Agenda reports pack
Argyll and Bute Council · 14 February 2023
Back to Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group — 14 February 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT Tel: 01546 602127 Fax: 01546 604435 DX 599700 LOCHGILPHEAD 7 February 2023 NOTICE OF MEETING A meeting of the HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP will be held BY MICROSOFT TEAMS AND IN THE MARRIAGE ROOM, HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND CIVIC CENTRE on TUESDAY, 14 FEBRUARY 2023 at 10:00 AM, which you are requested to attend. BUSINESS 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 3. MINUTES (a) Meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group held on Tuesday 8 November 2022 (Pages 3 - 16) 4. GOVERNANCE (a) Area Community Planning Group Governance Arrangements (Pages 17 - 28) Report by Governance Manager 5. PARTNER UPDATES (a) Scottish Fire and Rescue Update (Pages 29 - 34) (b) Police Scotland Update (Pages 35 - 38) (c) Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership - Public Health Update (Pages 39 - 42) Public Document Pack
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(d) Live Argyll - Community Learning Services Update (Pages 43 - 44) (e) UHI Argyll Update (Pages 45 - 46) (f) Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Update (Pages 47 - 48) (g) Department for Work and Pensions Update (Pages 49 - 56) (h) Community Development, Argyll and Bute Council Update (Pages 57 - 58) (i) Argyll and Bute TSI Update (Pages 59 - 60) (j) Helensburgh Community Council Update (Pages 61 - 62) (k) Fun First Update (Pages 63 - 64) (l) Jean's Bothy Update (Pages 65 - 66) (m) Opportunity for Verbal Updates 6. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Naval Families Federation Presentation by Vicky Brindley, Naval Families Federation (b) Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank Verbal update by Mary McGinley, Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank 7. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Report by Chair of Climate Change Working Group (Pages 67 - 68) (b) Home Energy Efficiency Presentation by Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer 8. COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE Report by Committee Manager (Pages 69 - 72) 9. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 9 May 2023 Helensburgh and Lomond Community Planning Group Contact: Julieann Small, Senior Committee Assistant - 01546 604043
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MINUTES of MEETING of HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP held ON A HYBRID BASIS BY MICROSOFT TEAMS AND IN THE MARRIAGE ROOM, HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND CIVIC CENTRE on TUESDAY, 8 NOVEMBER 2022 Present: David Moore (Chair), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Shona Barton, Governance Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Allan Comrie, Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) Sam Campbell, Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Lynn Garrett, Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Fiona Baker, Rhu and Shandon Community Council and Destination Helensburgh Rhona Grant, Community Learning Service, Live Argyll Gill Simpson, Helensburgh Community Hub PC Laura Evans, Police Scotland Katrina Sayer, Jean’s Bothy Kirsty Moyes, Community Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council Paula Darbyshire, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface PC Drew Omand, Ministry of Defence Police Rita Easterbrook, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Theresa Bain, Argyll College UHI Robert Beauchamp, Centre for Economics and Business Research Jen Broadhurst, Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Norman McNally, Helensburgh Community Council Rachel McNicol, Deputy Manager, ALIenergy Laura Eales, Home-Start Lomond Alison Gildea, Grey Matters Active Ageing John Auld, Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council Angela Anderson, Time for Change Argyll and Bute/Plastic Free Helensburgh Councillor Fiona Howard, Argyll and Bute Council 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed everyone and outlined the procedure for the meeting. Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:- Morevain Martin, Garelochhead Station Trust; Councillor Mark Irvine; Mary McGinley, Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank; Jayne Burnett, Visiting Friends; Councillor Gemma Penfold; Alasdair MacCuish, Helensburgh Gaelic Group; Page 3 Agenda Item 3a
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Janice Kennedy, Scottish Enterprise; PC Andrew Barron, Police Scotland; Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland; and Duncan MacLachlan, Arrochar & Tarbet Community Development Trust, Friends of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs and Argyll & the Isles Coast & Countryside Trust 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest intimated. 3. MINUTES (a) Meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group held on Tuesday 23 August 2022 The minutes of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 23 August 2022 were approved as a correct record. 4. FUTURE MEETING ARRANGEMENTS - SURVEY REPORT The Group Considered a report from Shona Barton, Governance Manager relating to the results of the Meeting Survey carried out following the August meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group (H&L ACPG). The report highlighted that 33 people responded to the survey and feedback showed the majority of respondents would like the option for either face to face or Hybrid meetings. It was also highlighted that respondents were happy to continue with daytime meetings with the majority in favour of morning meetings and that a majority of respondents indicated that they would like to be offered the opportunity to return to meetings taking place in other venues around the area – but with the option to have Hybrid arrangements in place. Shona added that this would require any venue to have a reliable and robust broadband connection. Discussion took place in regards to the lack of responses from Community Councils from the area and Shona advised that the CPG meetings have been highlighted at the inaugural meetings attended. The Chair advised the possibility of having an afternoon meeting during the summer months and the group agreed that this would be for the May meeting. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group agreed: Page 4
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1. to note the results of the survey; 2. that meetings would be held in the mornings in the months of February, August and November with the May meeting being held in the afternoon; 3. that officers would look to identify venues around the area which would facilitate a hybrid approach for meetings; and 4. that a review of the arrangements would be carried out in a year’s time. The Chair ruled, and the Community Planning Group agreed, to a variation in the order of business to allow Partner attendance. The minute reflects the order in which items were discussed. 5. CLIMATE CHANGE (a) Report by Chair of Climate Change Working Group 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 development of governance arrangements and structures to support the Climate Change Project Officer post. Information was also provided on the funding options for the project. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Stan Phillips, Chair of the Climate Change Working Group, submitted) (b) Time for Change Argyll and Bute Update The Group considered an update by Angela Anderson from Time for Change Argyll and Bute. Angela advised that Time for Change is a group of residents who are campaigning to raise awareness of climate change. Angela highlighted that as a group they are increasingly concerned with the need to build resilience in all areas and communities in Argyll and Bute. She added that they had received a great response from organisations during the pandemic but advised that with the current economic, energy and climate situation greater partnership working should be encouraged. Discussion took place regarding warm spaces and Gill highlighted that she has started working with community groups and organisations to make a local timetable for these and advised the group that if anyone else would like to join then she was more than happy for them to get in touch. It was highlighted that careful thought had to go into naming these warm spaces in order to promote them to the people in need. Page 5
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Action – Shona to get in contact with the Council Civil Contingencies Manager to see what support is available in terms of resilience. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Angela Anderson, Time for Change Argyll and Bute, submitted) (c) Plastic Free Helensburgh Update The Group considered an update by Angela Anderson of Plastic Free Helensburgh, the update firstly highlighted a thanks to Argyll and Bute Council for arranging Climate change training for all Councillors and a thanks to Scottish Water for their plans to have a top up tap at the start of the John Muir Way. The update also provided information on the Cardross Warm Homes Event; the single- use plastic ban; beach Clearing and Marine Debris and the Anchor Group status being given. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Angela Anderson, Plastic Free Helensburgh, submitted) 6. PARTNER UPDATES (a) Scottish Fire and Rescue Update The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ2 review of local performance across Helensburgh and Lomond for the period 2022-23. The report included information around incidents during this period, recent community engagement activity, road and water safety campaigns, home fire safety and the local firefighter training plan. David highlighted that they are currently looking for instructors for the SFRS Youth Volunteer Scheme. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted) Page 6
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(b) Police Scotland Update Consideration was given to an update which included information on the ongoing work of the Service and provided information on staff resourcing; the relaunch of the Youth Volunteer (PSYV) programme; the newly established Community Policing Team; the ‘Don’t be that guy’ campaign and the launch of the Dementia Safeguarding Tag. PC Evans highlighted that Argyll and Bute will be the first area in Scotland to use the Dementia Safeguarding Tag and added that this will bring positive resilience to people. Sarah highlighted the ‘Don’t be that guy’ campaign and asked if more information could be provided at a future meeting. Discussion took place in regards to Youth Volunteers and Fiona advised that any youth volunteers or community groups are welcome at Friends of Hermitage Park. Action – ‘Don’t be that Guy’ to be added as a possible item for a future meeting. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Police Scotland, dated November 2022, submitted) (c) Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership - Public Health Update The Group considered a public health update. Samantha Campbell from HSCP was in attendance to speak to the update. She highlighted the Public Health Team Annual Report for 2021-2022 and the Living Well Mid- Strategy Report for 2019 – 2021. Samantha encouraged partners to go onto the website and look at the full reports. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond 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) Helensburgh Community Council Update The Group considered an update from Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council, which provided an overview of the Community Council’s activities. It was highlighted that all 20 positons for Community Page 7
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Councillors were filled with the inaugural meeting held on Thursday 27 October 2022. The update also included information on the completion of the new leisure centre and the difference of opinions for use of the old swimming pool site. It also gave information on Vision for Helensburgh; the litter bin survey conducted; the refurbishment and replanting of the Memorial Garden in Hermitage Park; the saga of the Helensburgh to Dumbarton cycleway and the positive development of a future role for the town pier. It was added that they will continue the maintenance of the shrub beds in the square and the monthly beach cleans, in conjunction with Plastic Free Helensburgh. It was also highlighted that the group had collected more than 100kg of rubbish on a litter pick which covered a large area and has now applied for a grant of £250 from the Grab Trust which will cover the payment for the next skip. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council, submitted) (e) Fun First Update Consideration was given to an update from Sarah Davies, Fun First. The update highlighted that they continue to run six Funtime and one fitness session weekly for parents and children under five and monthly Fun First Friend Sessions which are held at Drumfork Community Centre. The update also included information on new committee member volunteers from the community; a Halloween party which was organised; Christmas party planned for the 15th December and being chosen for the Co-op Community Fund for next year. It was also encouraged for local families with young children to join in their activities and was highlighted that they are run on a pay what you can basis and are open to all in the area. It was also noted that they are looking to support Helensburgh and Lomond Home Start befriending service and an early literacy programme being initiated by the Community Hub. Discussion took place in regards to the successful recruitment of volunteers with it being highlighted that most community groups are struggling with the lack of new volunteers. It was highlighted that word of mouth and social media was how Fun First recruited. Fiona Baker added that she had previously got Councillor Fiona Howard to put an appeal out in the newspaper and had recruited new trustees for the Friends of Hermitage Park and suggested this could be a good idea for any future recruitment. Page 8
