Appendix A UKSPF Investment Plan and summary of projects and programmes
Argyll and Bute Council · 11 August 2022
Back to Policy and Resources Committee — 11 August 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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UK Shared Prosperity Fund Argyll and Bute Investment Plan, August 2022 Your location To be eligible for funding, you will need to be applying on behalf of a lead authority in one of the delivery geographies. Select the lead authority For Scotland and Wales only: Who else is this investment plan being submitted on behalf of? Select all that apply
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Your details Name: Kirsty Flanagan Email address: kirsty.flanagan@argyll-bute.gov.uk Phone number: 01546 604268 Organisation name: Argyll and Bute Council Local challenges and opportunities In this section, we will ask you: If you've identified any challenges or opportunities, you intend to support Which of the UKSPF investment priorities these fall under ARE THERE ANY LOCAL CHALLENGES YOU FACE WHICH FALL UNDER THE COMMUNITIES AND PLACE INVESTMENT PRIORITY? (If yes) Describe these challenges, give evidence where possible Tourism Due to the pandemic and enforced business closure, the Argyll and Bute Council area saw significant decreases in the tourism and hospitality sector: • -57.6% Visitor days • -65.4% Visitor numbers • -54.8% Direct Expenditure • -34% Direct employment (Source: Argyll and Bute Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) data 2019, comparison with Q1&Q2 2021). Recovery has faced obstacles and delays with changing restrictions and regulations over 2020 and 2021. There have been inevitable business casualties. Targeted and sustained marketing efforts will be necessary to raise the profile of the destination’s offers effectively; and attract visitors who will respect as well as enjoy Argyll and Bute. Childcare In specific areas of Argyll and Bute, it is a challenge to deliver childcare pre-school, post school and during holidays to allow parents/carers the opportunity to work or offer greater flexibility in working hours. Community Development Our communities, and partners, through the Community Planning Partnership, have identified the challenge of addressing the Climate Emergency in Argyll and Bute. They have been working together to seek ways to address this. Community organisations have expressed a desire to come together to share best practice, ideas and increase capacity and resilience through learning from one another. These needs have been raised through thematic focused discussions (i.e. climate change, COVID recovery and resilience) and also in communities with protected characteristics such as Gaelic speaking communities. This is a challenge within Argyll and Bute due to the large land mass and remote rural and island communities, which impacts travel and ability to meet. There is a need to support a digital solution and there is complexity with this due to the capacity building needs around skills / lack of digital infrastructure within community facilities. Fuel Poverty and the Cost of Living Crises The current challenges with regard to fuel poverty and the cost of living are particularly prevalent in the large and sparsely populated rural area of Argyll and Bute. In the area there is a predominance of low paid, temporary and seasonal contracts, in industries of agriculture, forestry and tourism. During the pandemic tourism was particularly hard hit. The Scottish Government’s income
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distribution statistics 2018 show that Argyll and Bute is in the bottom third of local authority areas with the lowest gross weekly incomes, whilst the cost of transport and distribution of food means that the cost of living is also much higher in rural areas of Scotland like Argyll and Bute. A Scottish Government (2021) report estimates that the minimum cost of living in remote rural Scotland is between 15% and 30% higher than urban parts of the UK. In addition being remote and rural, fuel poverty is a significant issue facing Argyll and Bute, the most recent Scottish House Condition Survey 2020 suggesting that 43% of residents are living in fuel poverty, 4% more than the national average. The Atlantic Islands House Condition Survey suggests that in some areas 63% of local residents are in fuel poverty. Fuel Poverty is defined as “if (a person), to heat their home to a satisfactory standard, needs to spend more than 10% of their household income on fuel then they are in fuel poverty”. The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) is a relative measure of deprivation across 6,976 small areas (called data zones). The SIMD ranks all data zones in Scotland according to levels of deprivation relative to one another. 13 of Argyll and Bute’s 125 data zones fall within the 15% most deprived data zones in Scotland. These data zones are all located in our biggest towns of Rothesay, Dunoon, Campbeltown, Helensburgh and Oban. Patterns of deprivation vary by domain, there are seven domains in total including income, employment and geographic access to services. A particular contrast can be seen between levels of access deprivation, which affects most of rural Argyll and Bute and levels of deprivation across other SIMD domains, wherein the towns are seen to exhibit higher levels of multiple deprivation relating to income and employment. Although Argyll and Bute has few areas with high levels of multiple deprivation, other instances of deprivation will occur outside these areas, especially in rural areas where populations are more heterogeneous, meaning small pockets of poverty sit outwith the main towns very close to areas of affluence. This all forms part of a major challenge for Argyll and Bute to minimise poverty by maximising incomes providing well paid jobs and cheap affordable housing amongst other key targets. Places The majority of our population live in towns or smaller settlements and therefore our places and any resulting improvement to them is critical to the quality of life and health and wellbeing of our communities who live and work in them as well as providing more attractive places for those visiting or looking to invest. There is a real need in many of our towns and settlements for funding to support ‘small-scale projects’: projects enacted on the local level of a town, settlement or a neighbourhood and aimed at enhancing the quality of the place and quality of life, the health and wellbeing of our communities including the social and cultural life of local residents as well as improving the place for those living, working, visiting and investing. ARE THERE ANY LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES UNDER THE COMMUNITIES AND PLACE INVESTMENT PRIORITY THAT YOU INTEND TO SUPPORT? (If yes) Describe these opportunities, give evidence where possible Tourism The tourism industry is resilient and there is an appetite to build back better in terms of both the visitor economy and quality of visitor offering; and to focus on an improved tourism product increasingly responsive to communities and sensitive to the outstanding environment. Not all tourism and hospitality businesses have suffered. Some have made innovative and long- lasting changes to their business model. Some have seen an increase in visitors by ensuring their visitor offer is aligned to market needs; safety assurance, flexibility of booking conditions, improvements enabled through pandemic grants. Scottish Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) data for Argyll and Bute in the first half of 2021 suggests significant build-back with economic impact more than doubling from £41.95m in 2020 to £94.83m in 2021 - a remarkable recovery rate of 126.1%. (Source: ABC STEAM DATA 2019 comparison to Q1&2 2021).
