for Roads and Transport, Councillor Andrew Kain August 2023 For further information contact: Jim Smith, Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services; or Mark Calder, Project Manager Page 65
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE AND COWAL AREA COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES 5 SEPTEMBER 2023 RECYCLING AND RECOVERY PERFORMANCE 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Argyll and Bute Council is both a waste collection and waste disposal authority. 1.2 Waste disposal is dealt with by 3 separate models across the council as follows: Island sites e.g. on Mull and Islay where landfill sites are operated directly by the council; Helensburgh and Lomond area where waste is disposed of at sites outside of Argyll and Bute; A 25 year (2001 – 2026) Waste PPP contract which covers the rest of Argyll and Bute. 1.3 Waste figures for all four administrative areas have been summarised within this report. Due to the way the reporting is carried out, it is not possible to accurately break down the information on an area by area basis for all data. 1.4 National policy decisions, guidance and regulations e.g. relating to the Biodegradable Municipal Waste landfill ban will have a significant impact on future recycling, composting and recovery performance. 1.5 It is recommended that Members note and give consideration to the details as outlined in this report and the national policy drivers that will likely impact over the coming years. Page 67 Agenda Item 7
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE AND COWAL AREA COMMITTEE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES 5 SEPTEMBER 2023 RECYCLING AND RECOVERY PERFORMANCE 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 Argyll and Bute Council is both a waste collection and waste disposal authority. Recycling, composting and recovery (i.e. other landfill diversion) statistics are reported quarterly within the council’s performance system Pyramid which has recently been replaced. Statutory returns to SEPA e.g. licensed site tonnage, landfill tax and waste data flow vary from quarterly to annual. 2.2 This report provides details on the council’s recycling and landfill diversion performance along with national policy, targets and regulations which are likely to impact on future performance. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 It is recommended that Members note and give consideration to the details as outlined in this report and the national policy drivers that will likely impact over the coming years. 4.0 DETAILS 4.1 The council’s waste strategy was approved by the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee in September 2019. Whilst this strategy will emerge in line with government guidance, regulation, legislation, and contractual requirements the Strategy is predicated on the model shown below in Figure 1. Page 68
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4.2 Argyll and Bute Council operated a performance management system ‘Pyramid’. Quarterly recycling/composting, recovery and landfill percentages are included – split between the Islands landfill sites, Waste Management PPP and Helensburgh/Lomond areas. These details include: percentage of waste recycled and composted; percentage of waste recovered e.g. other landfill diversion; combined percentage of waste recycled, composted and recovered; percentage of waste to landfill; tonnes of biodegradable municipal waste to landfill. Percentages Summary of Landfill, Recycling, Composting and Recovery 2021 and 2022 2021 2022 Argyll & Bute wide % of waste recycled, composted and recovered 49.3% 51.8% % waste recycled and composted 36.2% 37.6% % waste recovered 13.0% 14.2% % waste landfilled 50.7% 48.2% Tonnes of municipal waste to landfill 29,875 28,265 Waste PPP % of waste recycled, composted and 50.6% 57.6% Page 69
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recovered % waste recycled and composted 33.0% 36.3% % waste recovered 17.6% 21.3% % waste landfilled 49.4% 42.4% Helensburgh & Lomond % of waste recycled, composted and recovered 50.8% 44.7% % waste recycled and composted 42,7% 40.6% % waste recovered 8.1% 4.2% % waste landfilled 49.2% 55.3% Islands % of waste recycled, composted and recovered 36.3% 37.3% % waste recycled and composted 34.8% 36.7% % waste recovered 1.5% 0.6% % waste landfilled 63.7% 62.7% 4.3 Some points to note are as follows: There was an overall improvement in recycling performance in 2022 which was mainly due to an increase in green garden waste and wood waste tonnages sent by Renewi from the PPP area for onward composting and recycling. There was also an improvement in recovery performance in 2022 mainly due to a trial carried out by Renewi in the PPP area whereby Renewi sent circa 1,500 tonnes of general mixed residual waste (mainly from their Dalinlongart waste facility near Dunoon) to an Energy from Waste (EfW) plant in the central belt. The Renewi energy from waste trial more than off-set the reduction in recovery from the Helensburgh and Lomond area following Barr ceasing operation of their waste treatment plant following The Scottish Government introduction of a Landfill Tax Amendment Order in July 2022. The Barr waste treatment plant was mothballed from July 2022 at their Auchencarroch landfill site near Alexandria. With no recycling or recovery occurring from the mixed residual waste at the Barr site, this had a negative impact on overall recycling and recovery rates from the Helensburgh and Lomond area compared to 2021. Page 70