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Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Sarah Davies, Fun First, submitted) (f) Jean's Bothy update The Group considered an update from Katrina Sayer of Jean’s Bothy. The update included information on IncludED the Stageplay which they have received positive feedback from; the Art Exhibition in Helensburgh library from the Art Group; the delivery of a Pain Management Workshop; the recently completed 4 week Comic Workshop; the new Arts & Wellbeing Craft Workshops; the ‘New members Meet’ which is held on the last Wednesday of the month; a Social Work student on a work placement with them for 6-8 weeks and the Mindfulness Sessions which start in December. The update also included information on the current membership numbers, the Bike Shed which is being built with the recently donated funding by Helensburgh Lions Club, being chosen for the Co-op local causes fundraiser, the recent annual cycling fundraiser around Isle of Cumbrae which raised £710 to be used to help support future activities at Jean’s Bothy and the Photography Group who are currently producing a Bothy Calendar 2023. Gill highlighted that she had attended the stage play and commended the group for the impressive piece of work. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Katrina Sayer, Jean’s Bothy, submitted) (g) Destination Helensburgh Update The Group considered an update from Fiona Baker, Destination Helensburgh. The update included information on the increase in visitor numbers in the Visitor Information Centre; their gift shop Highlandman’s Road which is proving to be popular with all; the continued promoting of Helensburgh and Lomond through various media channels; the launch of the “Discover Helensburgh” walking trails app; the increased membership of the organisation and social media following and website visitors. It was highlighted that the “Gateway to Argyll” visitor map should be ready for launch next Spring. Decision Page 9
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The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided (Reference: Report by Fiona Baker, Destination Helensburgh, dated 24 October 2022, submitted) (h) Live Argyll - Community Learning Services Update The Group considered an update from Rhona Grant, Live Argyll - Community Learning Service, which provided information relating to adult learning Helensburgh which continue to provide support with a weekly drop in hub every Wednesday; digital drop in support at Drumfork Community Centre; digital boost; Get I.T started; Jean’s Bothy digital drop in which is run fortnightly; Online Safety SDS and the Welcome in Digital Drop in. The update also included information on Youth Services in Helensburgh which highlighted the H&L Youth Action Group; a newbies residential held at Ardroy Outdoor Centre to help with the transition from primary to secondary school; the new pilot ‘Escape2Learn’ which is running out of the Hermitage Academy and the success of their MSYP Chloe who recently took part in a sitting in Edinburgh. Rhona advised that the Youth services team leader Brian Smith is no longer in post and the position is advertised and they are hoping to have the vacancy filled early in the new year. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Rhona Grant, Team Leader – Community Learning Services, Live Argyll, submitted) (i) Argyll and Bute TSI Update The group gave consideration to an update by Paula Darbyshire of Argyll and Bute TSI which included information on year 2 funding for the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund; The Cost-of-Living Crisis; the paper presented at the September Community Planning Partnership (CPP) on moving the local Community Wealth Building agenda forward; Argyll and Bute Community Directory; The Argyll and Bute Volunteer Conference which has been announced for 9th December 2022; The offering of Inveraray Hub as a space for community groups to meet instead of heating their own space and the TSI CEO accepting an invitation to Chair Argyll and Bute’s Corporate Parenting Board. Paula highlighted that the deadline for the Community Mental Health and Page 10
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Wellbeing Fund is the 21st November at 10am and added that if partners would like any further information, to get in contact. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll TSI, submitted) (j) Opportunity for Verbal Updates Community Development, Argyll and Bute Council Kirsty Moyes provided a short update in relation to supportive consultations which are being undertaken on behalf of the CPP asking people what the top 3 priorities are for Argyll and Bute which will help to inform the production of the updated Outcome Improvement Plan. Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) Alan Comrie provided a verbal update which included information on the supported bus services which have not returned to normal after covid and added that this situation is likely to remain with limited budget to support these services. Alan also added that the Kilcreggan and Gourock/Cowal pier and ferry developments are still ongoing and rail service issues are ongoing due to industrial action. Discussion took place in regards to the free bus travel for up to 22 year olds. It was highlighted that the up take was quite poor for the Helensburgh and Lomond area with Alan advising that Transport Scotland have provided the information and suggested Argyll and Bute Council would be the best people to talk to regarding this. Action – Shona to liaise with Education to see how the free bus travel scheme is being taken forward in Argyll and Bute. Transport Scotland In the absence of Neil MacFarlane the Governance Manager provided the following update which was submitted before the meeting:- We have just completed 3 resurfacing projects on the A82 between Tarbet and Inveranan. In the same area we are installing bollards on the verge at three locations to assist the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority with their Water Safety initiative. Bollards are to be installed on the road verge at Sloy Power Station to dissuade verge parking when the Inveruglas Visitor Centre gets full. (k) Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Update Page 11
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The Group considered an update from Jen Broadhurst, Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). The update highlighted that they currently have a waiting list of approximately 7 weeks for non-urgent enquiries, however added that they are seeing urgent cases within one week in most cases. Information was also provided on the Volunteer Adviser training Programme which recommenced in September, with now 5 new volunteers who are in training; the securing of additional funds to support enquiries relating to energy, energy debt and income maximization and the upcoming AGM, which is scheduled to take place on the 9 December 2022. Jen highlighted the successful relocation of the service to the Helensburgh Community Hub. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, submitted) (l) Department for Work and Pensions Update The Group gave consideration to an update from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) providing statistical information on the number of customers claiming universal credit and legacy benefits; job seekers allowance; employment and support allowance; and income support. The report also covered information on a mini recruitment event held by Helensburgh Job centre; the new telephone shared line number with New Style Employment & Support Allowance; managed moves to Universal Credit; second Cost of Living Payment and toolkit; help for households; winter fuel payment video; Disability Cost of Living Payment stakeholder toolkit; Government plans to help cut energy bills; fuel direct; the raised Administrative Earnings Threshold; the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in replacement for Personal Independence Payment (PIP); broadband social tariff; health adjustment passports and the influx of Pension Credit claims. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Employer & Partnership Manager, Department for Work and Pensions, dated 31 October 2022 submitted) 7. CEBR - THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CALMAC FERRIES The Group considered a presentation by Robert Beachaump. It was highlighted that the Phase 2 report was an quantitative analysis of the impacts of CalMac as a company (employment, Gross Value Added, turnover, and employee compensation Page 12
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supported directly and through the supply chain) and of impacts of service levels on island communities (ferry users’ welfare, economic activity, employment, population), based on Phase 1 findings, desk research, analysis, fieldwork, and socio-economic modelling. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Senior Economist Centre for Economics and Business Research, submitted) 8. COMMUNITY FOCUS (a) Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank Consideration was given to a written update from Mary McGinley, Chairperson, Helensburgh & Lomond Foodbank. The update highlighted that it is an Independent Community Foodbank run entirely by unpaid volunteers and all the food we share with those in need is generously donated by the local Community or purchased from cash donations. The update also highlighted the amount of food bags issued and the amount of adults and children supported between 01/07/21 to 30/09/21 and from 01/07/22 to 30/09/22 which reveals an increase of 37.3% in food bags issued and an increase of 67.6% in numbers supported as more families are requiring the support. It was added that the increase shows the adverse impact that the rise in the cost of living is having on the local community, particularly those with children. It was highlighted that If the demand continues to rise, as is anticipated, there is a concern that this charitable food aid response will become unsustainable. The Group all agreed that more needs to be done by the Government and it was discussed that the group should ask Mary how the group and community groups can support the foodbank. Decision 1. considered and noted the information provided; and 2. noted that in the absence of a representative from Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank, any questions would be forwarded to them for a response following the meeting. Action – contact to be made with the Foodbank to ascertain what more can be done to support them. (Reference: Report by Mary McGinley, Chairperson, Helensburgh and Page 13
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Lomond Foodbank, submitted) (b) Helensburgh Community Hub Consideration was given to an update from Gill Simpson, Helensburgh Community Hub, which provided an overview of the Community Hub’s activities. Gill advised that they are currently promoting reading for pleasure with two major collaborations developed , the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the spring book event in collaboration between the Hub, Jean’s Bothy and H&L Carers. The update also included information on the ongoing support for volunteers and groups across H&L; ways they can welcome people in over the winter months and community engagement. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Gill Simpson, Helensburgh Community Hub, submitted) (c) Vision for Helensburgh The Group gave consideration to a presentation from Norman McNally, Helensburgh Community Council on Vision for Helensburgh. Norman highlighted that In late 2017 Helensburgh Community Council created a working group called Vision for Helensburgh and tasked it with gathering community and visitor information on how residents and visitors see Helensburgh- and how they would like to see it flourish. He highlighted that they had received over 2000 feedback comments. Norman advised that the project was put on hold due to the Pandemic but a re-evaluation workshop was held in Autumn 2021 in the Victoria Halls, Helensburgh. Following the workshop, four ‘burning’ topics were identified – A total Kidston to Craigendoran Waterfront Strategy; Environment; Amenities for youth, young families and visitors, and Local Connectivity/mobility. These will now be taken forward by the Group. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Norman McNally, Helensburgh Community Council, submitted) 9. ALIENERGY UPDATE Page 14
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An update was considered by the group from Rachel McNicol from ALIenergy on the affordable warmth services provided. The update included information on what they are working on including Affordable Warmth, Education, and Local Energy Projects. The update also included information on fuel poverty around Scotland with remote rural areas far worse with 43% of households in fuel poverty and 33% in extreme fuel poverty. It was highlighted that ALIenergy have received a lot of queries about the Energy Bills Support Scheme and Rachel advised that the £400 discount on electrical bills will be paid differently depending on what meter you have and how often you pay. Rachel advised that ALIenergy can access a number of main interventions for clients experiencing energy cost crisis such as the Fuel Bank Foundation; Heat Fund; Scottish Government Home Heating Support Fund and the Glasspool Trust. Some events attended by representatives of ALIenergy were highlighted and Rachel added that ALIenergy are happy to attend any events and provide a presentation on the work they do. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Rachel McNicol, Deputy Manager, ALIenergy) 10. 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 6 October 2022. Decision The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the briefing note. (Reference: Report by Shona Barton, Governance Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 8 November 2022, submitted) 11. 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 Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday, 14 February 2023 at 10am. Page 15
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Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group 14 February 2023 Area Community Planning Group Governance Arrangements Summary The report asks the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group to review the current Terms of Reference, the membership of the Group and also asks members to note the dates for meeting up until May 2024. 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this report is to confirm the governance arrangements of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group (Area CPG) specifically the Terms of Reference, membership and note future meeting dates. 2. Recommendations 2.1 Area CPG members are requested to: Consider and adopt the Terms of Reference submitted in this report (Appendix 1) and to agree that these be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure their ongoing currency and appropriateness for the work of the Area CPG as it develops over time. Consider and agree the membership of the group as attached (Appendix 2) and to agree that the membership of the group be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure currency and appropriateness for the work of the group as it develops over time. To note the future meeting dates submitted in this report. 3. Detail Page 17 Agenda Item 4a