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Predictions at the time of the 2022 Visitor Economy Recovery and Growth Strategy development suggest a 3-6 year worldwide full tourism recovery period. Sustained marketing and product development is necessary to underpin confidence in travel and position Argyll and Bute as a safe, sustainable and enjoyable destination. There is both appetite and need to take the pent-up travel demand and encourage locals and visitors to enjoy Argyll and Bute and improve direct spend in the area. There are opportunities to support businesses to create new visitor facing products and to use marketing activity to encourage visitors to come to the destination, stay longer and spend money in the local economies. Community Development To build on the momentum of time and dedication given by community groups and partner organisations to come together and address concerns with the climate emergency. To date, and over a period of more than a year, the group has worked together and produced a business case for feasibility study on climate change. They have also produced a webpage (Community Planning Partnership - Climate Change (argyll-bute.gov.uk)) with the work to date in the area; which enabled the identification of gaps and need for a study. There is then opportunity to support community organisations to deliver via funding to community groups to help bring community cohesion, and increase volunteering on climate change matters through community projects and activity. The council has trialled innovative ways in bringing groups together online during the pandemic and there is opportunity to expand this to develop ‘hubs’; both online to provide opportunity to mitigate the remote rural challenges, and within communities by developing community assets fit for purpose. Further to this the Community Learning and Development Partnership (CLD) has ‘digital’ as a priority in its plan to improve digital skills and access across Argyll and Bute; partners are actively looking at how best they can approach this jointly – this includes the Third Sector. The Shaping Places for Wellbeing project in Dunoon is one of six projects in Scotland seeking to address health inequalities. There is an opportunity for funding to support the needs being identified in this project; including the development of built assets to improve community cohesion, volunteering and place. If we were able to support the Food Bank in Dunoon to undertake the feasibility studies and carbon reduction works required for a community asset then it would make a significant difference to the community work and volunteers of those associated with the group. The group is developing projects on energy reduction advice, clothing re-use and other support that has multiple societal and environmental impacts. There is opportunity to support them to flourish within a local asset. Fuel Poverty and the Cost of Living Crises We have the opportunity to provide grant funding to deal with the immediate fuel and food crisis. We can encourage vulnerable householders to engage with the professional advice services provided by local third sector organisations to ensure a better long term outcome for them. This includes the provision of financial inclusion skills and education services and a knowledge of where to go for help and assistance in the future, including support to ensure that claimant income from work and/or benefits is maximised, they are also to be given money and debt advice if required and budgeting skills training at the same time. Referrals can be made for Fuel Debt Relief and Advice, Behavioural Change designed to minimise future fuel bills, the provision of energy efficient white goods and fuel vouchers and top-up payments can also be provided to claimants all in ensure a much better longer term outlook for vulnerable householders helping them to self-serve in future should they be faced with similar challenges again. Creating a school uniform bank can support families with school uniform costs whilst at the same time increasing recycling. Doing this via a social enterprise can help educate schools and pupils in social enterprise and entrepreneurship, building jobs and retaining skills of young people in our area. Places Small-scale projects have the potential to play a role in renewing and reviving our towns and smaller settlements making them more attractive, vibrant and living places.
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ARE THERE ANY LOCAL CHALLENGES YOU FACE WHICH FALL UNDER THE SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PRIORITY? (If yes) Describe these challenges, give evidence where possible Argyll and Bute was ranked most vulnerable in the Vulnerability Index 2020 in terms of economic shock resulting from the COVID pandemic. Rural areas are less resilient than urban areas. Evidence The following points have been taken in the main from evidence collected for the Highlands and Islands area, which includes Argyll and Bute. There is an increase in Highlands and Islands businesses reporting that they are operating below pre-COVID levels. A recent survey reports that in the last six months only 34% have increased turnover, 16% increased employment and 11% increased exports. 43% are striving for growth, 57% are focusing on resilience and 55% on enhancing productivity. The most important factors in helping to achieve these plans were given as adapting products/services 50%, upskilling staff 46%, investing in technology 43%, collaborating 43% and external advice and support 42%. Evidence Productivity in the Highlands and Islands area is lower, at £46,500 compared to £50,200 for Scotland. Mid-term and longer-term forecast average annual growth in Gross Value Added (GVA) is below Scotland and the UK. Evidence The biggest barrier to innovation for businesses in the Highlands and Islands was it not being a priority (39%) but 38% report costs as the barrier. Evidence Cost pressures on small businesses have hit a 7 year high. Credit availability and affordability indices have worsened and will further worsen as interest rates rise. Evidence Almost half of businesses in Scotland report having experienced difficulties recruiting employees. Evidence Skills assessments for the Highlands and Islands area suggest that many of the key sectors for Argyll and Bute are reporting skills gaps – Tourism 16%, Health and social care 17%, Construction 13%, Food & Drink 13%, Agriculture Forestry & Fishing 13% Evidence Tourism and Hospitality businesses owners face unprecedented challenges during the recovery of the sector from the pandemic. In addition to attracting back visitors, most businesses are facing staffing challenges, rising costs and increasing regulation. Inflation is running at a high of 11%, interest rates are climbing, and energy bills are expected to at least double in the coming 12 months. Practical interventions which can either reduce costs and / or support innovation will be welcomed at a time when business owners have less time to operate strategically UK tourism and hospitality vacant roles are running at an all-time high of 1.3m (Source: Scottish Tourism Alliance). Any intervention designed to support attraction and retention will be well received by employers across Argyll and Bute. Social economy delivers a range of essential services to communities with