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The overall combined recycled, composted and recovery rate has increased from 49.3% in 2021 to 51.8% in 2022. This is mainly due to the reasons described in the first two bullet points above. The recovery in the Waste PPP area is carried out by Renewi through residual waste mechanical biological treatment plants based at their waste facilities near Oban, Dunoon and Lochgilphead. In late 2022 Renewi also sent circa 1,500 tonnes of residual waste to an EfW plant in the central belt. Waste sent to EfW is also classed as recovery. The recovery in the Helensburgh and Lomond area was carried out by Barr Environmental at their Auchencarroch waste facility, near Alexandria. As described, Barr stopped operating their mixed residual waste treatment plant following The Scottish Government Landfill Tax Amendment Order which was introduced from July 2022. Since then Barr have landfilled all mixed residual waste although they have future plans to turn the currently mothballed waste treatment plant into a refuse derived fuel (RDF) facility. Such a facility assuming it comes to fruition, would shred and wrap residual waste for subsequent use in an EfW plant. Cardboard is now consistently the most prominent recycling material in the blue recycling bin overtaking paper which was the highest proportion pre pandemic. The increase in cardboard is likely due to more on-line purchasing since the pandemic while newspapers are not as widely purchased now compared to previous years. The overall percentage waste to landfill in 2022 (48.2%) was lower than 2021 (50.7%) mainly due to the EfW trial carried out by Renewi during the winter months of late 2022. The tonnage of municipal waste to landfill in 2022 (i.e. 28,365 tonnes) was less than in 2021 (i.e. 29,875 tonnes).This was mainly due also to the Renewi EfW trial. Recycling and composting is mainly from recycling collections, bring sites and segregated wastes from recycling/civic amenity sites. Recovery is predominantly moisture/process loss and compost like output from mixed waste treatment plants operated by the council’s Waste PPP partner Renewi and Barr Environmental. In addition in 2022, there was circa 1,500 tonnes of recovery from the Renewi EfW trial. SEPA published annual recycling, recovery and landfill data for local authorities focuses mainly on recycling/composting from household waste and less on recovery in line with the waste hierarchy. Landfill Ban 4.4 The Waste (Scotland) Regulations were introduced by the Scottish Government in 2012 and they included a landfill ban of biodegradable waste from 2021. Page 71
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4.5 The landfill ban planned for 2021 was subsequently delayed by The Scottish Government until the end of 2025. This delay was welcomed by the Council and gives more time for alternative solutions and funding to be sought. An update report on the Waste PPP/Landfill Ban is likely to be included in the August 2023 Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee. Deposit Return Scheme 4.6 The Scottish Government in 2019 set out a planned implementation date of April 2021 for a national deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers including PET plastic drinks bottles, drinks cans and glass bottles. During the Covid-19 outbreak the implementation date was delayed by The Scottish Government until July 2022 and then subsequently until August 2023.Circularity Scotland were subsequently appointed by The Scottish Government to administer and operate the scheme throughout Scotland. In June 2023, The Scottish Government decided to abandon the Scotland wide scheme after the UK Government refused to allow glass drinks bottles to be part of the Scheme. Circularity Scotland have subsequently been disbanded. 4.7 A UK wide DRS scheme is expected in October 2025 and may result in an overall increase in recycling including other environmental benefits e.g. current non- recyclers may use the scheme plus there should be less littering of such items. The scheme may however, see a slight reduction in Council recycling performance if plastic drinks bottles and cans are no longer handled by Council recycling collections albeit they should still be recycled in future via the UK wide DRS scheme. Scottish Government Circular Economy Bill 4.8 During the summer of 2023, The Scottish Government published its Circular Economy Bill. Further details on these Scottish Government proposals will be reported at future ED&I Committees as they progress. Some of the main proposals which relate to local authorities recycling are as follows: A Duty of Care on households regarding their waste and recycling with new powers given to local authorities for the issuing of fixed penalties to enforce this; Local Authorities will be required to comply with a statutory code of practice on recycling; The Scottish Government expect to set mandatory recycling targets on Local Authorities from 2030. 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 Steady progress was made on recycling and composting performance during 2022. Recovery performance also improved in 2022 mainly due to an EfW trial carried out by Renewi from the PPP area. National Policy drivers such as the ban Page 72