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3.1 The Area CPG Terms of Reference were last reviewed and agreed in February 2022. An updated version, which has been amended to reflect some changes in language and terminology, is attached at Appendix 1. 3.2 The membership of the Area CPG was last reviewed in February 2022. The Area CPG are asked to consider whether any changes should be made to the membership, details of which are attached at Appendix 2. 3.3 The membership will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure currency and appropriateness for the work of the group as it develops over time, however there is provision for additional organisations to join the group at any stage to accommodate local circumstances. 3.4 Historically meeting dates for Area Community Planning Groups are scheduled approximately half way between the programmed meetings of the Community Planning Partnership Management Committees to enable effective and timeous reporting of matters to that committee. Members are therefore asked to note that the meeting dates for the Helensburgh and Lomond Area CPG for 2023/24 will be:- Tuesday 9 May 2023 Tuesday 22 August 2023 Tuesday 7 November 2023 Tuesday 13 February 2024 Tuesday 7 May 2024 4. Conclusion 4.1 Given the development of Local Action Plans and the future focus of the work of Area Community Planning Groups the meeting is asked to review and agree the attached Terms of Reference and the current membership. 5. SOA Outcomes Not applicable. The report relates to the administration of the Area CPG. For further information please contact: Shona Barton, Governance Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Tel 01436 657 605 Appendix 1 – Terms of Reference Appendix 2 – Membership list Page 18
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Terms of Reference Version 1.7 February 23 Page 1 Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership Terms of Reference: Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group is a sub group, and reports to, the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership’s Management Committee. It is an unincorporated partnership of agencies and organisations with membership drawn from the public sector, third sector, private sector, community organisations and partnerships that have an interest in Helensburgh and Lomond. Purpose Argyll & Bute is a large and diverse area. Communities inevitably have different issues even within the overall umbrella of a community plan for the whole area. Area Community Planning Groups are the vehicle to ensure that there is effective community planning delivery, as set out in the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, at a local level by: Contributing to the oversight role of the whole partnership by highlighting issues of a partnership nature that cannot be resolved locally through the Area Community Planning Group, to the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee. Acting on behalf of the Community Planning Partnership via its Management Committee to oversee the implementation of Community Planning Action Plans (known as ‘locality plans’ within the Community Scotland Empowerment Act 2015). Acting on behalf of the community to ensure that local concerns and priorities are highlighted to the Community Planning Partnership’s Management Committee. Role The role of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group is to: • Oversee the development and implementation of the Community Planning Action Plan for Helensburgh and Lomond. • Encourage effective working across community planning partners at an area level. • Act as a conduit to ensure that local priorities are met and local issues addressed through partnership working. Remit The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group has the authority to: • contribute to the development of aCommunity Planning Action Plan for Helensburgh and Lomond. • monitor progress of the Community Planning Action Plan for Helensburgh and Lomond. Page 19
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Terms of Reference Version 1.7 February 23 Page 2 • provide the scrutiny role for the Community Planning Partnership within Helensburgh and Lomond considering regular performance monitoring reports and providing information to the Management Committee by submitting written reports on challenges that cannot be resolved locally; where these challenges relate to partnership working and not single agencies. A representative of a community group or statutory body or business that is not a member of the group may also attend a meeting, with prior agreement from the chair, to provide additional information should a specific issue of concern to the group be scheduled as an agenda item. • form short term working groups to undertake defined pieces of work as required by the group. • engage with communities within Helensburgh and Lomond to understand their needs. • inform and consult on issues relating to Community Planning at an area level. • contribute to a Community Planning annual report for Argyll and Bute on progress on the agreed outcomes and best practice in partnership working. Short Term Working Groups Short Term Working Groups initiated by the Helensburgh and Lomond area Community Planning Group must: be approved at a meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group and its purpose recorded in the minute of the meeting, with clarity on the objective and output of the group and the start and end date of the work. have a named member of the Helensburgh and Lomond area Community Planning Group acting as lead officer for the group. have a list of members of the group agreed at inception. have an appropriate source of administrative support identified and agreed at inception Where relevant, have an appropriate funding package identified at inception and a named member of the short term working group undertaking financial responsibility for the initiative. provide regular reports of activity and progress to the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group; and in updates to the Management Committee any changes to the above must be approved by the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group and recorded in the minute of the meeting Equal Opportunities & Fairer Scotland Duty The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group will ensure that equal opportunities are considered in each of their remitted activities, any expected negative impacts are mitigated and that promotion of equal opportunities is central to its on-going activities. In doing so The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group will consider the responsibilities placed on it by The Fairer Scotland Duty. This duty places a legal responsibility on particular public bodies in Scotland to pay due regard to (actively consider) how they can reduce inequalities of outcome, caused by socio-economic disadvantage, when making strategic decisions. Criteria for Membership Page 20
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Terms of Reference Version 1.7 February 23 Page 3 • Membership is drawn from public sector, third sector, private sector, community organisations and partnerships operating within the Helensburgh and Lomond area. • Membership is open to all organisations public sector, third sector, private sector, community organisations and partnerships operating within the Helensburgh and Lomond area with an interest in at least one of the outcomes identified in the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan. • Organisations can self-nominate, be invited to join or have a statutory obligation to participate. • In order to ensure democratic accountability, the Chair and Vice Chair from the Argyll & Bute Council Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee and, one other Elected Member from an Argyll & Bute Council Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee Ward not already represented by the Chair or Vice Chair will sit as members of the group. In order to ensure democratic accountability, community councils situated with in the Helensburgh and Lomond area will sit as a member of the group. Subject to local needs, this may be individual community councils, or by way of a caucus arrangement agreed by the community councils situated within the Helensburgh and Lomond area, or alternatively one community council representing all of the community councils on a rotational basis. The community council undertaking this role will be nominated by the other community councils within the area on an annual basis or more frequently if agreed locally. • In order to comply with legislation which governs Community Planning in Scotland, some organisations have a statutory obligation to participate in community planning. The organisation will nominate the most appropriate person within their organisation to sit as a member of the group where relevant. • In order to reflect the needs of the community and range of activities covered by the Area Community Planning Action Plan, other organisations and partnerships operating within the local area are also able to sit as members of the group. • In order to obtain a balanced representation of the above and to ensure a community focussed approach, a ratio of no more than 50% public sector membership should be maintained throughout the lifetime of the group. • The representatives ought to be able to speak on behalf of their organisation and where appropriate commit funding and other resources to local partnership activity. • Membership should reflect the needs of the community and can therefore change subject to approval by a simple majority vote of the other members of the group. Role of Members Page 21
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Terms of Reference Version 1.7 February 23 Page 4 Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group members have the following responsibilities: • To consistently attend the scheduled Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meetings. (Consistency in attendance by members is necessary to build momentum and progress the activities of the group). • Appoint a substitute to attend meetings on their behalf if they are unable to attend. • To communicate information relating to the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group with other members and officers within their own organisation and other organisations operating within the area of activity they represent. • To communicate information relating to their organisations area of activity to other members of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group at meetings. • To raise community planning related issues (that is issues related to Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan) on behalf of the community at Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meetings. • To contribute to the development, on-going monitoring and review of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Action Plan. • To participate in short term working groups as required. Meetings Chair • The Chair and Vice Chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group will be elected by the members of the group and will be appointed for a period of two years. • The outgoing Chair and Vice Chair can stand for re-election at the end of the two year period. • However, no one person can serve in the role of Chair or Vice Chair for more than two consecutive two year periods. • Should either the Chair or Vice Chair resign their position during their term of office, the office bearer must either notify the group in person at a scheduled Area CPG meeting or contact the chair in writing advising formally of their intention to stand down. Members will be advised of the resignation timeously and an election to fill the vacant post will be conducted at the next scheduled Area CPG meeting. • Nominations for the Chair and Vice Chair positions will be proposed and seconded by Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group members. Each member will have one vote and a simple majority vote will determine the outcome of the election process. • The elected Chair, or in their absence, the Vice-Chair shall preside over the meeting. If both are absent, partners will choose a member from the floor to preside. • Members should respect the authority of the Chair who will decide matters of order, competency, relevancy and urgency. Quorum • The quorum for a meeting will be 5. • If a quorum is not present within 10 minutes of the scheduled start of a meeting or if at any point after a meeting has commenced attendance falls below the quorum the meeting will be declared inquorate. Page 22
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Terms of Reference Version 1.7 February 23 Page 5 • If a quorum is not present, at the Chairperson’s / Vice-Chairperson’s discretion, the meeting shall proceed and any decisions taken will be homologated at the next meeting. • For purposes of the quorum, participation of partners by video-conferencing or telephone conference links will be considered as present. Frequency of Meetings • The Area Community Planning Groups of the CPP will normally meet once each quarter (4 times each year). • These meetings will normally be held in February, May, August and November. • Where business requires, further meetings can be called with agreement of the Chair subject to the required notice being given. Conduct of Meetings Meetings of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group will be held in public. Observers can only participate in discussion with the agreement of Chair. Members must declare any conflict of interests at the start of a meeting and take no part in the consideration of the relevant item. Observers wishing to participate in discussion must declare any interest in the subject under discussion. All meetings will be minuted and a minute made available through the Council’s website and available from a link through the community planning partnership website. Meetings of the Area Community Planning Groups will be conducted in accordance with the lead partner‘s (Argyll & Bute Council) standing orders for meetings subject to any necessary changes as set out above (mutatis mutandis). Decision making • All members of the group have equal status. • Each member has one vote. • The Chair retains the casting vote. • All decisions must be clearly minuted with a brief summary of the discussion and reason for decision recorded as well as the outcome. • The minutes should clearly record who or whatever organisation is responsible for action. • Observers and persons attending the meeting in an advisory capacity may provide information but are not part of the decision making process and are not able to participate in a vote. Accountability The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group is an integral part of Community Planning in Argyll & Bute and is accountable to the following bodies: • Full Community Planning Partnership via the Management Committee. • Community within its local area. Support The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group will be supported by: Page 23