limited capacity argyll_and_bute_se2017_census_report.pdf (argyll-bute.gov.uk) Majority of social enterprises and micro businesses with limited capacity for growth argyll_and_bute_se2017_census_report.pdf (argyll-bute.gov.uk) ARE THERE ANY LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES UNDER THE SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PRIORITY THAT YOU INTEND TO SUPPORT? (If yes) Describe these opportunities, give evidence where possible Business support We have the opportunity to enhance the business support available from the council from the point of start-up through to growth. Scaling up existing support and introducing new activities, will provide more support to a greater number of SMEs to assist growth and sustainability. This includes: A package of start-up support to help new start SMEs to establish and build sustainability A package of business development support to help local SMEs to grow sustainably or recover from the pandemic and build resilience A package of employer support to help local SMEs recruit, train and manage staff A package of feasibility study support to help local SMEs develop and innovate
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Grants and specialist advice support has been provided by the council utilising European Structural Funds for a business growth programme which concludes in 2023. Recent follow-up of 104 supported businesses shows 74% have delivered growth since receiving support, with a combined £8.2m increase in turnover and 109 additional FTE jobs created. There is a clear opportunity to build on and continue this type of support for local businesses. Tourism support Pre pandemic, Argyll and Bute enjoyed hundreds of large and small events across the destination bringing not just visitor enjoyment but employment, economic improvement and served to showcase the best of our local artists, musicians, dancers and crafters. Post pandemic, there is visitor and participant appetite to gather again and celebrate those skills and important cultural and heritage events. At the time of application, and the height of summer, there are circa 200 events scheduled – a fraction of those held previously. With support, local community groups and professional event organisers can once again schedule an events line up for 2023/24 as a key component of the visitor growth strategy. Social Enterprise support We have the opportunity to build on the longevity and proven track record of social enterprises across our rural communities delivering vital services and building social, environmental and economic capital for communities. Well established social economy sector with opportunities to address local challenges and opportunities, including community led renewables, tourism, sustainable forestry, food production, rural housing and land ownership. The last Social Enterprise Census in 2019 provided compelling evidence of the significant contribution of social enterprises to employability and job creation. 55% employ someone with a disability or long-term health condition, 42% employ previously unemployed young people and 69% provide training and support to improve employability. Social enterprises are a key solution to the employment challenge ARE THERE ANY LOCAL CHALLENGES YOU FACE WHICH FALL UNDER THE PEOPLE AND SKILLS INVESTMENT PRIORITY? (In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland this should also include challenges relating to Multiply) (If yes) Describe these challenges, give evidence where possible Population Demographic Future population projections suggest a reduction in total population of 7.2% from 2010 to 2035. The decline in population experienced to date and that projected in the future presents a significant challenge to the overall viability of the area. Projections up to 2035 suggest that the population is ageing, with the percentage of the population over 65s expected to increase from 15% to 39.7%. More people living longer is a real success, however the demographic changes do create a number of challenges, including the availability of people to join the overall workforce in Argyll and Bute. Service Delivery & Resources The workforce is shrinking, so we must do everything we can to support those within working age, into employment or further education. Currently there is a gap in the provision of adult literacy and numeracy support in Argyll and Bute, which is a challenge as this is a limiting factor in supporting adults into work and further education. Due to our resources, we are currently unable to deliver one-to-one support, which is so vital in this area of work. Physical Geography Delivery of one-to-one support sessions is a challenge due to the large, dispersed geography of Argyll and Bute, the second largest local authority area in Scotland and has the largest number of inhabited Islands (23 Islands). Around 17% of our population live on an island (Census 2011). The size of the area and population dispersion require multiple facilities for service delivery to ensure services are delivered close to users and communities. The distance between main settlements and use of ferry services create challenges in terms of reliability, time and cost of travel. Infrastructure and transport issues Rural, remote rural and island communities – thus limited access to range of employment opportunities or training. Additional barriers relating to reputational issues with lack of anonymity in
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a rural setting. Rural Employment - Policy | Employability in Scotland Youth unemployment in rural areas | JRF Skills Shortages The mismatch between unemployed people with limited skills, confidence and a range of barriers, including increasing mental health issues to access skills opportunities available. – evaluation information from SYP phase 1 ARE THERE ANY LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES UNDER THE PEOPLE AND SKILLS INVESTMENT PRIORITY THAT YOU INTEND TO SUPPORT? (In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland this should also include challenges relating to Multiply) (If yes) Describe these opportunities, give evidence where possible There are a number of local opportunities that could be capitalised on by the dissemination of UK Shared Prosperity Fund monies across the proposed project interventions: Strong Partnerships & Referrals of Learners Regionally and locally there are strong partnerships, with Adult Learners supported as part of Live Argyll's Community Learning and Development partnership. Through our partners, we receive referrals for literacy and numeracy support for adult learners – many of which we are currently unable to engage with due to lack of resources. Progression for Learners With a small workforce across Argyll and Bute, any learners who are supported with literacy and numeracy would have a pathway into further support in our Community Learning and Employability Hubs which are run in partnership with Skills Development Scotland and the Department of Work and Pensions. We also have a strong symbiotic relationship with Argyll College (UHI Argyll). We support their learners who require some additional literacy and numeracy support, and they provide a pathway into further education for those who wish to progress. Vulnerable School Leavers There is an opportunity to work closely with the