Climate Change Board Update & Decarbonisation Tracker
Argyll and Bute Council · 5 December 2024
Back to Policy and Resources Committee — 5 December 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE CLIMATE CHANGE BOARD 5 December 2024 CLIMATE CHANGE BOARD UPDATE & DECARBONISATION TRACKER 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 This report provides an overview of key highlights from the Decarbonisation Plan Tracker, offering a strategic snapshot of recent progress. Significant developments include the completion of an 86kW solar PV system at Cardross Primary School and substantial progress in our LED streetlight replacement programme, which has reduced annual CO2 emissions by 92% since 2015/16.Through strategic funding management, we have secured and begun implementing £1,979,827 from the Energy Efficient Scotland Programme and £2.56M for active travel initiatives. Our electric vehicle infrastructure now includes 37 charging points, while waste management has been strengthened by £1.5 million in Scottish Government funding for landfill ban compliance. 1.2 Community engagement continues to expand through our partnership with Argyll Community Trust (ACT), supporting 39 community groups and establishing specialist environmental teams for rainforest and peatland restoration. The Net Zero Route Map is being rescoped with external partners, complemented by our adoption of the Scottish Government's ClimateOS platform to enhance our climate action planning capabilities. 1.3 These achievements demonstrate Argyll and Bute Council's ongoing commitment to climate action, balancing infrastructure improvements with community engagement and strategic planning to advance our decarbonisation goals. 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 The Policy and Resources Committee are asked to consider the updates contained at Section 5 of the report and the full Decarbonisation Tracker update contained within Appendix A.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE CLIMATE CHANGE BOARD 5 December 2024 CLIMATE CHANGE BOARD UPDATE & DECARBONISATION TRACKER 3.0 INTRODUCTION 3.1 This report provides an overview of key highlights from the Decarbonisation Plan Tracker, offering a strategic snapshot of recent progress. Significant developments include the completion of an 86kW solar PV system at Cardross Primary School and substantial progress in our LED streetlight replacement programme, which has reduced annual CO2 emissions by 92% since 2015/16. Through strategic funding management, we have secured and begun implementing £1,979,827 from the Energy Efficient Scotland Programme and £2.56M for active travel initiatives. Our electric vehicle infrastructure now includes 37 charging points, while waste management has been strengthened by £1.5 million in Scottish Government funding for landfill ban compliance. 3.2 Community engagement continues to expand through our partnership with Argyll Community Trust (ACT), supporting 39 community groups and establishing specialist environmental teams for rainforest and peatland restoration. The Net Zero Route Map is being rescoped with external partners, complemented by our adoption of the Scottish Government's ClimateOS platform to enhance our climate action planning capabilities. 3.3 These achievements demonstrate Argyll and Bute Council's ongoing commitment to climate action, balancing infrastructure improvements with community engagement and strategic planning to advance our decarbonisation goals. 4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1 The Policy and Resources Committee are asked to consider the updates contained at Section 5 of the report and the full Decarbonisation Tracker update contained within Appendix A.