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Terms of Reference Version 1.7 February 23 Page 6 • A Lead Officer to facilitate and promote the smooth operation of the group and work closely with group members to ensure a supportive structure, which responds to the needs of the members in addressing issues. • Administrative support, organising meetings, taking minutes and associated administrative support will be provided by Argyll and Bute Council, Legal and Regulatory Support. • A Local Community Development Officer will have a key role, working in partnership with organisations in the support of community groups, organisations and individuals, particularly those who do not traditionally engage in community issues, to participate in local community planning. Issue of Papers • The agenda and papers for the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group will normally be issued 7 days prior to the date of the meeting. • The Chair can agree to accept late papers. • The draft Agenda detail will normally be circulated four weeks in advance to allow members to propose items for inclusion. • The agenda and papers will be published on the Argyll & Bute Community Planning Partnership website, the Argyll & Bute Council website and available from a link through the community planning partnership website. Communications The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group is encouraged to share any best practice in partnership working locally with the wider Community Planning Partnership. Case studies and examples of partnership working making a difference can be sent to cppadmin@argyll-bute.gov.uk to be shared and promoted. For example this may be through the regular CPP e-Bulletin. The CPP e-Bulletin is available to members of the Area Community Planning Groups and sign up is via cppadmin@argyll-bute.gov.uk. Paper copies are available and it is downloadable from the webpage. Winding Up The Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group is a sub group of the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership. If the Argyll & Bute Community Partnership is dissolved, the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group will cease to exist by default. If a review of Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership delivery structure should recommend that Area Community Planning Groups should be dissolved to facilitate a new delivery structure, the decision whether or not to wind up the group will be made by the Argyll & Bute Community Planning Partnership following consultation with the Area Community Planning Groups and Argyll & Bute Council as lead partner for community planning within the area. Area Community Planning Group members may initiate a proposed wind up of the group by submitting a report outlining the reasons why it was felt the group was no longer required to the Management Committee in the first instance. The decision whether or not to wind up the group will be made by the Argyll & Bute Community Planning Partnership following consultation with Argyll & Bute Council as lead partner for community planning within the area. Page 24
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Terms of Reference Version 1.7 February 23 Page 7 Approved and adopted at the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group meeting held on 4th March 2015. Amended March 2015 to reflect a change in the meeting cycle. Amended March 2016 to clarify procedure if either the Chair or Vice Chair resigns during their term of office and change to number of days meeting papers are to be circulated prior to meeting date in line with current practice. Amended February 2017 to clarify procedure if outgoing office bearer wishes to stand for re- election. Amended February 2019 to clarify terms in respect of the Local Outcome Improvement Plan/ Area Community Planning Action Plan. Amended February 2020 to reflect changes in language. Amended February 2021 to clarify language and terminology and to include reference to Fairer Scotland Duty. Amended February 2022 to clarify language and terminology. Amended February 2023 to clarify language and terminology. Page 25
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Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group Membership Partner Organisation Contact Name Argyll and Bute Council Cllr Mark Irvine, Cllr Fiona Howard & Cllr Gemma Penfold Community Councils Arrochar, Cardross, Cove and Kilcreggan, Garelochhead, Helensburgh, Luss and Arden, Rhu and Shandon, Rosneath and Clynder Police Scotland Chief Inspector Sam Glasgow, Inspector Andrew Barron & PC Laura Evans Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust Duncan MacLachlan Scottish Fire and Rescue David Moore, Barry Colvan, Christopher Casey Health and Social Care Partnership Carole-Anne McDade TSI Kirsten Johnston, Paula Darbyshire, Sandy McLeod Dunbritton Housing Association Sephton MacQuire Strathclyde Partnership for Transport Allan Comrie Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Charlotte Wallace, Hannah Robinson Live Argyll Colin Crichton, Rhona Grant Grey Matters Active Aging Alison Gildea, Robert Snodgrass Garelochhead Station Trust Morevain Martin Visiting Friends Jayne Burnett Gibson Hall Laura Cameron Scottish Enterprise Janice Kennedy Department for Work and Pensions Elizabeth MacBrayne, Kevin Allibone, Rita Easterbrook Transport Scotland Neil MacFarlane Ministry of Defence Sophia McArdle, Roberta Docherty, Tracey Megson Skills Development Scotland Susan MacRae Living Well Network Audrey Baird Helensburgh Gaelic Group Alasdair MacCuish Cove Burgh Hall Alison Morrison Plastic Free Helensburgh/Time for Change Argyll and Bute Angela Anderson, Sarah Davies Destination Helensburgh Fiona Baker Page 27
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Helensburgh Community Hub Gill Simpson Males Tales/Females Tales John Lewis Gareloch Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Kate Benet Kilcreggan Youth Café Susie Will Fun First Sarah Davies Argyll College UHI Theresa Bain Chamber of Commerce Vivien Dance We Are With You Yvonne McLeod Wild About Argyll N/A Carr Gomm Becs Barker & Sarah Chapman Page 28
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Helensburgh and Lomond CPG Briefing Report Q3 2022/23 Performance & Activity Report From: 1st October 2022 To: 31st December 2022 Page 29 Agenda Item 5a
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Introduction Welcome to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Community Board Performance Report. This performance report is designed to provide citizens, stakeholders and partners with information relating to Community Board based activity undertaken by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Whilst using historic statistical benchmarking data, consideration must be taken of the somewhat random nature of fire related incidents and events, and how this can pose difficulties in interpreting emerging patterns and trends. This is of specific relevance where Community Board level data is analysed due to the relatively small number of actual incidents/events that occur in Community Board areas. However, regardless of statistical anomalies, emerging patterns and trends in fire related incidents and events can assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Community Planning Partners plan and implement preventative intervention initiatives to target reducing fire related incidents and events. Local Firefighter Training Plan Below is a list of subjects the operational crews have been focusing on within this period. Each subject has been covered both practically and theoretically and recorded in the Fire Service Training recording system. Training Subjects October/November/December CFBT Tac Vent Casualty Care RTC and Extrication HAZMAT SWAH Page 30
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Accidental Dwelling Fires (ADF) Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Helensburgh & Lomond South 1.3 0 0 Helensburgh Central 2.3 3 3 Lomond North 2 4 0 Community Board Total 5.6 7 3 ADF Casualties Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Helensburgh & Lomond South 0 0 0 Helensburgh Central 0.3 1 0 Lomond North 0 0 0 Community Board Total 0.3 1 0 Deliberate Secondary Fire Setting Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Helensburgh & Lomond South 0.7 0 0 Helensburgh Central 1.7 1 1 Lomond North 1.3 1 1 Community Board Total 3.7 2 2 Page 31
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Fires in Non-Domestic Property Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Helensburgh & Lomond South 0.3 1 0 Helensburgh Central 1 1 1 Lomond North 0.3 1 0 Community Board Total 1.6 3 1 Casualties from Non-Fire Emergencies Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Helensburgh & Lomond South 0.7 2 0 Helensburgh Central 0.3 0 0 Lomond North 2 2 2 Community Board Total 3 4 2 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Ward 3 Year Average 2021/22 2022/23 Helensburgh & Lomond South 5.3 4 7 Helensburgh Central 14 19 5 Lomond North 7.7 10 7 Community Board Total 27 33 19 Page 32
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Incidents/Activities of Note Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) We are still continually working with partners and targeting our top offenders which are Education including Infant/Primary/Secondary Schools, and Residential/Care Homes. A new UFAS Policy has been devised by a dedicated project team within SFRS with an aim at reducing UFAS Incidents further. Completion of this has been advised to be April 2023. Road & Water Safety campaigns We have been working alongside Police Scotland, RNLI and various other Partners across all sectors engaging with the Local Community at various identified hotspots providing information, advice and literature relevant to Road & Water Safety (including drug and alcohol misuse and ASB), as well as providing Throwline and CPR Training to local businesses and members of the public. Community Engagement Activities • Post Domestic Incident Response (PDIR) following every domestic incident. • Fire, Water & Road Safety Talks –Presentations into schools and local community groups with practical demonstrations and interactive scenario floorboards. • Continue to deliver Fire Safety advice via HFSVs and provision of smoke detection where none is fitted. • Represented on the MARAC for those affected by domestic Violence. • Continue to support “Make the Call” Campaign and “On Call” recruitment drive for retained and volunteer stations. • Supporting PAWS group and engaging with the public, #RESPECTTHEWATER campaign. •Online training for partners with risk awareness within the training via MS Teams. • Engaging with communities for Bonfire/Autumn TAP safety advice; Bonfire/Fireworks Safety, firework legislation, Anti-Social Behaviour and deliberate fire setting, refuse fires, outdoor fires, fly-tipping, wildfires. Bonfire & Fireworks Presentations delivered to all schools within the area using 3 pronged approach depending on the schools capacity to accommodate in person, over MS teams, or to present themselves with our support. SFRS Electric Vehicles within the Area Beehives within the area producing Honey. Victim support referral pathway set up Home Fire Safety As part of our commitment to building a safer Scotland we offer everyone in Scotland a free home fire safety visit. We'll help you sort out a fire escape plan and provide information about smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms. For a Free Home Fire Safety Visit, please: call 0800 0731 999 text "FIRE" to 80800 from your mobile phone. Twitter link: https://twitter.com/abewdhq Page 33
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Local Policing – Helensburgh and Lomond Officers locally are now back in the routine of attending all Community Council’s within the area and this has been welcomed across the areas. It continues to be a priority for local officers to engage with communities and having close connections with the community council’s forms part of this. Our Youth Engagement Officer is invested in the ‘Not at Home’ protocol as detailed below. He regularly visits the children’s houses in the area and again close connections with these houses and the staff is hugely beneficial. The local Community Policing Team are continuing the work they have been involved over the last few months and are delivering on tackling violence, drugs and anti-social behaviour within the area. The local response team officers now have ‘portfolios’ of work and across the five shifts they will in addition to the core response policing role look at delivering a service to the community based around the following areas of work: Public Confidence Harm reduction Wellbeing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Innovation Don’t be that guy campaign Police Scotland launched the second phase of the Don't Be That Guy sexual crime prevention campaign on Monday, 17 October. Last year's award-winning campaign challenged men's attitudes and inappropriate behaviour towards women and highlighted the problem of male sexual entitlement. This year's campaign will urge men to be part of the solution, by promoting that having a quiet word with a friend at the right time could stop sexual offending before it starts. Our message on social media we will be: #DontBeThatGuy who stands by and says nothing. A new campaign video has been published on the intranet, That Guy YouTube and social media channels and supporting content is available to read and share at www.that-guy.co.uk Not At Home Protocol Argyll and West Dunbartonshire Police Division has been working with key partners in the local authority to develop the Not At Home Protocol which launched locally on the 9th January 2023. Police Scotland and Partners recognise the importance of their roles as ‘Corporate Parents’ and are committed to ensuring the wellbeing and support of care experienced young people. We also Page 35 Agenda Item 5b