Developing Young Workforce Leads to ensure that vulnerable school leavers are effectively supported into employment by expanding the Wider Achievement Programme for all secondary schools, delivered in partnership. Young People We have the opportunity to deliver a coherent programme of wider achievement qualifications and skill-focused volunteering opportunities for all secondary pupils, delivered in partnership with agencies and organisations in the wider community. Examples could include qualifications relating to food hygiene, first aid, heart start, Duke of Edinburgh and voluntary work, could encompass areas such as food banks and environmental improvement and conservation. The programme will allow curricula in schools to reflect the four contexts for learning within Building the Curriculum 3, and in particular the three related to ethos and community, inter-disciplinary learning and personal achievement. The Wider Achievement Programme is designed to allow skills progression for all young people within the school as they progress through the curriculum, and the development of their resilience, confidence and aspiration. The programme will increase engagement with school-based education for the most disengaged and vulnerable children and young people, increasing attendance and further reducing exclusion rates. Finally, the programme would also lead to a significant rise in the number of qualifications gained outside of the narrow band of National Qualifications. The proposals in this Investment Plan are thus coherent with the direction of travel nationally, where vocational and skills-based education is being developed and promoted in terms of its accessibility to young people and parity of esteem beside national qualifications. Social Economy Delivers a range of essential services to communities with limited capacity and skills. Working with partners across the third sector with experience in supporting and nurturing those facing barriers to work, alongside training providers and those with specialist expertise in skills shortage areas to enable effective access and progression routes within
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skills shortage areas (construction, tourism and hospitality, care and social economy as well as evolving economy including blue and green economy opportunities). Expertise within organisations to assist those facing barriers to build skills enabling people to progress in to longer term employment which in turn addresses skills shortages. Interventions In this section, we will ask you about: Interventions you’ve chosen for each year of funding Outcomes you want to deliver Any interventions that are not listed here How these interventions fall under the UKSPF investment priorities, and your rationale for them Interventions not included in our list will be assessed before being approved, where you will need to show a clear rationale, how the intervention is value for money, what outcomes it will deliver and how you will monitor and evaluate the intervention. This may include a theory of change or logic chain. WHAT ARE THE OUTCOMES YOU WANT TO DELIVER UNDER THE COMMUNITIES AND PLACE INVESTMENT PRIORITY? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY. Outcome Tick if applicable Jobs created Jobs safeguarded Increased footfall √ Increased visitor numbers √ Reduced vacancy rates Greenhouse gas reductions Improved perceived/experienced accessibility Improved perception of facilities/amenities √ Increased number of properties better protected from flooding and coastal erosion Increased users of facilities / amenities √ Improved perception of facility/infrastructure project √ Increased use of cycleways or paths Increase in Biodiversity Increased affordability of events/entry Improved perception of safety Reduction in neighbourhood crime Improved engagement numbers √ Improved perception of events Increased number of web searches for a place √ Volunteering numbers as a result of support √ Number of community-led arts, cultural, heritage and creative programmes as a result of support Increased take up of energy efficiency measures √ Increased number of projects arising from funded feasibility studies Number of premises with improved digital connectivity √ None of the above SELECT THE INTERVENTIONS YOU INTEND TO USE WHICH MEET THE COMMUNITIES AND PLACE INVESTMENT PRIORITY. YOU CAN SELECT AS MANY AS YOU LIKE. Intervention A full list of nation-specific interventions is available in the relevant annex to the Prospectus.
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S7: Funding for the development and promotion of wider campaigns which encourage people to visit and explore local areas.. S8: Funding for impactful volunteering and/or social action projects to develop social and human capital in local places. S9: Investment in capacity building, resilience (including climate change resilience) and infrastructure support for local civil society and community groups. S10: Community measures to reduce the cost of living, including through measures to improve energy efficiency, and combat fuel poverty and climate change. S12: Investment and support for digital infrastructure for local community facilities. S13: Support for linking communities together and with employment opportunities with a focus on decarbonisation. DO YOU PLAN TO USE ANY INTERVENTIONS NOT INCLUDED IN THE COMMUNITIES AND PLACE LIST? State the name of each of these additional interventions and a brief description of each of these No Explain how each intervention meets the Communities and Place investment priority. Give evidence where possible, including why it is value money and the outcomes you want to deliver. N/A Do you consider that any of these interventions may provide a subsidy to potential recipients of the funding under the intervention’s planned activity? All bids must also consider how they will deliver in line with subsidy control as set out in the guidance. Yes No Detail the assessment you undertook to consider whether the intervention is a subsidy and any specific measures you will take to make sure the subsidy is permitted. HAVE YOU ALREADY IDENTIFIED ANY PROJECTS WHICH FALL UNDER THE COMMUNITIES AND PLACE INVESTMENT PRIORITY? Describe these projects, including how they fall under the Communities and Place investment priority and the location of the proposed project. 1. Tourism Marketing Support - design and execution of marketing campaigns and events strategy to deliver increased visitor numbers, improved visitor economy and benefit local businesses. Argyll and Bute wide. (S7) 2. Community Planning Partnership Climate Change Working Group building capacity in communities, including peer support for community organisations and funding to support community projects with a focus on climate change. Bring communities together to share best practice in community action for climate change, raise volunteer numbers and support wider influence of actions locally and across Argyll and Bute. Argyll and Bute wide. (S8) 3. Extension of Shaping Places for Wellbeing support, to take forward needs identified and improve community cohesion, place and wellbeing. Shaping Places for Wellbeing is an innovative partnership project to inform systems change to address better health and wellbeing. There is a project worker in place that, with the funds provided through this, could add value by being able to deliver community based changes to improve community and place such as: improved perception of the area; community notice boards, active travel promotion. Argyll and Bute wide. (S9) 4. Vibrant and Living Places to support a small scale place based investment and town centre fund (possibly including shop front improvements & development of digital apps), pocket parks and green spaces including stalled spaces, and restoring historic features, heritage, arts and cultural small scale projects (including public art). Argyll and Bute wide. (S9)