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5.0 SUMMARY UPDATES OF CLIMATE CHANGE BOARD 5.1 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency 5.1.1 Notable recent projects include the 86kW roof-mounted solar PV system at Cardross Primary School, commissioned during the October 2024 school holidays. Through the Non-Domestic Energy Efficiency Framework (NDEEF), we have invested £1,520,315 of the £1,979,827 Scottish Government grant in energy efficiency projects, with key installations at Tarbert School, Kilmory Nursery, and Cardross Primary School. 5.1.2 The ongoing LED streetlight replacement programme has already transformed 14,312 streetlights, with approximately 130 luminaires remaining to be upgraded in the Lorn Area. These luminaires are on order, and works are expected to be completed by the end of 2024. This comprehensive upgrade has significantly reduced carbon emissions, with annual CO2 emissions dropping from 3,140 tonnes in 2015/16 to just 264 tonnes year-to- date in September 2024. 5.1.3 The procurement strategy for the next batch of sites (NDEEF2) is underway, targeting a £2 Million spend-to-save investment. We are currently awaiting the Scottish Government's launch of the new NDEEF framework, now anticipated in January/February 2025. 5.1.4 In September 2024, Argyll and Bute Council was awarded £1,979,827 through the Scottish Government's Energy Efficient Scotland – Area Based Scheme (ABS). To date, £1,520,315 has been spent facilitating insulation measures for privately owned and privately rented properties across mainland and island addresses. The programme offers non-means tested grants between £9,000 and £21,600 to eligible households, supporting a "Fabric First" approach to reducing household energy consumption. A joint project with Argyll Community Housing Association has already seen 80 properties insulated in Bute and Tarbert, contributing to both the Council's and Scottish Government's carbon reduction targets. 5.2 Economic Development and Renewable Energy 5.2.1 The council continues to support the Argyll and Bute Renewable Association (ABRA), with meetings held in October 2024 to review the Renewable Energy Action Plan. Progress has been made on strategic energy initiatives, including ongoing discussions with SSE Networks about grid capacity upgrades to 275kV. The Carbon Neutral Islands programme has seen significant developments, with funding secured for two projects on Islay through the Carbon Neutral Islands Capital Fund. These projects, being delivered by Islay Energy Trust and Islay Development Initiative, include solar installations on community buildings and a community orchard and forestry project. The Rural Growth Deal's Low Carbon Islay project continues to progress, with amended proposals being prepared following an initial outline business case rejection. 5.2.3 Offshore renewable developments continue to advance. Scottish Power Renewables are progressing the Machair Wind project, expected to seek consent during the mid-2020s. ESB is developing the Malin Wind project, a
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floating wind proposal awarded through the INTOG leasing round, with generation anticipated in the early 2030s. 5.3 Active Travel and Transportation 5.3.1 The council has expanded its electric vehicle charging network to 37 charging points, with eight new rapid chargers installed through the HiTRANS funding programme. 5.3.2 The Active Travel Team secured £2.56M external challenge funding for 22 active travel projects across Argyll and Bute in 2023/24. Key developments include creating smartphone apps for Tobermory and Bowmore and progressing design work for various town routes. The Oban Town Centre North Active Travel Improvements concept design was rejected by the OLI Area Committee on 25 June 2024. Officers continue working to develop an Argyll and Bute Active Travel Strategy to be presented to elected members by the end of 2024, which is increasingly becoming a pre-requirement for accessing Scottish Government active travel funding. 5.3.3 The strategy development references recent census data highlighting that 20% of households have no car access, and 34% are multiple car households, underscoring the importance of alternative travel options. 5.3.4 A key strategic development is the opportunity to develop a comprehensive Council Travel Plan in 2024/25, with initial external support funded by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT). This initiative requires cross- service collaboration, particularly from Commercial Services for estates and property considerations, Financial Services regarding travel expenses, and HR & OD for future travel policy development. This corporate approach will help embed sustainable travel practices across council operations. 5.4 Water Efficiency 5.4.1 The Water Efficiency Audit programme has made significant progress, with a comprehensive asset verification exercise substantially complete. Material water savings have been identified and recovered, with a focused programme to introduce water efficiency measures set to conclude by Q1 2025. Reducing our consumption of water not only reduces carbon footprint and reduces bills but also enhances our resilience to changing climate conditions. 5.5 Net Zero Route Map (NZRM) 5.5.1 Our Net Zero Route Map is currently being re-scoped, with Request for Information (RFI) responses received in June 2024. Opportunities to take on refined set of offers to the market are currently being explored. We are pursuing a collaborative approach, planning to co-develop the strategy in- house with specialist external partners. This strategic document will be crucial in guiding our long-term decarbonisation efforts. 5.5.2 As part of the Scottish Government's national implementation programme, Argyll and Bute Council has adopted the ClimateOS platform, developed by ClimateView. This Impact Intelligence platform supports our climate transition planning through advanced emissions modelling and data analysis. The Climate Change Officer and LHEES Officer are currently undertaking training