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL recognise that care experienced young people should be listened to and supported to prevent them being unnecessarily criminalised and from being exposed to risk and harm. Some children may be ‘not at home’ for a short period of time before returning. Sometimes children stay out longer than agreed, either on purpose or accidentally, and may be testing boundaries. This kind of boundary testing is well within the range of normal teenage behaviour and is not necessarily considered a risk. Police Scotland receive a number of calls relating to missing persons, often relating to care experienced young people who have not returned home, however their whereabouts are known by their care provider and they are believed to be safe and well. The Not At Home Protocol has the following aims: To meet the needs of our care experienced children and young persons To ensure a proportionate and risk assessed response to missing episodes To reduce the likelihood of escalation of behaviour with unnecessary police contact Where there are good grounds to believe that a child’s absence is careless or deliberate, and there is no apparent risk to the child and/or public it is permissible to have a single agency response and there is no need for the police to be contacted. If that risk becomes intolerable to the carer, consideration should be given to reporting the child missing to Police Scotland, generating a multi agency response. Local Authorities, care providers and Police all play a vital role in the prevention, response, support and protection of children when they are missing. It is recognised that looked after children who go missing from care homes are particularly vulnerable as they can be targeted and may lack direct support or supervision from close family members. Distress Brief Intervention Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) is an innovative way of supporting people in distress. The DBI approach emerged from the Scottish Government’s work on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health strategies. The aim of the DBI programme is to provide a framework for improved inter agency working, collaboration and co-operation across a wide range of care settings, interventions and community supports, working towards the shared goal of providing a compassionate and effective response to people in distress. This makes it more likely that individuals in distress will engage with and stay connected to services or support that may benefit them over time. Most importantly, DBI provides the opportunity to do the right thing and help people get access to early and effective support at a time when they need it most. Early and effective interventions by trained professionals go such a long way to improving a person’s quality of life and those of their families, friends and the wider community. Page 36
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL DBI affords police officers a further tactical option (not previously available) to consider when dealing with people presenting in distress. It will not replace / duplicate any current arrangements for anyone who requires further medical treatment and will complement existing local arrangements such as contact with the Emergency Crisis Mental Health Team. Within Argyll and Bute, referrals for Distress Brief Intervention can be sent to Support In Mind Scotland who provide follow up with the person in distress within 24 hours of the referral. Support in Mind Scotland are then able to offer up to 14 days of time limited support to the individual and can link in with the GP for localised/further support. There are now over 50 police officers trained to make DBI referrals including officers on our islands including Mull, Tiree, Islay and Rothesay ensuring this support is available regardless of where in Argyll and Bute you live. Rural Watch Scotland Scotland is renowned for its great natural beauty and the rural communities of Scotland are safe places in which to live, work and visit. However, the nature of the environment and way of life means there are some crime prevention tips particularly relevant to rural life. Police Scotland would like to encourage people within Argyll and Bute to get involved with Rural Watch Scotland and to sign up and receive FREE alerts. 'Rural Watch Scotland' is an extension of the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland movement and a product of the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) aimed specifically at the rural community of Scotland and aims to bring all the benefits of Neighbourhood Watch to your community irrespective of its location, size or demographics. The objectives of Rural Watch Scotland mirror that of Neighbourhood Watch, namely to: Reduce crime and the fear of crime by providing the right information, to the right people, at the right time Encourage people to think about safety and security for themselves, their neighbours and their community Improve community cohesion and well-being by supporting communities to develop 'their watch, their way' Work in partnership with national and local service providers to develop more resilient communities that are better prepared against threats, intentional or unintentional, such as crime or extreme weather By joining Rural Watch Scotland you can receive alerts and advice by phone, text or email. By keeping you informed about crime and other threats in your area, we help prevent crime, keep your community and its residents safe, and your response to these alerts can help us catch criminals or be better prepared to deal with other threats to your community. To join Rural Watch Scotland simply Page 37
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL click the green JOIN button at the top of the internet page found here https://www.ruralwatchscotland.co.uk/#SignUp Page 38
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1 Argyll & Bute Community Planning Partnership Area Meetings Date: January 2022 Partner update – Public Health The paper provides an update on ongoing wellbeing and prevention activity overseen and delivered by the HSCP Public Health Team in Argyll and Bute. Living Well self-management grant funding 2022/2023 In November 2022 Argyll & Bute HSCP launched year 4 of the Living Well (Self- Management) community capacity building fund, which was open to Third Sector organisations who deliver services/support to adults over the age of 18 living in Argyll and Bute. Applications were invited from third sector organisations that can support the HSCP to deliver on the Living Well Strategy. In 2022/2023, the fund was keen to attract projects that had a particular focus on Supporting volunteer wellbeing. Reducing isolation and improving community networks. Supporting healthy weight or access/cost around food via sustainable food programmes in our communities. The Living Well steering group is delighted to announce that the following groups will receive grant funding from this programme: Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Hope Kitchen Argyll Wellbeing Hub Jean's Bothy Dochas Carers Centre eXp Dunoon Kintyre Link Club Community Link Working The Argyll and Bute Community Link Working service is commissioned by Argyll and Bute HSCP and delivered by 3rd sector organisation We Are With You. Community Link Workers can be accessed through referral from 14 GP practices across Argyll and Bute. The service addresses inequalities by being accessible to those living in the areas of Argyll and Bute that experience the most socioeconomic deprivation. Page 39 Agenda Item 5c
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2 Community Link Workers recognise that social issues such as debt, relationships, employment and loneliness affect people’s health and wellbeing, and will connect people to sources of support or resources within their community. The service has been developed in line with the modernisation and expansion of services delivered in GP practices, resulting in multidisciplinary teams working together to support people holistically and improve outcomes for patients. The Community Link Working service continues to receive positive feedback and an increasing number of referrals. Over the first 6 months of the service, 240 referrals were received, with 85% of people who completed wellbeing scale at Entry and Exit reported increased well-being scores. The CLWs use a variety of approaches to support people to make changes to their health and wellbeing. This may include signposting, sharing information, referral, or direct support with self-management techniques such as relaxation strategies. 98% of those who completed a satisfaction survey strongly agreed/agreed that they had received the right support from the link worker. “My link worker has been an absolute huge support to me when I needed. I don’t know how I would have coped without her.” “I definitely feel that having the link worker support me and help me find the correct resources has made a huge difference and achieved so much. I am very grateful for the time, effort and compassion that was shown to me and I feel like a lot of people would really benefit from the same experience I had.” Further information can be found at: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/what-we- do/community-links/ or via email at argyllandbutecommunitylinks@wearewithyou.org.uk Health Improvement website The Argyll and Bute Health Improvement team has launched a new website with information about the Living Well strategy and the wider health improvement work. The website can be accessed via: https://www.ablivingwell.org/. The website contains information about the work of the Living Well Networks. The Living Well Networks (LWNs) are for people with an interest in building healthy communities. They provide an opportunity for people to come together to find out what issues matter to local communities; to plan activities and events together; and to network with individuals, services and organisations with an interest in improving health. The networks have allocated co-ordination time funded by the Argyll and Bute HSCP. The website also has information about health improvement work relating to Type 2 Diabetes, self-management, emotional/mental wellbeing, suicide prevention, and smoking cessation. Resources such as such as Public Health Annual Reports and electronic versions of leaflets can be found here: https://www.ablivingwell.org/resources-publications. This includes the updated Small Changes Big Differences leaflet, which contains useful self-management information for a range of health behaviours, including where to Page 40
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3 find further support https://www.ablivingwell.org/s/small-changes-big-difference- booklet_updated-Aug-22.pdf Screening The Argyll and Bute Health Improvement Team have been raising awareness about the importance of health screening, particularly Bowel and Cervical. Since November 2022, outreach work with many community and third sector organisations has been ongoing, to raise awareness and have access to accurate information. The team plan to deliver training on how to raise the issue of health screening for community based organisations and offer further support. In addition to the community work, The Smoke Free Advisers will also start to introduce health screening, where appropriate, when offering their smoking cessation service. Encouraging the conversation of health screening can reduce misconceptions, provide accurate information and reduce fears and anxieties. Bowel screening is done to help find cancer early, when it can be cured. In Scotland, people aged 50 to 74 will be invited for bowel screening every 2 years. If you’re 75 or over, you can still take a bowel screening test every 2 years. However, you’ll need to request a new test kit each time as the Scottish Bowel Screening Centre won't routinely send you one, ordering a new kit can be done on https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/bowel/request-a-bowel- screening-test-kit/ Cervical screening is routinely offered to anyone with a cervix in Scotland between the ages of 25 and 64 is usually every 5 years. Testing for HPV is an effective way of identifying those at risk of developing cervical cancer. More information can be found on https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/cervical/cervical-screening- smear-test . In addition to this if anything seems unusual for you, or you have any signs or symptoms that you are concerned about, the advice is to contact your GP to arrange an appointment. Further information on all the NHS Screening Programmes can be found at NHS Inform Screening | NHS inform Screening information for the transgender / non binary community can be found at Transgender screening in Scotland | NHS inform Page 41
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4 No Smoking Day 2023 REPORT AUTHOR AND CONTACT Author Names: Sam Campbell, (Interim Health Improvement Principal); Laura Stephenson and Jenny Dryden (Health Improvement Leads) Email nhsh.abhealthimprovement@nhs.scot Page 42
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Community Learning Services LiveArgyll Update After the Festive break Community Learning Services activities have resumed and in addition to existing activities ongoing there are new initiatives underway and up and coming. Adult Learning: from January 2023 One of the priorities identified is Digital/IT which was mentioned in previous updates this support is still currently running and listed below is another reminder of the range of activities/support available. Learning Hub – Every Wednesday afternoon 2pm-3.30pm Helensburgh Library Digital Boost – Supported online learning for learners who have completed Get IT Started or have been identified by AL Workers as requiring support. Drop in basis every Wednesday morning 10am-12 noon Helensburgh Library Digital Drop In, Jean’s Bothy – Digital support offered to members of Jean’s Bothy (Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub) Alternate Tuesdays times 11am -1pm. Digital Drop In, Garelochhead Station Trust – Digital support for attendees of GST and members of the local community. Alternate Tuesday 10am -12 noon will run until April and will then be reviewed. Get IT Started – Digital basic course running for 4/6 weeks Tuesday afternoons 2pm-4pm Helensburgh Library. Running throughout the year. For further information on any of the above please contact Caroline: on 01436658707 email Caroline.Whitson@liveargyll.co.uk Youth Services: New Appointment of LiveArgyll Community Learning Services Youth Team Leader: Wendy Reid has been appointed as the Youth Services Team Leader and will start in her new role in February 2023. Wendy will start to introduce herself to Partners, Organisations when she starts and we would like to welcome her on-board. MSYPs are running consultations events across Argyll with young people around their right to vote and how to vote. During this event they will also be supporting the Community Planning Partnership in promoting and encouraging more Young People to complete the recent Improving Lives in Argyll Survey if they haven’t already done so. Page 43 Agenda Item 5d