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5. Extension of Flexible Food Fund providing short term grants to people struggling with the cost of living crisis, advice and skills support and referral to partners. Argyll and Bute Council is working with third sector organisations, Bute Advice Centre and the Argyll, Lomond and the Islands energy advice group (ALIenergy) to provide short-term grant funding to people who are struggling due to the cost of living crisis and increased fuel costs based on the minimum income standard with a rural uplift. Customers are offered a second grant payment if they engage with the advice services available such as benefits maximisation, budgeting skills, money and debt advice. In addition a referral is made to ALIEnergy and fuel debt relief, fuel poverty advice, behavioural change, the purchase of white goods and the provision of fuel vouchers can all be arranged. Argyll and Bute wide. (S10) 6. Community Hubs to increase digital capacity and skills in communities, alongside community asset improvements. Development of hubs which support community organisations and volunteers to come together to share best practice, ideas and increase capacity and resilience. Argyll and Bute wide. (S12) 7. Pre-loved School Uniform project, supporting an eco-friendly re-used school uniform bank. Argyll and Bute wide. (S13) Do you consider these projects may provide a subsidy to potential recipients of the funding under the proposed planned activity? All bids must also consider how they will deliver in line with subsidy control as set out in the guidance. Yes No Detail the assessment you undertook to consider whether the proposed projects constitute a subsidy and any specific measures you will take to make sure the subsidy is permitted. Argyll and Bute Council must ensure that any subsidies (includes grants, loans at below market rate, loan guarantees at below market rate, tax breaks/relief or allowing a company to use publicly owned office space rent free) awarded to economic actors (anyone who puts goods or services on a market and could include a public body or a charity if they are acting commercially) comply with the UK’s international obligations. These include World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and trade agreements such as the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (EU-UK TCA). A Subsidy Risk Assessment was undertaken for interventions included in the Argyll and Bute UKSPF Investment Plan when support from the council might potentially be subject to these international agreements on controlling public subsidies. With regard to the relevant projects outlined in the Argyll and Bute UKSPF Investment Plan, the following questions have been posed: 1) Is the support given by a public authority? 2) Is the recipient of support an economic actor (i.e. placing goods or services on the market)? 3) Does the support provide a financial or in-kind benefit to the recipient which is not otherwise available on commercial/market terms? 4) Could the support affect international trade? If the answer to all of the above questions was ‘Yes’, then the support is a subsidy. If the answer to any of the above was ‘No’, then the support is not a subsidy. No further action is required and the recipient will be advised that this award is not a subsidy as per the UK’s international obligations. WHAT ARE THE OUTCOMES YOU WANT TO DELIVER UNDER THE SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PRIORITY? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY. Outcome Tick if applicable Jobs created √ Jobs safeguarded Increased footfall Increased visitor numbers Reduced vacancy rates Greenhouse gas reductions
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Number of new businesses created √ Improved perception of markets Increased business sustainability Increased number of businesses supported √ Increased amount of investment Improved perception of attractions Number of businesses introducing new products to the firm Number of organisations engaged in new knowledge transfer activity √ Number of premises with improved digital connectivity Number of businesses adopting new to the firm technologies or processes √ Number of new to market products √ Number of R&D active businesses √ Increased number of innovation active SMEs √ Number of businesses adopting new or improved products or services Increased number of innovation plans developed Number of early stage firms which increase their revenue following support Number of businesses engaged in new markets Number of businesses engaged in new markets Number of businesses increasing their export capability Increased amount of low or zero carbon energy infrastructure installed Number of businesses with improved productivity √ Increased number of projects arising from funded feasibility studies √ Increased number of properties better protected from flooding and coastal erosion None of the above SELECT THE INTERVENTIONS YOU INTEND TO USE WHICH MEET THE SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PRIORITY. YOU CAN SELECT AS MANY AS YOU LIKE. Intervention A full list of nation-specific interventions is available in the relevant annex to the Prospectus. S14: Funding for the development and promotion (both trade and consumer) of the visitor economy, such as local attractions, trails, tours and tourism products more generally. S15: SME development grants and support, aligned with local and regional sectoral priorities and growth potential. This could include, providing tailored expert advice, matched grants and leadership training to enable manufacturing SMEs to adopt industrial digital technology solutions including AI artificial intelligence; robotics and autonomous systems; additive manufacturing; industrial internet of things; virtual reality; data analytics. The support is proven to leverage high levels of private investment into technologies that drive growth, productivity, efficiency and resilience in manufacturing. S16: Research and development grants supporting the development of innovative products and services, with a particular focus on low carbon goods and environmental services, and climate resilience. This could include investment to support the diffusion of innovation knowledge and activities. Support the commercialisation of ideas, encouraging collaboration and accelerating the path to market so that more ideas translate into industrial and commercial practices. S22: Support for growing the local social economy, including community businesses, cooperatives and social enterprises. S26: Business support measures to drive employment growth, particularly in areas of higher unemployment. S29: Support for new and existing businesses and start-ups aligned with local, regional and Scottish policy.