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on biodegradable municipal waste to landfill, the deposit return scheme and the circular economy bill proposals will have significant implications for future recycling, composting and recovery performance. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy National policies and regulations will likely impact on future recycling, composting and recovery performance. The council’s policy is to reduce landfill. 6.2 Financial The 2025 ban on biodegradable waste to landfill will have financial implications. An update report will be included in the August 2023 Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee. 6.3 Legal The landfill ban (delayed until 31st December 2025) is a legal requirement under the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012. Other legal requirements may likely result following The Scottish Government Circular Economy Bill proposals. 6.4 HR None 6.5 Equalities None 6.6 Risk Risks to the council on the landfill ban and any other future statutory requirements are mainly financial. A future UK wide deposit scheme for plastic drinks containers and cans will hopefully have an overall environmental benefit, although it may impact on council recycling rates. 6.7 Customer Services None at present. Executive Director with Responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services: Kirsty Flanagan Policy Lead for Climate Change and Environment: Councillor Ross Moreland For further information contact: Jim Smith: Head of Roads and Infrastructure Services John Blake: Fleet, Waste & Transport Manager Page 73
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE & COWAL AREA COMMITTEE COMMUNITY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 5 September 2023 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 The time period of this report covers projects funded within 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22. Due to the disruption of Covid 19 on the planned funded projects of community groups, the council agreed to lengthen the time projects had to be delivered. Therefore this report summarises projects completed within the years disrupted by Covid 19. 1.3 Members are asked to consider the contents of the report showing a summary of the information supplied by organisations in their End of Project Monitoring Reports. 1.4 Members are asked to note the return of monies and that these will be available to fund projects in future rounds of the Supporting Communities Fund. Page 75 Agenda Item 9
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE & COWAL AREA COMMITTEE COMMUNITY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 5 September 2023 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 between 2019/20 and 2021/22. 2.2 A total of 47 projects were awarded funding. Due to the challenges throughout that period for community groups and adjustments that had to be made to the running of their projects, it has been more challenging to receive an End of Project Monitoring Report from all awards of funding. These were exceptional years and we are grateful to the 43 grant recipients who were able to submit information for this report. 2.3 A total of £3,787.28 in total has been returned; £559.19 to be included in the distribution of the SCF for 2024/25 with the other funds included and redistributed in previous years. 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. 3.3 Note that a total of £3,787.28 in total has been returned; £559.19 to be included in the distribution of the SCF for 2024/25 with the other funds included and redistributed in previous years. . 4.0 DETAIL 4.1 The funded projects supported approximately 11,827 people to participate in a variety of activities including outdoor activities, sports, Page 76
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music and mental health. Highlights include: The rejuvenation of a multi-use sports court, allowing a number of fitness and social activities, including tennis, tai chi and youth group games to take place in Strachur. Staff training for a special submersible boat hoist for Toward Sailing Club, part of a wider project that will secure the long term future of the club. A project by Friends of Riverbank Bird Hide included improving pathways for people with mobility issues and wheelchair users and installation of a willow hedge safety barrier, improving and increasing safe access for all. Dunoon Community (Men’s Shed) woodwork shed installed a dust extractor, this is an active move to improve the workshop environment and Health and Safety for volunteers many of whom are retired. The men’s shed model is seen as having a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of its membership. 4.2 The attached table summarises information received from individual projects. 4.3 43 grant recipients have submitted an End of Project Monitoring Report. 4.4 Note that a total of £3,787.28 in total has been returned; £559.19 to be included in the distribution of the SCF for 2024/25. The return of funds is a combination of projects under budget or funds unable to be spent. 4.5 In the 2020/21 funding cycle, Rothesay Joint Campus Parent Council were granted an extension to November 2023 to complete their project of delivering a course of British Sign Language. They are listed as project no. 12 in the 2020/21 list. Page 77
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2019/20 SCF Round of Funding No Organisation Project Funded Award End of Project Achievements No. of people in communities benefitting 1 1st Rothesay Boys Brigade Costs for trips to try skiing, rockclimbing, skateboarding and an activity morning £1,757.00 This session parental engagement was sought to help us manage the off-island trips. It was very heartening to see so many PARENTS take an interest in the activities. These off-island activities were a huge success with the boys definitely being inspired and pushed beyond their usual comfort zone. 18 2 ACT - Argyll & the Isles Coast & Countryside Trust Moving On sessions for mental health £2,000.00 The sessions took place out of doors and the trained staff facilitated the activities such as green wood working, shelter building, camp fire cooking and conservation tasks. Each session participants shared a communal meal. 11 3 Argyll Arts Collective Venue Hire, Fees for visiting companies, admin and marketing costs and licences for a series of productions in local village halls £2,000.00 We provided an array of live performances that were suitable across the board for all ages to enjoy and at an affordable price. We increased the accessibility of the arts to the public throughout Cowal, by organising events in Lochgoilhead and Cairndow which brought audiences from the villages of Carrick Castle, and even as far as Tarbet and Dunoon. 