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The college has had a busy start to semester 2, with 20 students joining our new Gardening and Horticulture NPA. They will be developing their practical skills at Hermitage Park every Thursday. We are also starting to promote and run some networked leisure courses, Gaelic has been particularly popular; the first class starts on Tuesday 31 January. Most of our January start courses are free this year, to help students with the increased cost of living. Other new courses for January include: Access to Further Education Access to Care Technology Enabled Care PDA Modern Social Media Skills ESOL Level 4 and Level 5 Intensive Revision Courses for Nat 5 Math and Nat 5 English* The centre has seen more students returning to the classroom this academic year, which is encouraging. The college is keen to see more students returning to their local centres, where centre staff are better placed to provide pastoral support to them throughout their studies. We are currently providing free snacks and hot drinks to students in the centre to help with the cost of living, as well as the centre being a warm and comfortable space for them to work. The Helensburgh centre has recently installed a defibrillator unit for public use. We will be hosting a St John Scotland training session on Wednesday 15th February @ 11am which is open to anyone who would like to know how to use the defibrillator. If you would like to come along, please email ACHelensburgh@UHI.ac.uk or call 01631 559538. We are continuing to work closely with Hermitage Academy and ran several half day events in December at the centre which pupils were invited to attend, introducing them to the college and our courses. We recently attended Hermitage Academy’s Careers and Pathways Evening; we met some of our current school students and provided pupils and parents with information on the courses we will be delivering at Hermitage Academy next academic year as well as FE and HE course information. Our next Open Day will be Tuesday 28th March, there will be various online events and we will be open to visitors. You don’t have to wait till open day to visit the centre, we are always here to answer any questions regarding courses and funding. Page 45 Agenda Item 5e
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For more information on our courses please visit our website www.argyll.uhi.ac.uk or contact us by email ACHelensburgh@uhi.ac.uk or call 01631 559538. *Paid for course. Page 46
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Argyll & Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Community Planning Partnerships Update Jan 2023 Cost of living crisis Argyll & Bute CAB has experienced a significant ongoing rise in the number of clients seeking support with energy costs. As a result we have secured additional funding to support clients across the four administrative regions We are providing 1:1 and group information sessions on energy efficiency measures. To arrange a session please contact Libby Dobbie at the bureau 01546 605550 or email info@abcab.org.uk Additionally our advisers can support clients to negotiate with their suppliers, and have additional supports available to those households that are off-grid or who rely on alternative sources of heating. We are referral partners to a wide renage of emergency supports: Home Heating Advice support fund Fuel Bank Foundation And have access to other smaller discretionary pots of money. We are delighted to announce a new partnership in this vein with the An Suidhe Windfarm fund, managed by Foundation Scotland. Households in the An Suidhe area can access confidential, free and independent advice and support from the Bureau and also may be eligible for financial assistance. We would ask partners to refer clients they believe may benefit from these funds directly to the bureau using the referral form at the base of this update report. The AN Suidhe fund is strictly limited to households in these postcode areas: Avich: Furnace: Inveraray: Eredine/South Loch Aweside: PA35 1HH PA35 1HJ PA35 1HL PA35 1HN PA35 1HS PA32 8XN PA32 8XX PA32 8XS PA32 8XU PA32 8XZ PA32 8XY PA32 8WD PA32 8YA PA32 8 (but not Minard) PA33 1BJ PA33 1BW PA33 1BP PA33 1BS PA33 1BU. Our advisers continue to report increasing numbers of clients reporting complex or multifaceted issues and an increase in mental health issues as a result. We are looking to develop networks with existing mental health services and organisations to strengthen resources and supports to clients in these situations. Volunteer opportunities: The CAB is looking to begin our recruitment campaign for our spring cohort of volunteer trainee advisers. The training of an adviser within the CAB network can take around 6 months and we strive to develop confidence, research skills and strengthen confidence. The role is predominately aimed at those who have perhaps recently retired, reduced their hours within a paid role or who are looking at developing skills to return to the paid labour market. Advisers can be based anywhere in Argyll & Page 47 Agenda Item 5f
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Bute, however we are particularly looking for individuals from the region’s island communities, as well as those in an around the larger urban areas (Oban, Lochgilphead, Helensburgh, Campbeltown). We are delighted to have received funding from the HSCP Living Well Fund to support volunteer adviser wellbeing, we are holding wellbeing lunches once a month with our teams bot in person and virtually, and are looking arrange quarterly networking lunches with other 3rd sector organisations to share ideas on how to increase wellbeing and volunteer/adviser resilience. We recently held a very successful event with Lomond and Argyll Advocacy Services in the Comraich Centre in Lochgilphead prior to the Christmas break. If your organisation is interested in being part of these events please let me know by email jen.broadhurst@abcab.org.uk We would be happy to arrange an info session with our development worker to discuss the opportunity and course expectations. Partners are encouraged to invite clients/patients and service users to contact the bureau on 01546 605550 info@abcab.org.uk Community Consultation We are currently running our annual consultation exercise with partner organisations in order to review the work of the bureau and would welcome CPP attendee’s responses to this https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ABCABCommunityPartnersSurvey/ Research project for 2023 Partners may recall our research project last year looked into the private rental sector across Argyll & Bute and as a result we have engaged positively with the council on areas of mutual interest as we represent client’s views on the private rental of homes in Argyll & Bute. This year we are looking to report on the experiences of carers in the current cost of living crisis. We would like to increase current engagement with local carers groups and explore research opportunities with carers in these services. We hope to be in contact with local groups and services over the next few weeks to arrange such. Page 48
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DWP Partner Update January 2023 Count of customers – Universal Credit and Legacy benefits (Stats Xplore 19/01/23) Universal Credit – Number of People on UC by Age Group at December 2022 (all conditionality groups) Jobcentre Plus 18 – 24 25 – 39 40 – 49 50 – 59 60+ TOTAL Campbeltown 99 353 196 156 105 909 Dunoon 150 464 261 230 116 1221 Helensburgh 151 486 247 201 109 1194 Oban 197 732 398 313 187 1827 Rothesay 68 253 178 154 86 739 TOTAL 665 2288 1280 1054 603 5890 Universal Credit – Number of People on UC by Conditionality Group at December 2022 Jobcentre Plus C’town Dunoon H’burgh Oban Rothesay TOTAL Searching for work 172 304 202 377 168 1223 Working – with requirements 149 174 176 260 83 842 Working – no requirements 207 206 268 434 130 1245 No work related Requirements 341 463 485 608 288 2185 Planning for work 10 13 12 18 15 68 Preparing for work 31 74 65 117 61 384 TOTAL 910 1234 1208 1814 745 5911 Page 49 Agenda Item 5g
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Jobseekers Allowance at May 2022 – Argyll & Bute Male 103 Female 44 Total 147 Employment & Support Allowance at May 2022 – Argyll & Bute Phase of claim Assessment phase 88 Work Related Activity Group 293 Support Group 2163 Total 2544 Income Support as at May 2022 – Argyll & Bute Statistical Group Lone Parent 43 Carer 104 Total 147 Update DWP is providing targeted support for customers over 50 years of age, with each District now having a 50+ Champion who is working with local sties. This will enable those aged 50 and over, through early and targeted employment, skills and employer-led support to stay in, progress or return to work and to build their future financial resilience and wellbeing. DWP continue to seek provision for its customers to support them in their employability journey. DWP has purchased Customer Service provision for 6 customers in the Campbeltown area and the customers who participated in this provision have gained a range of certification which will enhance their prospects of gaining employment in retail and hospitality sectors. The course included certified learning in Customer Service skills, Health & Safety at Work, Moving & Handling (Objects), Emergency First Aid and REHIS as well as mock interviews. Page 50
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DWP purchased provision for 50 customers in West Scotland District which can be accessed by customers across Argyll & Bute and following the success of this support, further provision has been purchased. The aim of this provision is to progress customers who are reporting a health customer on their customer journey. The provision will support them to recognise and overcome barriers and to adjust their mindset, acknowledge their health conditions and gain an understanding of how to manage their movement towards work. This provision will run from 6/2/22 to 22/4/23. Autumn Statement The Chancellor delivered his Autumn Statement in November which included a targated package of support for the most vulnerable. The full Autumn Statement is available to read on GOV.UK along with supporting documents including a Cost of Living factsheet The package included: Benefit Uprating – The Government is protecting the most vulnerable in society by increasing benefits in line with inflation by 10.1%. Working age families will see their benefit payments rise from April 2023. The Government is also providing support this winter for people who need help now, including money off energy bills and Cost of Living Payments. Pensions Uprating – Pensioners in Great Britain will benefit from a 10.1% increase to their State Pension in April 2023 under the triple lock. This is worth over £870 next year on average. A full basic State Pension will increase from £141.85 to £156.20 per week, and the new State Pension will increase from £151.85 to £203.85. The Government will also protect 1.4 million of the poorest pensioner households from rising prices by increasing Pension Credit by 10.1% in April 2023. New Cost of Living Payments – UK households on means-tested benefits will receive an additional Cost of Living Payment of £900 in 2023-24. These will be made in more than one instalment. People across the UK on non-mean tested benefits will receive a further £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment in 2023-24 to help with the additional costs they face. This is in addition to the Cost of Living Payment for households on means-tested benefits and pensioner households, if eligible. Pensioner households across the UK will receive an additional £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment in 2023-24 to help with bills. This is in addition to means-tested and disability payments (if eligible) recognising that many pensioners are disproportionately impacted by higher energy costs and unable to increase their income through work. Exact payment windows will be announced closer to the time, but are spread across a longer period to ensure a consistent support offering throughout the year. They will be broadly as follows: Page 51
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£301 – First Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2023 £150 – Disability Payment – during Summer 2023 £300 – Second Cost of Livig Payment – during Autumn2023 £300 – Pensioner Payment – during Winter 2023/24 £299 – Third Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2024 Guidance on getting extra payment to help with the cost of living if you’re entitled to certain benefits or tax credits has been updated to include a link to information about Cost of Living Payments during 2023 and 2024. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment Benefit Cap rise – In April 2023 the Government will also increase the benefit cap in line with inflation by 10.1% The benefit cap will rise from £23,000 to £25,323 for families in Greater London and from £20,000 to £22,020 for families nationally. Lower caps for single households without children will rise from £15,410 to £16,967 in Greater London and from £13,400 to £14,753 nationally. Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) – delay in managed move to Universal Credit - The Government has also had to make challenging decisions to deliver on fiscal sustainability while protecting support for those who need it most. As part of this, the Chancellor announced a delay in the moving of ESA claimants not in receipt of Child Tax Credit into UC until April 2028, this provides a welfare saving of £1 billion by 2027-28, as overall UC is more generous that the benefits it replaces. Completing the move to UC over a longer time frame moves these increased costs to a later date. Recoverable Hardship Payments From 19/12/22 claimants will be able to ask DWP to review a previous request to stop (waive) Recoverable Hardship Payment (RHP) repayments made between 1/1/14 and 11/1/21. Recoverable Hardship Payments provide money to claimants who have seen their benefits reduced by sanctions or a fraud penalty. Claimants have to apply for them with evidence of need, and each request is reviewed individually. Hardship payments must be repaid by the claimant. However, claimants can request for the recovery of these payments to be waived, and must provide further evidence to show that paying back the money is either unaffordable or would affect their or their family’s health or wellbeing. Page 52