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through the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service (SCIS) to maximise the platform's capabilities. This strategic development, which connects our local authority with all 32 Scottish councils through interconnected emissions data, will be crucial in guiding our long-term decarbonisation efforts and supporting evidence-based decision making. 5.6 Community and Environmental Engagement 5.6.1 Our partnership with Argyll Community Trust (ACT) continues to drive climate action. We have supported 39 community groups with climate action funding, initiated Carbon Literacy training programs, and are developing a Climate Action Strategy aligned with the Community Planning Partnership's objectives. 5.6.2 ACT has established a Rainforest Squad with National Lottery Heritage Fund support, focusing on woodland management in North Knapdale and recruiting specialists for rainforest restoration. Peatland restoration projects continue on Islay, Jura, and mainland Argyll, with ACT now employing 34 people in the environmental sector. 5.6.3 The Climate Action Strategy's second draft was reviewed by the Climate Change Working Group in October, with plans to submit a final version to the CPP Management Committee by year-end. ABCAN has collaborated with Sniffer/Adaptation Scotland to develop a bilingual 'Climate Community Adaptation Routemap' launched during Mod week in Oban. 5.6.4 Carbon Literacy Training continues through the Cooler Futures schools programme, with the first Primary 7 cohort completing full Carbon Literacy. A climate change learning festival is planned for Lochgilphead Joint Campus, focusing on education and sustainable skills development. 5.7 Communication and Outreach 5.7.1 External communications continue to promote actions the council is taking, and actions that others can take, to develop a climate-friendly Argyll and Bute. Key initiatives include: The council has actively lobbied for funding to protect lifeline routes and infrastructure against severe weather impacts. Communications have focused on diverse climate action messages, including the Better Journeys Campaign, promotion of active travel apps, and encouraging community participation in climate initiatives. Notable communication efforts have highlighted: • Scottish Government Flood Resilience consultation. • Council securing Scottish Government funding for waste ban compliance. • Hermitage being recognised by Keep Scotland Beautiful as one of Scotland's best green spaces. • Argyll and Bute Carbon Literacy Network offering free climate change training.
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• Social media campaigns encouraging recycling and waste reduction. • Press release highlighting a 6% reduction in carbon emissions in 2022/23, resulting in an overall 32.8% reduction since reporting began in 2015/16. 5.7.2 Specific campaigns have included the Better Journeys photo competition, promotion of walking routes, pre-loved school uniform scheme, and engagement during Scottish Climate Week with daily social media posts. 6.0 CONCLUSION 6.1 Argyll and Bute Council continues to demonstrate leadership in local climate action, making meaningful progress across environmental, social, and infrastructure domains. Our strategic approach balances innovative project implementation, community engagement, and fiscal responsibility, positioning us at the forefront of local government climate response. 7.0 IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Policy – Meeting obligations and commitment to Climate Change. 7.2 Financial – No direct linkage in this paper. 7.3 Legal – Meeting requirements of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, and the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019. 7.4 HR – None. 7.5 Fairer Scotland Duty: 7.5.1 Equalities - protected characteristics – None. 7.5.2 Socio-economic Duty – None. 7.5.3 Islands – None. 7.6 Climate Change – Direct link updating activities of the Climate Change Board and projects that will address climate change. 7.7 Risk – Not addressing impacts or causes of climate change can lead to increased cost or censure if targets are not met. 7.8 Customer Service – None. 7.9 UNCRC – United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - None Douglas Hendry, Executive Director with responsibility for Commercial Services
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Policy Lead Climate Change & Environment, Councillor Luna Martin 7 November 2024 For Further Information:- Ross McLaughlin, Head of Commercial Services Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre ross.mclaughlin@argyll-bute.gov.uk APPENDICES Appendix A – Climate Change Decarbonisation Tracker – November 2024
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Appendix A – Climate Change Decarbonisation Plan Tracker ACTION LEAD (L) AND PARTNERS TARGET or MILESTONE FUNDING COMMENTS W1 –Develop and Implement Waste Strategy (L) Roads and Amenity Services, Community, commercial customers Implementation of the Waste Strategy transitioning to Landfill ban compliant Residual Waste Recovery solutions by 2025. External funding and support being sought from the Scottish Government Please see Environment, Development & Infrastructure Reports – links below: WASTE UPDATE.pdf (argyll- bute.gov.uk) Waste Update – EDI committee 20/6/24 GENERAL WASTE UPDATE.pdf EDI committee 12/9/24 W2 – Promote the Waste Hierarchy through community Education (L) Roads and Amenity Services Evidence of community Education Not secured New Web content and Education materials for Primary and Secondary Schools were developed and delivered to online Education Environment Summit October 21 and the COP 26 Event on the 6th November 21. Advised that this action has paused/stopped. W3 – Reduce Council use of disposable and single use plastics across all departments and settings (L) Procurement and Commercial Services, all Council Services Adoption of new working practices and procurement No specific funding in place, research required to impact on operation costs A report on Single Use Plastic went to the Policy and Resources Committee on 9 December 2021, and the following recommendations were approved: • Note and consider that the various Services that currently purchase SUP products consider whether these products are essential or if there is a potential alternative that would