300 4 Bute Community Forest (payment to be sent to Bute Community Land Company) Support 6 forest projects and the purchase of small tools to enable tree planting, woodcraft activities £1,000.00 The events allowed new and returning community residents to spend time in and enjoy the Community Forest, and to learn about the natural environment. Families engaged with the events. The Funghi Foray was the second time this event has been run, reaching new audiences. 87 5 Bute Shinty Club Equipment & uniforms £1,830.00 We purchased all the equipment for training and matches, we hired the 3g pitch for 10 evening sessions which were completed. The Covid 19 virus has curtailed our shinty season, the ladies only managed to play 2 away and one home match. We were involved with the local secondary and primary schools providing coaches and equipment, we have also taken sessions with pre-school children to introduce them to our sport, again this has stopped due to the current restrictions on sport. 50 6 ButeFest 19 Marquee Hire, art & craft £2,000.00 The festival went ahead as planned with around 1500 crew, 1,200 Page 78
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2019/20 SCF Round of Funding workshops, facilitators and materials to decorate the site volunteers & festival goers. The funding we received meant there were a variety of workshops & activities in the Arts & craft workshop marque for festival goers to enjoy. These ranged from green woodworking, tie-dye T-shirts, Felting, drumming, Yoga & mindfulness and much more. 7 Cairndow Community Council Dive Survey and application for Marine Licence £1,173.50 EPMR not submitted. n/a 8 Colintraive and Glendaruel Community Council Printing and Volunteer Costs £1,500.00 We produced 4 quarterly full colour newsletters which were delivered to every household, local businesses and some businesses and tourist venues out with ColGlen. Unknown 9 Cowal Cinema Club Cost of 13 Film Screening licences, venue rental marketing £1,911.00 We delivered a once a month screening of an appropriate film for dementia suffers and their carers. We advertised with relevant organisations, care homes, printed materials and in the local newspaper. One volunteer visited the local care homes to inform managers. 200 approx 10 Dunoon Baptist Church Gateway Project Staffing costs for a youth and community worker £2,000.00 Gateway has engaged with over 350 young people through youth groups/clubs, activities and partnership working with the local secondary school including class work, mentoring and PSE workshops. 378 11 Friends of Riverbank Bird Hide Cost of ground works, demolition of current hide, legal cost of transfer of ownership £500.00 We have completed the legal transfer of the hide to the SCIO and it is now registered in our name. With regards to the works, we have just managed to do the initial groundworks. Work has stopped due to Covid19. Unknown 12 Inspiring Innellan 10 A2 size information boards for a nature trail and marketing costs £500.00 It was more complex than anticipated to put the signs together. Covid meant a shortage of manpower and materials to construct signs. Unknown 13 Isle of Bute Resilience Team Cost of Manual Handling and Full First Aid Course £2,000.00 All of the team are trained in Manual Handling and half of the team in First Aid, enabling us to take on larger roles at local events. 20 14 Kirn Primary School Parent Council Watering cans, wheelbarrows, water butt, hand tools for school eco garden £715.00 The children seemed to relish the opportunity to learn outdoors and took real pride in looking after their plants. 285 15 PA23 BID Ltd (Dunoon Hire of venue, consultancy £2,000.00 All nine digital workshops at this free event were sold out. Each 90 Page 79
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2019/20 SCF Round of Funding Presents) fees, accommodation, travel and marketing costs for a two day #DigiFestDunoon event workshop ran for approximately 45 minutes and the workshops ran simultaneously throughout the day. Although the event was significantly scaled down from the original concept, it most definitely showed and tangibly demonstrated the interest levels that exist within the community for innovative/hands on digital events like this. 16 Rothesay & District Pipe Band Costs of tutors for piping and drumming, chanters, drum sticks and pads £2,000.00 We were able to run a series of evening classes in piping and drumming for local young people between the months of September and March (first 2 weeks only due to covid). Some of the young people who took part in our lessons have subsequently successfully taken part in virtual solo competitions during lockdown. In the Coupar Angus competition we had pupils who were placed 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th within very high quality, large sections. 49 17 Starter Pack Plus Purchase small electrical appliances, pillows and duvets, insurance and travel costs £500.00 The project has a practical and emotional impact on those who received packs. The pack has a feel-good factor, someone is thinking about the family and helping them to begin again. The pack also offers practical items which allows the family to set up home, and this ultimately avoids repeat homelessness. 16 18 Strachur and District Piping Association Tutor fees, mini bus hire and venue costs for a week long piping summer school £1,173.50 The tuition increased the competence and ability of kids in piping. Built confidence self-esteem through an end of week concert. Continued and built community culture and pride. Brought together different generations and passed on skills and experience. 51 19 The United Church of Bute - Pass It On Project Duvets, toasters, kettles, dishes etc to be distributed as starter packs for vulnerable people. £500.00 The project has managed to provide packs for all requests from Homelessness Officers and Fyne Homes. Unknown Page 80