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And exercise has already started to look at previous waiver requests that took place prior to 11/1/21. A guidance page on GOV.UK explains the process and asks claimants to share evidence if they feel their RHP should be waived. Applications can only be considered if a request was made to waive the RHP between 1/1/14 and 11/1/21 and was refused at the time. With the evidence, Debt Management will check the claimant’s circumstances to see if they would have qualified. Automatic Enrolment – employer workplace pension duties Automatic enrolment is a continuous responsibility for all employers, from ensuring they maintain pensions contributions to completing re-enrolment. The Pensions Regulator (TPR) provides information for employers to help them prevent errors. We ask for your support in driving awareness of employers’ ongoing automatic enrolment duties. Further details on signing up to receive updates from The Pensions Regulator can be found on the TPR website. Reversal of National Insurance increase The reversal of April 2022’s 1.25% rise in National Insurance took effect across the UK from 6/11/22. Most employees will start to receive this tax cut directly through payroll between November 2022 and February 2023. Added to July’s increase in National Insurance thresholds, almost 30 million people will be £500 better off on average this year. It takes effects in all part of the UK and means working people will keep more of the money they earn. Funding for health and social care services will be maintained at the same level as if the levy were in place. Made with Care campaign highlights opportunities for careers in care The “Made with Care” campaign has returned for a second year and highlights the wide range of opportunities available to build a career in care and help others to live happy, healthy, fulfilling lives. Running until March 2023, campaign advertising will appear to millions across video-on-demand platforms such as ITV Hub, Sky Go and All 4 as well as radio and digital audio channels such as Spotify and social media and digital channels like Facebook and Instagram to direct jobseekers to www.adultsocialcare.co.uk People will be able to find everything the need to research a career in adult social care and, crucially, search and apply for adult social care jobs near them, with support to perfect their CV and advice on interviews. Page 53
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Minimum Wage Increases The National Living Wage will rise to £10.42 from 1/4/23, an increase of 92p or 9.7%. The Low Pay Commission’s recommendations ensure the NLW continues on track to reach the Government’s target of two-thirds of median earnings by 2024. The recommendations were unanimously agreed by Commissioners and accepted fully by the Government. Large minimum wage increases help protect low-paid workers’ living standards - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Employers who have signed up to the Disbability Confident scheme This document lists employers who have signed up to the Disability Confident scheme, and their status (committed, employer or leader). Employers that have signed up to the Disability Confident scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) The Disability Confident scheme aims to help employers make the most of the opportunities provided by employing disabled people. It is voluntary and has been developed by employers and disabled people’s representatives. The Disability Confident scheme has 3 levels that have been designed to support employers on their Disability Confident journey. Employers must complete each level before moving on to the next, it is free to sign up and use the guidance How to sign up to the Disability Confident employer scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Winter Fuel Payment 11.6 million Winter Fuel and Cost of Living Payments have been made to pensioners across the UK so far this winter. Pensioners who haven’t received their payment by 13/1/23 should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre online or by telephone Up to £600 winter help paid to over 11.5 million pensioners - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) This video about Winter Fuel Payments can also be shared https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaPoW5_nzKg Page 54
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Community Development Update ABOIP - Consultation The Community Planning Partnership as part of their ongoing consultation for the Argyll Bute Outcome Improvement Plan (ABOIP) have identified and engaged with a number of groups who may face barriers to participation with traditional consultations. Community Development have engaged with community groups, who may face barriers to online participation, or come from underrepresented groups; including adults with additional needs and the elderly. This is to provide a balance of results from which the CPP can identify 3 main themes for the ABOIP. The consultation has also been open to the wider public with wide promotion of the online questionnaire. The first stage of the ABOIP consultation closes on the 14th February. Those seeking further involvement in the next stages are invited to take part in CPP focus groups to provide more qualitative feedback on issues. Supporting Communities Fund The SCF is opening on the 9th February to not-for-profit community organisations, (with eligible governing documents), who can apply for up to £2,500 to support community projects. The SCF is open to the voluntary sector including Community Councils and Parent Councils community councils and parent councils. Applicants are able to apply for up to 100% of the total funding costs for any project / activity, up to the £2500 maximum award. All applications are assessed using a robust scoring system ensuring each accords with wider council objectives. The fund opens on the 9th February with the closing date of 30th March at midnight. Page 57 Agenda Item 5h
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1 | P a g e Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface Partner Update – Helensburgh & Lomond Area Community Planning Group, 14th February 2023 Argyll and Bute Community Directory – Following on from the launch of the Argyll and Bute Community Directory on 6th September 2022 (https://abcd.scot/), the TSI has now introduced Self Service functionality. This option enables organisations to log on to the Directory, and update and maintain their services themselves. To use self-serve, first register (http://abcd.scot/registration) and then claim your organisation’s listing. Warm Spaces – The TSI continues to maintain the Warm Spaces list for Argyll & Bute warmspace locality - Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (argylltsi.org). If you know of a warm space not already listed on this page, please contact Laurenmartin@Argylltsi.org.uk with the details. The TSI also continues to offer the Inveraray Hub as a space for community groups to meet instead of heating their own space. Cost of Living Crisis – As voluntary organisations face spiralling costs, falling income and an uncertain future, many organisations are experiencing financial challenges while continuing to see an increased demand for services. The TSI have compiled a list of useful resources for organisations Cost of Living Crisis Information page - Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (argylltsi.org) If you would like to add anything to this page, email info@argylltsi.org.uk Skills Network Training – The TSI have partnered with The Skills Network to offer distance learning qualifications fully funded via the Scottish Funding Council without a cost. This is ideal for filling skills gaps or personal development, the online fully funded courses are delivered virtually around your schedule and come with nationally recognised qualifications upon completion. More information is available at Fully Funded Courses - Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (argylltsi.org) Positive Destinations -The TSI is rolling out Positive Destinations which is the successor programme to the Young Person’s Guarantee. This will see the delivery of pre-employment support services via the provision of a mentor and a volunteering placement. Positive Destinations will enable support to be extended to other vulnerable groups not previously included under the Young Person’s Guarantee Programme such as those aged 15 years and 50+ years. A recent Providers Event held at Helensburgh Job Centre allowed our third sector support advisor to meet DWP staff and tell them more about it. If you would like to know more about the programme, please contact PaulaDarbyshire@argylltsi.org.uk Argyll and Bute Volunteer Conference – This took place on 9th December 2022 in Inveraray and was well attended both in person and online. Initial responses to the Volunteer Survey were also presented which demonstrated the challenges faced by organisations and volunteers across Argyll & Bute, alongside the added pressures exerted by the Cost-of-Living Crisis. PowerPoint Presentation (argylltsi.org) All our Children Network meeting – The TSI will be holding the next All our Children Network meeting on Tuesday 14th February. This will be a hybrid meeting with the option to attend in person at the Inveraray Hub. On the agenda is the merger between All our Page 59 Agenda Item 5i
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2 | P a g e Children and The TSI Children and Young People Network. To view the agenda and sign up Children, Young People and Families Network Meeting Tickets, Tue 14 Feb 2023 at 14:00 | Eventbrite Social Enterprise Network - The TSI will be holding the next Social Enterprise Network meeting on Wednesday 15th February 2023. This will be a hybrid meeting with the option to attend in person at the Inveraray Hub. For more details and to reserve a spot Social Enterprise Network Tickets, Wed 15 Feb 2023 at 10:00 | Eventbrite Community Networking Breakfast – The TSI will be holding their first Community Networking Breakfast on Tuesday 28th February 8.30-10.00am in The Coffee Lounge at the Commodore. This free Community Breakfast will provide a chance to catch up on what's going on in the third and voluntary sector and network. Community Networking Breakfast Tickets, Tue 28 Feb 2023 at 08:30 | Eventbrite Page 60
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HELENSBURGH COMMUNITY COUNCIL UPDATE FEBRUARY 2023 The new Community Councillors are settling in to their roles well supported by previous members. It is excellent to have a full compliment of enthusiastic councillors. Monthly meetings continue to be held at the Helensburgh Civic Centre Annexe 7:00 pm on the last Thursday of the month. Meetings are open to all local residents. Agendas and minutes are published on our website,which is currently in the process of being updated. The Community Council consulted on the proposal to remove Crossing Patrollers from Helensburgh Primary Schools and replace them with volunteers. It was the unanimous view of the Community council and the community members who participated, that the use of volunteers was neither practical or desirable and that the school crossing patrols should be retained for the safety of both parents, children and local road users. The Community Council played an active role in the campaign to keep the Churchill Post Office and shop open. Sadly the shop has now closed but we understand that there are two interested parties actively pursuing the lease and that the Post Office Equipment remains there ready to be used. We will continue to work with the Post Office and individuals to try to bring about the return of what is a much needed service for the local community. The Community Council continues to monitor and take an interest in the proposals for a new development on the waterfront. Argyll and Bute have now put this out for commercial expressions of interest. We are seeking community involvement at all stages of the development on what is a prime seafront site. We will be consulting the community on this in the near future. Community Clubs Event March 4th Hermitage Academy. The Community Council and the Garelochead Rotary are jointly organising an open day for clubs, societies and groups. This is a free event which will allow them to sign up new members and volunteers. We are particularly keen to encourage groups who provide youth activities. Please email Norman Muir on conn756@gmail.com to reserve a table. Monthly Beach Cleans will restart on February 25th and will be held on the last Saturday of the month until October. Meet at the pier 10:00 am equipment provided wear appropriate strong footwear. Even half an hour makes a difference. Further enquires and questions re the Helensburgh Community Council should be directed to Norman Muir Convener conn756@gmail.com or Sarah Davies Secretary sarahdaviesde@yahoo.co.uk. Please also follow the Helensburgh Community council Facebook page and website Page 61 Agenda Item 5j
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Fun First Update February 2023 Fun First continues to run sessions for families in Cardross,Helensburgh, Rhu, Garelochead and Rosneath during term time. We serve approx 100 families weekly during the seven sessions. All sessions are advertised on our Fun First and Fun First Babies Facebook pages. In addition we run Baby Massage and Baby Yoga sessions in six weekly blocks. We have been running some very successful joint sessions with Albatross Arts focusing on activities for parents where babies and young children can come along to. The family room at the Drumfork Centre has been an ideal venue. Funding for this has come from the Argyll and Bute Community Fund. Fun First Friends is a monthly session for new and expectant parents to meet with Fun First leaders, other families and professionals who can provide a variety of support. The next session will be on Thursday 23rd Feb 1:00 -2:30 pm at the Drumfork Centre and Debbie our local NHSInfant Feeding Support Worker will be joining us. We recently received funding from the National Lottery and have been selected as one of the Co-op’s community causes for 2022/2023 We will be holding our AGM in March and would welcome attendance from the community Sarah Davies Chair Fun First Tel 07845 193590 Page 63 Agenda Item 5k