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meet the Service requirements, prior to orders being placed via PECOS or contacting the Procurement, Commercial and Contract Management Team (PCCMT) for a procurement process to be carried out. • Note and consider that the Sustainable Procurement Policy will be updated to reflect the Climate Change Board desire to limit SUP where possible – wording has been included in the Annual Review 2023/2024 version of the Procurement Strategy 2022/2025 as follows: “To provide procurement support to any strategic decisions taken by the Council in relation to the usage of Single Use Plastic products and their recyclability.” • Note and consider that the Commodity Sourcing Strategy templates used for Regulated Procurements have been updated to include a question regarding SUP. Changes in legislation were brought into force by the Scottish Government on the 1st June 2022 restricting single-use plastic cutlery, plates, straws, drink stirrers and
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balloon sticks, expanded polystyrene food containers and expanded polystyrene cups and other beverage containers, as well as all products made of oxo- degradable plastic. Some products already changed and others under review. W4 – Extend and explore pre-ordering for school food to reduce food waste (L) Commercial Services and Education Evidence of extension of pre- ordering & food waste reduction Project funded and solution procured Full implementation of Cashless Catering and Pre-ordering system is completed. E1 – Deliver Renewable Sourcing Strategy 2 (L) Commercial Services Adoption of Strategy RSS2 consultancy work funding to be confirmed; expectation is that project implementation will be through combinations of prudential borrowing (subject to business case approvals) and/or external funding. RSS2 next stage development work includes specification development and preparation of invitation to tender for specialist consultancy support. Current work in progress; intended to be market tested early 2024. It is now considered that RSS2 will be included within the Net Zero Routemap. Following limited response from hubNorth and some discussions with other potential providers, we have gone to the market with a further RFI and responses received in June 2024 will be used in the development of the procurement strategy for Argyll & Bute Council Net Zero Routemap.
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Net Zero Route Map is currently being rescoped following returns of RFIs. Opportunities to take a refined set of offers to the market are currently being explored. It is expected the NZRM will be co- developed in-house alongside specialist external partner/s. E2 – Delivery of Non-domestic Energy Efficiency Framework (NDEEF) Projects (L) Commercial Services Evidence of delivery of projects Project development work is funded by combinations of the Scottish Government and the procured provider (costs absorbed within the tender process). Funding for project implementation will come from Council approved capital allocations: • Climate Change 20/21 - £500K • Climate Change 21/22 - £600K • Asset Sustainability – £175K Non Domestic Energy Efficiency Fund (NDEEF1) Energy Performance Contract was signed on 16 July 2021 (circa £1.25m investment with 10 year payback). The originally intended mini project list has been fully delivered. Following on from the P&R Committee report in May 2023: May PR - Climate Change - NDEEF Progress update.pdf (argyll- bute.gov.uk), four final mini projects, which were added as contract variations, remained to be implemented. Tarbert School LED lighting was installed in the 2023 school summer recess; Kilmory Nursery solar pv was installed in September 2023; the intended low carbon heating solution and pv installation at Cardross PS have been intentionally delayed whilst we try to access a recently launched funding scheme: Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund | Salix Finance. A bid was submitted
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by the 5/12/23 fund deadline (value £460K with the Council needing to contribute 20% of that). Bid outcomes will be communicated February 2024. Bid was unsuccessful and subsequently £150k of funding which was in the 2025/26 capital plan for a replacement heating system has been brought forward. Delivery of the high efficiency heating system will be Summer 2024. High efficiency heating system installed and commissioned during Summer 2024 including full BEMS controls upgrade and 4G wireless router install for remote monitoring of system and optimisation of performance. 86kW roof mounted solar PV system installed and commissioned at Cardross Primary School during October 2024 school holidays. This was the final NDEEF1 mini project and now concludes the installation phase of this project. The Monitoring and Verification (M+V) Phase undertaken by the independent M+V Specialists EEVS Insight Ltd will run until Q3 2025. The final 15% contract retention payment will be released on
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successful independent verification of the Investment Grade Proposal (IGP) energy savings. In addition to the above, the procurement sourcing strategy for the next batch of sites, using designation NDEEF2, is under way. A spend to save investment of £2Million is being targeted. Awaiting formal Scottish Government launch of new NDEEF framework which is currently expected Oct 2024. Launch date of new framework now anticipated to be Jan/Feb 2025. E3 – Delivery of additional solar installations at Council assets (L) Commercial Services Evidence of delivery of projects Consultancy work funding to be confirmed; expectation is that project implementation will be through combinations of prudential borrowing (subject to business case approvals) and/or external funding. Best solar pv opportunities are being delivered within NDEEF (Ref item E2) and advantage is also being taken to install solar pv solutions within the asset sustainability capital programme where possible e.g. as a component of roof upgrades. The potential for a large solar pv ground array at the Kilmory Estate is currently being limited due to electric grid constraints – engagement with SSEN is ongoing to try to identify solutions.