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2020/21 SCF Round of Funding No Organisation Project Funded Award End of Project Achievements No. of people in communities benefitting 1 1st Rothesay Boys Brigade Towards costs of a Bute Club’s camping weekend £1,192.00 Unable to deliver project Returned funds £ 1,192 n/a 2 26th Argyll (Sandbank) Scout Group Towards costs of travel and accommodation for 30 young people to attend an outdoor activity weekend £1,874.00 The Scouts completed a weekend of activities based at the Meggernie Scout Centre in Aberfeldy over the weekend, which had 2 primary activities; an ascent of 2 Munros and white water rafting. The Cubs and Beavers enjoyed a full day of adventure activities, suitable for their ages and abilities. 38 3 Achievement Bute Towards costs of 8 Heritage Hunter events £2,400.00 Working remotely, and involving freelance heritage consultant and a film-maker alongside our own staff and young people we were able to produce a series of 10 short “Bute Heritage Hunt” films, and a digital local history map which were posted online. 14 4 Bute Advice Centre Towards salary costs for a Welfare Rights Officer £2,130.00 Maximising household incomes makes a huge difference to the lives of both children and adults. The contribution of client gain across the year in association with this funding was £97,770.55. Lifting many individuals out of poverty. 95 5 Cowal Police Charitable Trust Annual Cowal Police 5-a-side football £1,263.00 Unable to deliver project – returned funds £1,263 n/a 6 Dunoon Burgh Hall To establish a Youth Arts Advisory Panel programme £2,500.00 Young people aged 14-15 years old from S3 Dunoon Grammar School took part in a 6-week/8 workshop blended arts and cultural programme. The project was led by a professional artist & arts award assessor. 5 of the 8 young people gained an Arts Award Bronze qualification. 8 7 Dunoon Jazz Festival Community Trust Towards costs of digital marketing, design and support and advertising and event promotion £2,500.00 Covid restrictions meant that the festival originally planned to take place in 2020 did not take place until September 2022 when the Trustees delivered a 3 day jazz festival. 240 8 Friends of Glenan Wood Towards cost of PPE equipment, small tools for £2,391.00 Main activities have been Ring Barking, Bracken Clearance, Rhododendron Removal, Path Improvements and Ditch Building Unknown Page 81
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2020/21 SCF Round of Funding Volunteers and Maintenance. We have also created a Community Orchard with the clearance of an area and 80 fruit trees planted last year and again tools purchased were well used in the completion of this task. 9 "Kilmun Community Council & Shore Sweepers Road sign for Beginning of A880 ‘Welcome to the Shore Villages’ from the Strone Inn £662.00 We are really pleased at how the sign looks and it has been widely praised throughout the shore villages (Kilmun, Strone, Blairmore and Ardentinny). As well as being an introduction to the area, the sign has a ‘Please Drive Carefully’ message and this may help to slow traffic down through the villages. Unknown 10 Kingarth & Kilchattan Bay Improvements Towards costs of preparation of ground to create a wildflower meadow at the Kilchattan Bay Community Orchard. £1,439.00 Main objective of project was achieved - establishment of wild flower meadow in the Kingarth and Kilchattan Bay Community Orchard. Over 24 varieties of wild flowers were sown along with spring bulbs. This led to: Increased local community participation in orchard activities. Awareness of the local environment. Establishment of honey bee hives in the orchard. Children using the orchard as a play area . Orchard became a focal point of interest for both adults and children . Unknown 11 Lochgoil Community Trust Towards costs of materials, plants and shrubs to complete a Wildlife Garden £1,531.00 The whole garden supports wildlife with a nature pond, foraging hedge, heritage orchard, native trees and ornamental shrubs and a designated area near the pond for a children’s nature garden. The funding was awarded for nature/wildlife planting, composting area and a base for a community toolshed. 400 12 Rothesay Joint Campus Parent Council Costs of running after school family sessions to learn British Sign Language. £920.00 No EPMR returned –project extension pending Oct /Nov 2023 for completion n/a 13 St Andrews Primary Parent Council Towards costs of small tools and equipment required to run an after school pilot project - school magazine £947.00 Unable to deliver full project – returned balance of funds £559.19 n/a 14 The Meeting Place Towards the costs of facilitating complimentary £2,280.00 We were beginning to offer complementary therapies and music therapy, and applied for money to support this and extend it to Unknown Page 82