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DO YOU PLAN TO USE ANY INTERVENTIONS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS LIST? State the name of each of these additional interventions and a brief description of each of these No Explain how each intervention meets the Supporting Local Business investment priority. Give evidence where possible, including why it is value money and the outcomes you want to deliver. N/A Do you consider that any of these interventions may provide a subsidy to potential recipients of the funding under the intervention’s planned activity? All bids must also consider how they will deliver in line with subsidy control as set out in the guidance. Yes Detail the assessment you undertook to consider whether the intervention is a subsidy and any specific measures you will take to make sure the subsidy is permitted. HAVE YOU ALREADY IDENTIFIED ANY PROJECTS WHICH FALL UNDER THE SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PRIORITY? Describe these projects, including how they fall under the Supporting Local Business investment priority and the location of the proposed project. 1. Tourism Sector Support. Improved digital infrastructure for data monitoring, evaluation & visitor bookability. Argyll and Bute wide. (S14) 2. Scientific Robotics Academy SME development grants and support, aligned with local and regional sectoral priorities and growth potential. This could include, providing tailored expert advice, matched grants and leadership training to enable manufacturing SMEs to adopt industrial digital technology solutions including AI artificial intelligence; robotics and autonomous systems; additive manufacturing; industrial internet of things; virtual reality; data analytics. The support is proven to leverage high levels of private investment into technologies that drive growth, productivity, efficiency and resilience in manufacturing. Argyll and Bute wide, nationally and internationally. (S15) 3. Innovation Support Service providing expert advice and capability reviews to help SMEs create innovation plans. Argyll and Bute wide. (S16) 4. Graduate Apprenticeship Opportunities in the Third Sector. Pilot subsidised employment costs for social enterprises for one year (S22) 5. Graduate Placement Programme providing graduate placement grants covering staff, training and travel costs. Argyll and Bute wide. (S26) 6. Business Development Package for local SMEs, providing enhanced start-up, recovery and growth support comprising grants, specialist advice and intensive support programmes. Grants to include costs for trade fair, accreditation, training, digital development, carbon reduction, innovation, R&D, exporting, wage subsidy for new employee and graduate placements. Specialist advice topics to include HR, Marketing, Digital, Finance, Tax, PR, Procurement/supply chain development, Business strategy, Exporting/Importing, Innovation, Intellectual Property, Net Zero. Argyll and Bute wide. (S29) Do you consider these projects may provide a subsidy to potential recipients of the funding under the proposed planned activity? All bids must also consider how they will deliver in line with subsidy control as set out in the guidance. Yes No Detail the assessment you undertook to consider whether the proposed projects constitute a subsidy and any specific measures you will take to make sure the subsidy is permitted.
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Argyll and Bute Council must ensure that any subsidies (includes grants, loans at below market rate, loan guarantees at below market rate, tax breaks/relief or allowing a company to use publicly owned office space rent free) awarded to economic actors (anyone who puts goods or services on a market and could include a public body or a charity if they are acting commercially) comply with the UK’s international obligations. These include World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and trade agreements such as the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (EU-UK TCA). A Subsidy Risk Assessment was undertaken for interventions included in the Argyll and Bute UKSPF Investment Plan when support from the council might potentially be subject to these international agreements on controlling public subsidies. With regard to the relevant projects outlined in the Argyll and Bute UKSPF Investment Plan, the following questions have been posed: 1) Is the support given by a public authority? 2) Is the recipient of support an economic actor (i.e. placing goods or services on the market)? 3) Does the support provide a financial or in-kind benefit to the recipient which is not otherwise available on commercial/market terms? 4) Could the support affect international trade? If the answer to all of the above questions was ‘Yes’, then the support is a subsidy. If the answer to any of the above was ‘No’, then the support is not a subsidy. No further action is required and the recipient will be advised that this award is not a subsidy as per the UK’s international obligations. WHAT ARE THE OUTCOMES YOU WANT TO DELIVER UNDER THE PEOPLE AND SKILLS INVESTMENT PRIORITY? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY. Outcome Tick if applicable Number of economically inactive individuals in receipt of benefits they are entitled to following support √ Increased active or sustained participants of UKSPF beneficiaries in community groups [and/or] increased employability through development of interpersonal skills √ Increased proportion of participants with basic skills (English, maths, digital and ESOL) Number of people in supported employment [and] number of people engaging with mainstream healthcare services √ Number of people sustaining engagement with keyworker support and additional services √ Number of people engaged in job-searching following support Number of people in employment, including self-employment, following support √ Number of people sustaining employment for 6 months Increased employment, skills and/or UKSPF objectives incorporated into local area corporate governance Number of people in education/training √ Increased number of people with basic skills (English, maths, digital and ESOL) √ Fewer people facing structural barriers into employment and into skills provision Increased number of people familiarised with employers’ expectations, including, standards of behaviour in the workplace √ Fewer people facing structural barriers into employment and into skills provision √