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The Council now has 27no solar pv installations in operation amounting to over 1.3MW capacity. DRAX have offered installation of free solar pv at Dalmally PS as part of the community benefits flowing from the planned expansion of Ben Cruachan power station. Discussions have been going on from June 2024. No significant updates on DRAX solar offer except the Dalmally proposal has been deemed not- financially viable by DRAX. Alternative sites or technologies are currently being considered. E4 – Delivery of Water Efficiency Audits across our Estate (L) Commercial Services Evidence of delivery of projects Works items are generally small scale and are being funded through existing approved budgets where possible; otherwise costs will be met from savings generated. Significant Council wide asset verification exercise and ensuring water use minimised. The asset verification element of this project is substantially complete and substantial savings have been identified and recovered. A case study is being prepared to demonstrate the range of tasks undertaken and to convey the scale of savings made and refunds received. The final stage of work involves an exercise to reduce water consumption (with carbon emissions reduction) over a number
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of sites and is underway. Program to introduce Water efficiency measures has commenced and will be complete by Q1 2025. Costs finalised and a program developed for the introduction of water efficiency measures focussing on reducing consistent excessive consumption at public toilets. Material water savings have been identified and recovered, with a focused programme to introduce water efficiency measures set to conclude by Q1 2025. E5– Delivery of Energy Efficiency Scotland Programme (L) Housing Services, Registered Social Landlords Evidence of delivery of projects Funding amounts are determined by localised factors and is paid as a proportion of the Scottish Governments’ Heat In Buildings Strategy In September 2024 Argyll and Bute Council was awarded a Grant of £1,979,827 through the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland – Area Based Scheme (ABS) to facilitate the installation of insulation measures to privately owned and privately rented properties in mainland and island addresses throughout Argyll and Bute. Non-means tested grants of between £9,000 and £21,600 are available to eligible households for the application of insulation, helping to significantly reduce household consumption of energy on a “Fabric First” basis
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contributing towards both the Council’s and Scottish Government’s carbon reduction targets. The Council also continues to investigate avenues to work in partnership with RSLs in Argyll and Bute. Whilst these carbon reductions do not contribute directly to the Council’s Decarbonisation Plan they help to reduce carbon usage across Argyll and Bute. E6 – Complete LED streetlight replacement programme (L) Roads and Infrastructure Services Evidence of delivery of projects Fully funded through prudential borrowing Works have gone well though there are still approx.130 Luminaires to be upgraded to LED in the Lorn Area – The Luminaires are on order – Works should be completed by end 2024/early 2025. The Council has 14442 streetlights in total so carbon emissions have already been greatly reduced by the LED Upgrade Project. In 2015/16, figures were CO2 totals – 3140 tonnes. 2024/25 emissions are forecast to be reduced again. Year to date (end of September 2024) carbon totals – 264 tonnes.