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Jean’s Bothy Update H&L Community Planning Group February 2023 Our membership continues to rise month on month (313 current total) We are open to anyone over age 16 and are seeing an increase in the number of 16-25 year olds registering as a member. Our monthly programme remains flexible so we can respond to our members as that changes over time. We are always keen to look at new partnerships with other organisations. Our current partners on the programme include: Green Aspirations; Helensburgh Art Hub; The Journey Fitness; Happy Days Yoga; Kathryn Polley Photographer; Wendy Alexander; Ann Greer; Creative Change Collective; The Tower and Live Argyll. Currently also working with Helensburgh Community Hub and Helensburgh & Lomond Carers on a Book Festival to be held in March. This was a result of all 3 organisations hosting their own book clubs. An exciting programme of events is planned. Student Placements – Jean’s Bothy is supporting one student with a 360 hour placement to help her achieve her HNC Social Work. She plans to go onto University to study Mental Health Nursing and is a great asset to have currently within the bothy. We have also been approached by Glasgow Clyde College to support a student who requires a 100 hour placement. Working with Carr Gomm we have managed to offer her hours jointly to allow her to complete the placements. Next month we will be offering free counselling sessions provided by a student currently studying at Glasgow Cognitive Therapy Centre. These will be offered to our members and timings etc will be arranged between the counsellor and member. At the beginning of January we promoted volunteering opportunities to get involved with Jean’s Bothy for fundraising and events. We were really pleased with the response we received and now have a full team of 9 people who had their first meeting last week. We are in the process of planning a programme of events throughout the year, more details to follow shortly. IncludED Short Film Launch – after the success and positive feedback received from the stage tour we now have a short 10 mins film that was created by Creative Change Collective. We plan to launch this film online 22nd February 2pm. Free Tickets will be available via Eventbrite and a short Q&A will follow the film. 3 of our groups (Art, Photography and Woodwork) are currently involved in an upcoming exhibition to be held on the PSMaid of the Loch Paddlesteamer. Called “The Life Aquatic Project” we are really excited to be part of this. The exhibition will open in April. It’s really important that we include our members in the planning and development of Jean’s Bothy and over the last 4 years we have had members help with this, but with such a large membership now it feels the right time to introduce a bit more formal roles. We are now in the process of recruiting Member Representatives (3 in total) who will support the wider membership to have a say, feel empowered and be part of Jean’s Bothy. Page 65 Agenda Item 5l
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Climate Change Working Group Date: 20 January 2023 Climate Change Working Group Highlight Report Argyll and Bute Climate Action 1.0 Executive Summary This CPP sub-group, known as the Climate Change Working Group are planning the production of a Climate Change Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. The Action Plan is proposed to be produced by employing a Climate Change Project Manager to lead the process. The Climate Change Working Group recently agreed to start the project by recruiting a Project Manager this financial year. 2.0 Highlight Report 2.1 Action Plan background The purpose of the Action Plan is to establish a region-wide climate risk assessment and to develop an integrated set of adaptation, mitigation and engagement actions. The proposed post of Climate Change Project Manager will bring organisations, businesses and communities together to develop a shared vision and understanding of climate change risks and opportunities across the Argyll and Bute region. It will identify priorities for communities, areas and sectors that will establish where (both spatially and thematically) and how the region can increase resilience and adapt, mitigate and engage on climate change issues. It will identify, but not reproduce, climate change work either already happening or part of an organisation or business’s own responsibilities. 2.2 Funding The Climate Change Working Group are currently pulling together a funding package to support the post of the Climate Change Project Manager. The cost of a Project Manager post is estimated to be in the region of £120,000 over two years, which would include the salary of an appropriately qualified climate leader, associated employer costs, T&S costs, etc. Page 67 Agenda Item 7a
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Subsequent to previous calls for funding contributions, we had two firm contributions from partners: £20,000 NHS Highland - Argyll & Bute Health and Social Care Partnership £50,000 Argyll and Bute Council We also recently received funding from NatureScot to the tune of £7,000 for this financial year, and have submitted a further bid for funds from next year’s budget of £15,000. 2.3 Progress The Climate Change working Group decided to start the project with the budget we currently have. We have decided that we would advertise the Project Manager post with options for: i) 0.75 Full Time Equivalent for two years, or ii) 1.0 Full Time Equivalent for 18 months …depending on the preferences of the successful candidate. In any case we would need to continue searching for funding for either a continuation of the project timeline, or to provide additional assistance for the part time set- up. However, it was felt that finding £30,000 in year two would be achievable. 3.0 Summary 1. We propose producing a strategic Action Plan process as the best, and most thorough, way to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute. 2. We have an approved governance arrangement for the Climate Change Project Manager post. 3. We are actively pursuing the recruitment of a Project Manager to start this Action Plan work and hope to have someone in post before the end of the financial year. Stan Phillips, Chair, CPP Climate Change Working Group For more information, please contact: Stan Phillips, Operations Manager, NatureScot stan.phillips@nature.scot Page 68
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Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership Helensburgh and Lomond Area Community Planning Group 14 February 2023 Community Planning Partnership Management Committee Update This briefing relates to the meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee which was held on 7th December 2022. The briefing is for noting and relevant discussion. Summary HIGHLIGHTS Matters Arising from Area Community Planning Groups An update was provided on the discussions which had taken place at all 4 Area Community Planning Groups during the November 2022 cycle of meetings. The meetings had been well attended with a variety of interesting presentations given. Of particular interest was the appointment Ryan McIntyre, MSYP to the position of Vice Chair of the OLI Community Planning Group; the update from Stan Phillips regarding actions to take forward to address the climate emergency and the report by The Centre for Economics and Business Research that had been commissioned to better understand the needs of ferry users, island communities, and the economic and social value of Hebridean and Clyde ferry services. The Management Committee noted the current situation regarding the status of some Community Councils that have changed following the elections on 20 October 2022 and that Committee Services had been representing the Returning Officer at associated inaugural meetings. It was noted that new Community Councils would be invited to attend their associated Area Community Planning Group. The CPP Management Committee met on the 7th December 2022 with the meeting being held virtually. This update provides an overview of the discussion which took place. Reports which were discussed at the meeting can be found here Browse meetings - Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership - Management Committee - Argyll and Bute Council (argyll-bute.gov.uk) Page 69 Agenda Item 8
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CROSS CUTTING THEMES Climate Change Stan Philips provided a brief update report on the work of the Climate Change Working Group (CCWG). Stan advised that work is currently ongoing to secure funding for a Climate Change Project Manager to take forward the development of a climate change action plan, with £90k of the required £120k secured. Financial Inclusion and Child Poverty Mandy Sheridan advised that the 3rd Child Poverty Action Plan review would be published shortly. She noted the production of a one page graphic child friendly version of the plan would be used for engagement, which would link to resources, further help and information. The Argyll and Bute Data Cost of Living Crisis Group is looking at mapping data factors to a geographic map, cross referenced between 2 date periods, to pinpoint those most in need. Interest has also been submitted in the area becoming part of a pilot project by the Improvement Service to cross reference SEEMIS data with Council Tax Reduction claimants in Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation zones. A report produced for the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights in October, analysed 10 of last year’s Local Authority action plans (including Argyll and Bute’s). The report made 5 key findings - most lacked any focus on race despite links between ethnicity and poverty and information on current action to address Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) child poverty, existing plans focus primarily on gypsy/travellers, Local Authorities acknowledge poverty for BAME families yet this did not lead to actions and issues with lack of data available at a national level are exacerbated at local level. Community Wealth Building (CWB) Takki Sulaiman on behalf of the Argyll and Bute TSI advised that the Board have agreed substantial funds for research to cover 3 main strands - drawing together existing strategies, identifying best practice suitable to Argyll and Bute’s geography and virtual food hubs . It was agreed that an advisory panel would be established with a full proposal and draft statement for anchor institutions (including what this means) to be considered at the next meeting. There was some discussion around the merit of this work, specifically that it helps to establish the wellbeing context of the area (the diverse and different needs, not a one size fits all). The importance of funding was also highlighted. Building Back Better Page 70
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Kirsty Moyes advised that she would be leading on work regarding the impact of the pandemic and that an engagement exercise would soon begin that would ask participants to discuss themes and make informed choices in their top 3 priorities. Work is also ongoing looking at training needs in communities and reviewing the micro grants scheme that enabled the council to distribute funding to village halls impacted at the height of the pandemic. Review of ABOIP (including Results of Consultation by MSYPs) Rona Gold updated the Management Committee on the approach being taken to review the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan (ABOIP). Research by the team has identified key priorities within Argyll and Bute (including digital, transport, housing, climate etc.), the consultation survey will ask responders to rank their top 3 priorities from these. The survey will be open until the end of January 2023 and links to the survey and a QR code has been sent to partners. A focus groups will be established during the early part of spring to explore the outcomes of the engagement which will form the priorities over the next 10 years in Argyll and Bute. Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) engaged with youth to determine what is important to young people. With around 900 responses received half of young people felt that their area was run down and felt they had no opportunity to have their voices heard. Climate concern and lack of meaningful or appropriate mental health support are also key issues for young people. Digital Communities Iain MacInnes advised the R100 project has started successfully making live connections across Argyll and Bute, and this will ramp up significantly over the next few years although there are significant challenges and expense in rolling out a full fibre programme. Iain is in contact with Openreach to engage with roads and planning services to streamline the process and find innovative solutions to mitigate any potential delays or disruption. Work continues on the Scottish Government 4g programme - there are now 3 of 9 sites live across the area to target 4g “not-spots”. This is a £1b project by the Scottish Government, UK Government and the mobile industry (Cornerstone, O2 and EE). Iain met with the shared rural network team recently to find solutions to accelerate the programme to build 11 remote sites in Argyll and Bute, which is to be completed by 2024. Digital hubs have also secured £11k funding from the Island Infrastructure Fund to develop hubs across 4 islands. Community Justice Partnership Annual Report Mary Holt spoke to the recently submitted Community Justice Annual Report, adding that Community Justice applies to all involved in or affected by the justice system and the Community Justice Scotland Act 2016. The local model for community justice aims to deliver an extensive change programme centred on increasing prevention of offending/reoffending through improved leadership and collaboration; Page 71
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evidencing and delivering improved outcomes; learning, development and innovation; and workforce development across multi-agency statutory partners. A Community Justice Outcome Improvement Plan, due to be published in April 2023, will align with the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan and is dependent on the Outcome Performance Framework from the Community Justice National Strategy and the geographic diversity in Argyll and Bute. Local Transport Strategy and Case for Change The Management Committee noted that the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) are keen to attend a meeting in the New Year to discuss their regional transport strategy (the timeline, what they are doing and what it involves are detailed in the paper). For further information, please contact: Stuart McLean, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council (01436) 657605 Stuart.mclean@argyll-bute.gov.uk Page 72