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2020/21 SCF Round of Funding therapy sessions other kinds of therapy. In the event, lockdown curtailed these activities. The Meeting Place continued on Zoom and then under the then meeting restrictions. 15 Toward Sailing Club Cost of specialised training for 4 members to operate a sub lift 12t submersible travel hoist. £2,400.00 The whole project has been highly successful. The hoist is well maintained by a small number of club members. 96 Page 83
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2021/22 SCF Round of Funding No Organisation Project Funded Award End of Project Achievements No. of people in communities benefitting 1 Argyll Arts Collective To deliver a 6 week community writing project £2,000 Last year alone we had approx. 4,495 attending events throughout Cowal. The Art trail proved to be hugely popular. Cormonachan Woodlands have installed a people counter at the front gates which counted over 2000 people using the woodland during the trail. 4,680 2 BEACHWATCH BUTE SCIO Towards cost of purchasing and installing a 4th storage bench for the collection of marine litter on Bute. £2,000 We are delighted to report that the Litter Storage Benches Project has been very successful. Many ‘users’ of our benches express the sense of satisfaction when using these benches to make a difference and help to lower the amount of marine litter in the environment. Returned unspent funds of £576.80. 200 3 Cairndow Village Hall To help increase hall usage and to start a small gardening project £1,039 We have successfully contributed to providing events where the community can come together. The Book Swap remains ongoing. The creation of a garden group with 12 members meets monthly. 65 4 Dunoon Baptist Church – The Gateway Project To help cover rent and utilities to run a Youth Hub for the young people of Dunoon and Cowal in the former Seasons Coffee shop. £2,000 Our youth worker used the hub to run programmes for at risk young people, taking them from the school for outside lessons and training programmes. Young people who had concerns over mental health and isolation during Covid were able to be part of the hub, coming to small groups for art, games, chat and relaxation. 75 5 Dunoon Men’s Shed (now Dunoon Community Shed) To help install a dust extractor within the Dunoon Men’s woodwork shed. £758 The successful installation and subsequent operation of the dust collection equipment has ensured that the potential hazard of airborne dust has been resolved. It has made working with wood in the Shed a much safer and more environmentally acceptable activity. 100 approx 6 Friends of the Riverbank Hide Kilmun Towards costs of Installing a small pedestrian and traffic safety barrier to improve access to the hide. £1,840 The construction is complete and barriers are in place. Numerous bird watching clubs and members of the community have used the hide. Unknown 7 Isle of Bute Resilience Towards costs of delivering £2,000 This project has given the Isle of Bute resilience team a massive 227 Page 84
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2021/22 SCF Round of Funding Team First Aid training and Mental Health First Aid Training for the Bute Resilience team. help to saves lives with the training we have had. It could be when we are at an event or when were are out searching for a missing person the team can deal with situations as they arrive. The mental health first aid has been another massive help, we could be out searching for someone that has mental health issues, being trained in how to approach someone in that distress has been proved to be a godsend. 8 Kames & District Recreation Club To help with the re-opening of the hall following the Covid pandemic. £1,922 The funds provided enabled the Hall to be in a position to re-open on the lifting of lockdown restrictions and provide users with appropriate levels of sanitisation to permit safe use of the facilities. Returned underspent funds £196.29 Unknown 9 Lochgoilhead Bowling Club To assist in the reopening of their hall and to increase the security and fire safety of the premises. £1,197 The project helped the vulnerable and less able community members. Helping with depression, anxiety and stress. Giving them confidence to come along for a chat with other local people engaging with others in a social welcoming atmosphere after the isolation of covid. 54 10 PA23 BID Ltd t/a Dunoon Presents To help deliver a number of outdoor cultural events in Dunoon Town centre £2,200 The SC fund award has contributed greatly to the creation of a new, now annual event in Dunoon, known as ‘Cowal Fringefest’. 1500 11 Rothesay & District Pipe Band To run a programme of weekend pipe and drumming workshops for members and their families over the summer holidays. £2,000 We delivered 6 workshops between July and December bringing together both learners and established players. Through these workshops, our players learned new musical skills and got to socialise together creating and fostering team work and fun. 141 12 Sandbank Community Council To help with costs towards the draining and stabilisation of Broxwood picnic area in Sandbank. £2,500 We have had very positive feedback from residents who can’t wait for the better weather to use the site. The primary children have planted bulbs and picked up litter around the area and are very keen to use it in the better weather. We are having an opening with a BBQ and hopefully stalls in early May and will be sending out invitations to all in the village to attend plus all the people who contributed to making this happen. 1200 13 THE SHORE ART CLUB To help restart the group following the Covid £1,777 Having the funding and the support from professional artists gave us the confidence as a group to organise and hold an art exhibition 22 Page 85