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Number of people gaining a qualification or completing a course following support √ Number of people gaining qualifications, licences, and skills Number of economically active individuals engaged in mainstream skills education, and training. Number of people engaged in life skills support following interventions Number of people with proficiency in pre-employment and interpersonal skills (relationship, organisational and anger-management, interviewing, CV and job application writing) Multiply only - Increased number of adults achieving maths qualifications up to, and including, Level 2. √ Multiply only - Increased number of adults participating in maths qualifications and courses up to, and including, Level 2. √ None of the above SELECT THE INTERVENTIONS YOU INTEND TO USE WHICH MEET THE PEOPLE AND SKILLS INVESTMENT PRIORITY. YOU CAN SELECT AS MANY AS YOU LIKE. Intervention A full list of nation-specific interventions is available in the relevant annex to the Prospectus. S31: Employment support for economically inactive people: intensive and wrap-around one-to-one support to move people closer towards mainstream provision and employment., supplemented by additional and/or specialist life and basic skills (digital, English, maths (Multiply) and ESOL) support where there are local provision gaps. S33: Activities such as enrichment and volunteering to improve opportunities and promote wellbeing. S35: Support for employability programmes and advice including alignment with the No One Left Behind agenda, Fair Start Scotland and Scottish employability pipeline. This could include tailored support to help people in employment, who are not supported by mainstream provision to address barriers to accessing education and training courses. DO YOU PLAN TO USE ANY INTERVENTIONS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PEOPLE AND SKILLS LIST? State the name of each of these additional interventions and a brief description of each of these No Explain how each intervention meets the People and Skills investment priority. Give evidence where possible, including why it is value money and the outcomes you want to deliver. N/A Do you consider that any of these interventions may provide a subsidy to potential recipients of the funding under the intervention’s planned activity? All bids must also consider how they will deliver in line with subsidy control as set out in the guidance. Yes No
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Detail the assessment you undertook to consider whether the intervention is a subsidy and any specific measures you will take to make sure the subsidy is permitted. ENGLAND ONLY: People and Skills interventions can only be used in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 if you have identified a local voluntary and community provision, previously supported by the European Social Fund, at risk of closure. If you have not identified a suitable provision, you will not be able to select interventions for 2022-2023 and 2023- 2024 and your investment plan will not be approved. HAVE YOU ALREADY IDENTIFIED ANY PROJECTS for 2024-2025 WHICH FALL UNDER THE PEOPLE AND SKILLS INVESTMENT PRIORITY? Yes Describe the projects for 2024-25, including how they fall under the People and Skills investment priority and the location of the proposed project. Do you consider these projects may provide a subsidy to potential recipients of the funding under the proposed planned activity? All bids must also consider how they will deliver in line with subsidy control as set out in the guidance. Yes Detail the assessment you undertook to consider whether the proposed projects constitute a subsidy and any specific measures you will take to make sure the subsidy is permitted. HAVE YOU IDENTIFIED A LOCAL VOLUNTARY PROVISION AT RISK AS PART OF YOUR PEOPLE AND SKILLS INVESTMENT PRIORITIES? Yes No (If Yes) Describe the local voluntary provision at risk and your rationale for supporting it. Provide the European Social Fund Project Names and Project References for this voluntary and community provision at risk. What year do you intend to fund these projects? Select all that apply. 2022-2023 2023-2024 2024-2025 Describe the projects for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, including how they fall under the People and Skills investment priority and the location of the proposed project. Do you consider these projects may provide a subsidy to potential recipients of the funding under the proposed planned activity?
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All bids must also consider how they will deliver in line with subsidy control as set out in the guidance. Yes No Detail the assessment you undertook to consider whether the proposed projects constitute a subsidy and any specific measures you will take to make sure the subsidy is permitted. SCOTLAND, WALES & NORTHERN IRELAND ONLY HAVE YOU ALREADY IDENTIFIED ANY PROJECTS WHICH FALL UNDER THE PEOPLE AND SKILLS INVESTMENT PRIORITY? Yes No Describe the projects, including how they fall under the People and Skills investment priority and the location of the proposed project. 1. Pre-Employability Support Programme. Initial assessment, action planning and support, with individually tailored keyworker support for those furthest from the labour market. Argyll and Bute wide. (S31) 2. Adult Literacy and Numeracy Programme. Cohesive locally tailored support for those furthest from the labour market providing access to literacy and numeracy skills, with pathways into employability support and mentoring. Argyll and Bute wide. (S31) 3. Expansion of the Wider Achievement Programme for all secondary schools, providing support to assist vulnerable school leavers into employment via skills-based volunteering as part of an enhanced curriculum. Argyll and Bute wide. (S33) 4. Pre-Employability Support Programme Work Placements, providing individually tailored paid work placements. Argyll and Bute wide. (S33) 5. Positive Destinations Programme, providing support for young people leaving care with no positive destination, those with a learning disability, those leaving the criminal justice system, support to boost confidence for those who have been economically inactive and support for those who require assistance in determining suitable employment or training pathways. Argyll and Bute wide. (S33) 6. Pre-Employability Support Programme Training, providing access to funded training courses. Argyll and Bute wide. (S35) 7. Supported Employment Experience in the Third Sector. Intermediate Labour Market support for those not in employment, offering a waged employment experience, training, and support to participant and third sector employer. Argyll and Bute wide. (S35) Do you consider these projects may provide a subsidy to potential recipients of the funding under the proposed planned activity? All bids must also consider how they will deliver in line with subsidy control as set out in the guidance. Yes No Detail the assessment you undertook to consider whether the proposed projects constitute a subsidy and any specific measures you will take to make sure the subsidy is permitted. Argyll and Bute Council must ensure that any subsidies (includes grants, loans at below market rate, loan guarantees at below market rate, tax breaks/relief or allowing a company to use publicly owned office space rent free) awarded to economic actors (anyone who puts goods or services on a market and could include a public body or a charity if they are acting commercially) comply with the UK’s international obligations. These include World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and trade agreements such as the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement (EU-UK TCA). A Subsidy Risk Assessment was undertaken for interventions included in the Argyll and Bute UKSPF Investment Plan when support from the council might potentially be subject to these international agreements on controlling public subsidies. With regard to the relevant projects outlined in the Argyll and Bute UKSPF Investment Plan, the following questions have been posed: 1) Is the support given by a public authority?