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E7 – Continue support of ABRA and review Renewable Energy Strategy annually (L) Economic Development Evidence of delivery of projects Officer resource to support currently funded ABRA met in October 2024 and reviewed the REAP. SSE Networks continue upgrade works to power the transmission grid at 275kv. Work continues on proposals for the Low Carbon Islay project through the Rural Growth Deal. Funding for 2 projects through the Carbon Neutral Islands Capital Fund has been secured and these are being delivered by Islay Energy Trust (installation of solar on community buildings) and Islay Development Initiative (a community orchard and forestry project). The CNI award is currently embargoed but hopefully will be announced shortly. E8 – Continue support for offshore development of renewables (L) Economic Development Evidence of delivery of projects (expected late 2020s/early 2030s) Officer resource to support currently funded Scottish Power Renewables are progressing the Machair Wind project and ESB are progressing Malin Wind, both are expecting to seek consent during the mid-2020s with generation commencing in the early 2030s. T1 – Develop a Fleet Replacement Strategy supportive of fuel efficient, electric and hybrid vehicles (L) Roads and Infrastructure Services Adoption of Strategy Part for current financial year The Fleet Replacement Strategy is complete but is subject to on-going change in line with legislative changes as it is an operational document. T2 – Develop a vehicle routing system that will reduce road miles for operations (L) Roads and Infrastructure Services Evidence of delivery of projects Part for current financial year This is progressing. The project has slipped slightly due to staff availability and the data gathering
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and cleansing stage taking longer than we might have hoped. There was a report to EDI in March which sets out the revised position and project timeline. T3 – Develop an electric vehicle infrastructure strategy (L) Roads and Infrastructure Services Evidence of delivery of projects Part for current financial year The development of the EV network is funded by external grant monies from Transport Scotland, and the costs of developing the strategy in terms of staff time are covered via existing budgets Ultimately the cost recovery model The strategy and expansion plan is in place – we cannot move forward with a delivery programme until such time as our funding from SG is confirmed. The national EVIF programme is seeing some delays and changes in guidance and application process. All Councils are in the same position and we are in discussions with TS/SG on how the programme will operate going forward and when we are likely to see a funding award. We have, through a separate fund accessed via HiTRANS, progressed the installation of 8 new rapid chargers across the area in the last quarter of 2023 and these are in place and being well used. This brings our network up to 37. We have also introduced new charges which are designed to cover all asset management costs for the network. These costs fall now to the
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Council after having previously been funded through grants. We are also continuing to progress installs at Council hub offices with the next sites being Union St Rothesay and Kintyre House Campbeltown. We have now secured a provisional allocation of £1million from Scottish Government to expand our EV network and are currently out to tender for a site assessment exercise. Further reports on this will be made to EDI committee as appropriate. T4 – Support Digital by Default theme Service Review & Recovery Plan to reduce need to travel All Council Departments Evidence of delivery of projects Part for current financial year Council is adopting ‘Our Modern Workspace’ programme and Digital First approach as services change and evolve post pandemic. T5 – Develop new active travel plans for Council buildings and our towns (L) Economic Development Evidence of delivery of projects No active travel funding is provided by Council. All costs, including internal staff costs (1.7FTE), have to be funded via successfully securing external challenge funds. As all active travel work is currently reliant on securing external funding, the projects which are progressed are those which can successfully secure external challenge funding. The purpose of active travel is to make it as easy as possible and help to encourage individuals, businesses and visitors to choose to walk, wheel or cycle for local journeys. Increasing activity and reducing sedentary behaviour has significant health benefits and can increase accessibility to essential services, education, employment, retail and leisure. Walking and