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2021/22 SCF Round of Funding Pandemic, offering weekly art lessons. in June 2022. It was very successful and although we were not at full capacity, we were able to exhibit 66 paintings from our members. Many people said that the standard of wok was the best they had seen the club doing. Page 86
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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 2018/19- 2021/22 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 10 of the funded projects were on Bute 6.6 Risk: None 6.7 Customer Service: None Chief Executive – Pippa Milne Policy Lead - Cllr Alistair Redman Communities and Partnership Manager – Rona Gold 05 September 2023 For further information contact: Community Development Officer Ailie Law on 01546 604707 / ailie.law@argyll-bute.gov.uk. Page 87
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE & COWAL AREA COMMITTEE CUSTOMER SERVICES 5 SEPTEMBER 2023 CRUACH MHOR WINDFARM TRUST: APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Cruach Mhor Windfarm Trust has been operating as an unincorporated trust since being established by the Bute & Cowal Area Committee on 5 August 2003. The purpose of the report is to advise of work undertaken to formally establish the Trust as a corporate body, and to invite the Committee to consider the composition of the Trust, taking into account changes through the passage of time since the in Area Committee first considered the establishment of a Trust, the S75 Agreement, discussion with Cruach Mhor Windfarm Trust and discussions with Scottish Power Renewables who are the current benefactors. The report recommends changes to the trustees identified in 2003, given considerations outlined in the foregoing paragraph and feedback from the Cruach Mhor Windfarm Trust. There may be some financial implications in terms of increasing the number of community representatives although this would not be known until such time as elections are held. It is anticipated that any cost can be accommodated within the existing budget. Page 89 Agenda Item 10
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL BUTE & COWAL AREA COMMITTEE CUSTOMER SERVICES 5 SEPTEMBER 2023 MHOR WINDFARM TRUST: APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 Bute & Cowal Area Committee agreed on 5 August 2003 to establish a Community Trust Fund on 5 August 2003 which was to be known as Cruach Mhor Windfarm Trust. Decisions regarding composition of the Trust, and area of benefit, were also agreed at that time and following that decision, the then Area Corporate Services Manager worked with the group to formally constitute them. This report invites the Area Committee to further consider the matter of Trustees in light of work undertaken to formalise the Trust by way of a more formal Trust Deed. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 It is recommended that the Committee agree to revise the list of Trustees appointed to the Cruach Mhor windfarm by: 1. Agreeing that if Scottish Power Renewables decline appointment as Trustees that the Trust Deed reflect this position; 2. Resolving to increase in terms of the number of community representative positions on the trust from one to three, and that arrangements for the election of community representatives be delegated to the Returning Officer to progress; 3. Note that the the boundaries of the windfarm trust and the community council areas are co-terminous 4.0 DETAIL Page 90
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4.1 On 5 August 2003 the Bute & Cowal Area Committee agree to establish Cruach Mhor Windfarm Trust, agreed that the communities impacted were within the Colintraive & Glendaruel Community Council boundary, and also agreed that the Trust would comprise of 5 members being: 2 Representatives from Colintraive & Glendaruel Community Council; The local elected member or one other council member from Bute & Cowal Area Committee; A representative from CRE Energy Ltd (now Scottish Power Renewables); and One elected member, resident in the community, who is not a member of the community council, or a member or employee of the council or CRE Energy Ltd. 4.2 Officers of the Council were initially approached by the Cruach Mhor Windfarm Trust in terms of difficulties they had had with convening quorate meetings to see whether changes to the constitution might be acceptable and some concerns were expressed when it became evident that the Trust, although running well, was unincorporated. While there was no specification for the Trust to be established by way of a formal Trust Deed, the manner in which the Trust has been established gives some concerns about the exposure of its members and it is the opinion of officers that a more formal set up would be more appropriate. A draft trust deed has been prepared and has been submitted to the Cruach Mhor Windfarm Trust to obtain their feedback. As part of this exercise they have requested that the Council look to increase the number of serving Trustees by increasing the number of community representatives from one to three. They have also asked that the current Colintraive & Glendaruel Community Council (as amended in 2022 to include part of Rashfield) be the designated area rather than the boundary as it was in 2003. The previous decision in regard to beneficiaries states “the Trust Fund will be held and administered by the Trustees for the benefit of the local communities within the Colintraive and Glendaruel Community Council boundary”. On the basis of the 2003 decision, there is no objection to the request, and administratively it would be beneficial in terms of electoral processes if the boundaries of the windfarm trust and the community council areas were co-terminous. 4.3 In taking this forward it has also been established that Scottish Power Renewables (formerly CRE Energy Ltd) do not feel it is appropriate for them to be Trustees given the community aspect of the Trust. In any event their participation is not necessary in terms of the S75 Agreement which stipulated that funds should be awarded following consultation with the relevant local community councillor, local authority councillor, and the council. It is recommended that if they formally decline appointment, this be reflected in the trust deed for the Cruach Mhor Windfarm Trust. 4.4 Given the foregoing comments, and in view of a desire to increase the number of members, it would be appropriate to revisit the matter of Trustees and the suggestion would be that the number of elected community representatives increase from one to three. It is further recommended that as Scottish Power Page 91
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Renewables are unlikely to want to accept a formal position on the Trust, they be removed from the Trust Deed in light of the explanation at paragraph 4.3. 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 While the decision to establish a community trust to disperse community benefit funding from the Cruach Mhor Windfarm was taken forward, it has recently come to light that this does not provide the most adequate legal protection. Given the work to remedy that is ongoing, it would be appropriate to review decisions regarding trustees for the reasons set out in section 4 of the report. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy - None 6.2 Financial – There may be increased cost to the council in organising a second election for a further 2 community representatives. 6.3 Legal – changes to the Trust will provide more protection for members that the current unincorporated status offers 6.4 HR - None 6.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: 6.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics - None 6.5.2 Socio-economic Duty - None 6.5.3 Islands – N/a due to area covered by the trust 6.6 Climate Change – Depending on how the trust meets, there may be additional travel undertaken in attending meetings. 6.7 Risk - None 6.8 Customer Service - None Douglas Hendry Executive Director with responsibility for Legal & Regulatory Support Policy Lead – Councillor A Redman 24 August 2023 For further information contact: David Logan, Head of Legal & Regulatory Support, Kilmory, Lochgilphead (01546 604322) or Melissa Stewart, Governance Officer, Kilmory, Lochgilphead (01546 604331) Page 92
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Bute and Cowal Area Committee Workplan 2023-2024 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment September 2023 5 September 2023 Area Performance Report - FQ1 2023/24 Customer Support Services – Sonya Thomas Quarterly Report 10 August 2023 5 September 2023 Roads and Infrastructure Service Update Roads and Infrastructure – Mark Calder Quarterly Report 10 August 2023 5 September 2023 Recycling and Recovery Performance Roads and Infrastructure – John Blake Annual Report 10 August 2023 5 September 2023 Supporting Communities Fund - Monitoring of Projects Funded Chief Executive Unit – Rona Gold/ Ailie Law Annual Report 10 August 2023 5 September 2023 Cruach Mhor (Glendaruel) wind farm governance arrangements Legal & Regulatory Support – Stuart McLean As Required 10 August 2023 5 September 2023 Play Park Engagement – Update Report Roads and Infrastructure – Hugh O’Neill As Required 10 August 2023 December 2023 5 December 2023 Area Performance Report - FQ2 2023/24 Customer Support Services – Sonya Thomas Quarterly Report 10 November 2023 Page 95 Agenda Item 11
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Bute and Cowal Area Committee Workplan 2023-2024 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment 5 December 2023 Charitable Trusts, Bequests and Trust Funds Legal & Regulatory Support – Stuart McLean Annual Report 10 November 2023 5 December 2023 ACHA Annual Update ACHA – Chief Executive Annual Report/Presentation 1 November 2022 5 December 2023 HSCP Annual Performance Report Health & Social Care Partnership – Charlotte Craig Annual Report 10 November 2023 5 December 2023 The Third Marquis of Bute’s Silver Wedding Dowry Fund Legal & Regulatory Support – Stuart McLean Annual Report 10 November 2023 5 December 2023 The Provost’s fund (Bute) – Award Recommendations Legal & Regulatory Support – Stuart McLean As required 10 November 2023 5 December 2023 Roads and Infrastructure Service Update Roads and Infrastructure – Mark Calder Quarterly Report 10 November 2023 5 December 2023 Local Housing Strategy Annual Update Development and Economic Growth – Douglas Whyte Annual Update 10 November 2023 5 December 2023 CHARTS (Argyll and the Isles) Seymour Adams As Required 10 November 2023 5 December 2023 Primary School Report Education – Louise Lawson Annual Report 10 November 2023 5 December 2023 Rothesay Townscape Development and Economic Growth – As Required 10 November 2023 Page 96
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Bute and Cowal Area Committee Workplan 2023-2024 Committee Date Report Description Lead Service and contact officer Regularity of occurrence/consideration Date for Reports to Committee Services Additional Comment Heritage – Summary of Project Colin Fulcher Page 97
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