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External competitive challenge funds are time consuming to secure and projects have to be shaped to fit with external funders’ aspirations and requirements by the 1.7FTE Active Travel staff in the Strategic Transportation Team. However, at present these are the only available source(s) of funding made available to deliver active travel improvements. 2023/24 Progress The 1.7FTE Active Travel Team secured £2.56M external challenge funding in 23/24 for development and delivery of 22 active travel projects across Argyll and Bute, requiring 18 separate competitive challenge funding applications to 5 separate funds. Projects funded via the active travel team within Strategic Transportation in 2023/24 included: • New cycle parking at the community owned Port Ellen Playing Fields Community Development, Islay. cycling are lower cost travel modes and, if they are a viable option, can help the 20% of households (2022 census) reduce social isolation and other households reduce their reliance on private cars, particularly multiple car households (34% of Argyll and Bute households; 2022 census). No Council funding is currently expended on Active Travel work, with all costs, including internal staff costs (1.7FTE), having to be funded via successfully securing external challenge funds. As all active travel work is currently reliant on securing external funding, therefore the projects which are progressed are those which can successfully secure external challenge funding. Argyll and Bute Active Travel Strategy: Officers are working to develop an Argyll and Bute Active Travel Strategy and present it to members for approval. The Active Travel Strategy will provide the overarching context for the Council to support and promote active travel across the Council area. Having an adopted and current Active Travel Strategy is increasingly becoming a pre-requirement to
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• Funded Cycling UK to run the Dunoon Cycle Bothy • Funded ACT to upcycle 65 bikes to return to the local Mid- Argyll Community to increase opportunities to cycle. • Creation of new Smartphone Apps for Tobermory and Bowmore (adding to the existing popular apps for Campbeltown, Dunoon, Helensburgh, Oban and Rothesay) • Design work progressed for ambitious walking and cycling projects including: • Campbeltown, commenced initial design work on Phase 4 Active Travel Improvements (Esplanade and Kinloch Park) (initial Feasibility). • Dunoon, Town Centre to Hunters Quay Active Travel route (Concept Design). • Helensburgh: Helensburgh – Cardross – Dumbarton Cyclepath (Developed Design)and Helensburgh – Garelochhead Cycleway (final Technical Design). • Islay, Bowmore to Bridgend Path (with Islay Community Access Group) (final Technical Design). access Scottish Government derived active travel funding. Active Travel Delivery Plan: Following approval of Active Travel Strategy, an Active Travel Delivery Plan will be developed to create a prioritised list of active travel projects for the whole of Argyll and Bute. Active Travel Projects: The majority of external funding available is provided by the Scottish Government via a number of distribution organisations who are paid to administer these funds. The focus for Scottish Government Active Travel funding is to develop and deliver infrastructure projects and associated behaviour change. As such, the focus for the very limited staff capacity in the Active Travel Team has been to develop and deliver infrastructure projects across Argyll and Bute with a focus on our main towns and locations with strong community support. Active Travel Plans for Towns: There are Active Travel Plans in place for the main towns in Argyll and Bute, albeit some are now quite historic.
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• Jura, Craighouse to Corran Sands Active Travel Route (Concept Design). • Lochgilphead: Front Green to Crinan Canal (Concept Design)and Town Centre to Joint Campus Active Travel Routes (final Technical Design). • Rothesay, Pavilion to Albert Pier Active Travel Improvements (Concept Design). Oban, Oban Town Centre North Active Travel Improvements (George St and Corran Esplanade) (Concept Design) – concept design proposals rejected by OLI Area Committee on 25 June 2024. The town Active Travel Plans focus on identifying potential active travel route networks for key towns. These provide a framework for the development of new active travel routes, which will enable and encourage residents, businesses and visitors to choose to travel more actively. No funding is currently secured to enable the Active Travel Plans for towns to be updated. Council Staff Travel Plan: Officers are exploring options to develop a Council Staff Travel Plan at zero cost to the Council. However, this is challenging due to the ongoing uncertainty of longer-term staff profiles and bases. There is currently no funding secured to enable this work to be progressed. It should be noted that successful Staff Travel Plans require to have strong support from senior managers/elected members, who also require to act in accordance with the Plan, and from enabling departments, e.g. finance and HROD. Once developed, to be fully effective it is likely that a Staff Travel Plan would require changes to the Council’s travel policies and expenses policies.
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Staff Travel Plans focus on measures to make it easier and preferable for staff to choose to walk, cycle, use public transport or car share to commute to work or for work journeys, or use economical pool vehicles for work journeys. A travel plan should encourage staff to choose the most economical and least environmentally damaging travel mode. Engagement will be required with services which manage staff in buildings and/or council buildings as this is essential to creating deliverable and effective travel plans for staff. This includes Estates, HROD, SMT and building users. PA1 – Review Council Flooding & Coastal Protection Policy (L) Roads and Infrastructure Services Review of policy No specific funding in place, research required to impact on operation costs Reviews are in process. PA2 – Review Council Sustainable Procurement Policy (L) Procurement Review of policy No specific funding in place, research required to impact on operation costs This policy is reviewed on an annual basis.