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2) Is the recipient of support an economic actor (i.e. placing goods or services on the market)? 3) Does the support provide a financial or in-kind benefit to the recipient which is not otherwise available on commercial/market terms? 4) Could the support affect international trade? If the answer to all of the above questions was ‘Yes’, then the support is a subsidy. If the answer to any of the above was ‘No’, then the support is not a subsidy. No further action is required and the recipient will be advised that this award is not a subsidy as per the UK’s international obligations. Approach to delivery and governance In this section, we will ask you about: Structures you have in place to support delivery Support you have from stakeholders and the local community How you’ve engaged with MPs as part of your investment plan Opportunities you have identified to work with other places Places need to show how MPs that cover the lead local authority have been engaged on the investment plan and whether they support it. More detail on the role of MPs can be found here. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND SUPPORT Have you engaged with any of the following as part of your investment plan? Select all that apply. Public sector organisations Private sector organisations Civil society organisations Describe how you have engaged with any of these organisations. Give examples where possible. A Partnership Group was established that was made up of members of the current Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership and expanded to include other stakeholders. Information on the allocation also communicated to the Argyll Economic Resilience Forum (private sector organisations). Summarise the governance structures you have in place, including how any advisory panels or associated partnership groups are made up The Final Argyll and Bute UKSPF Investment Plan was considered at the Argyll and Bute Council Policy and Resources Committee on 11th August 2022. Many of the projects are from members of discrete partnerships which report to the Argyll and Bute Community Planning Partnership Management Committee, such as: Community Planning Partnership; Community Planning Partnership Climate Change working group – Communities and Place project governance. Community Learning and Development (CLD) Partnership – Communities and Place project governance Argyll and Bute Employability Partnership (ABEP). Confirm all MPs covering your lead local authority have been invited to join the local partnership group. Yes: Brendan O’Hara – separate discussion No Are there MPs who are not supportive of your investment plan? tbc Yes No (If Yes) Who are the MPs that are not supportive and outline their reasons why.
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PROJECT SELECTION Are you intending to select projects in any way other than by competition for funding? Yes No (If Yes) Describe your approach to selecting projects, and why you intend to do it this way. As the initial proposals for inclusion in the Argyll and Bute UKSPF Investment Plan were 220% greater than the allocation, everyone who submitted a proposal was asked to confirm the minimum viable project cost, where costs could be scaled back and identify any interventions that could be dropped. As costs were still higher than the allocation further to this exercise, officers developed eligibility criteria and an associated RAG scoring system For instance, consideration was given to the wider policy and funding landscape, existing activities and programmes, other new funding opportunities and other complementary interventions from other national or local schemes. This was then followed up by discussions with all internal colleagues, partners and stakeholders to enable the preparation of the final plan for approval at the Argyll and Bute Council Policy and Resources Committee meeting on 11th August 2022. Delivery of some projects will be subject to a grant offer and/or competitive procured approach with support and advice from Argyll and Bute Council’s Procurement Team. These processes will be put in place during the late summer/early autumn, so that we will be ready to start on the ground delivery as soon as the Argyll and Bute UK Shared Prosperity Fund Investment Plan is approved by the UK Government (late October onwards). DO YOU INTEND TO WORK WITH OTHER PLACES ON ANY OF THE INTERVENTIONS WHICH FALL UNDER THE COMMUNITIES AND PLACE INVESTMENT PRIORITY? Which interventions do you intend to collaborate on? Select all that apply. Intervention Tick if applicable A full list of nation-specific interventions is available in the relevant annex to the Prospectus. S9: Investment in capacity building, resilience (including climate change resilience) and infrastructure support for local civil society and community groups. Describe any interventions not included in this list? Who are the places you intend to collaborate with? Shaping Places for Wellbeing – working with West Dunbartonshire, and five other local authorities in Scotland.
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DO YOU INTEND TO WORK WITH OTHER PLACES ON ANY OF THE INTERVENTIONS WHICH FALL UNDER THE SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PRIORITY? Which interventions do you intend to collaborate on? Select all that apply. Intervention Tick if applicable A full list of nation-specific interventions is available in the relevant annex to the Prospectus. S15: SME development grants and support, aligned with local and regional sectoral priorities and growth potential. This could include, providing tailored expert advice, matched grants and leadership training to enable manufacturing SMEs to adopt industrial digital technology solutions including AI artificial intelligence; robotics and autonomous systems; additive manufacturing; industrial internet of things; virtual reality; data analytics. The support is proven to leverage high levels of private investment into technologies that drive growth, productivity, efficiency and resilience in manufacturing. √ Describe any interventions not included in this list? Who are the places you intend to collaborate with? A range of individuals, institutes and organisations throughout the UK and further afield. DO YOU INTEND TO WORK WITH OTHER PLACES ON ANY OF THE INTERVENTIONS WHICH FALL UNDER THE PEOPLE AND SKILLS INVESTMENT PRIORITY? Which interventions do you intend to collaborate on? Select all that apply. Intervention Tick if applicable A full list of nation-specific interventions is available in the relevant annex to the Prospectus. S35: Support for employability programmes and advice including alignment with the No One Left Behind agenda, Fair Start Scotland and Scottish employability pipeline. This could include tailored support to help people in employment, who are not supported by mainstream provision to address barriers to accessing education and training courses. √ Describe any interventions not included in this list?
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Who are the places you intend to collaborate with? All other local authorities across Scotland in terms of standard approaches and governance issues with regard to the Scottish Government’s No One Left Behind employability agenda and how this complements and aligns the UKSPF Investment Plan interventions, in particular S35. PUBLIC SECTOR EQUALITY DUTY How have you considered your public sector equality duty in the design of your investment plan? Yes. Fairer Scotland Duty - The Fairer Scotland Duty, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, came into force in April 2018. The duty places a legal responsibility on particular public bodies in Scotland, such as Argyll and Bute Council, to pay due regard to (actively consider) how they can reduce inequalities of outcome, caused by socio-economic disadvantage, when making strategic decisions and how this has been implemented. Equalities - all activities will comply with all Equal Opportunities/Fairer Scotland Duty policies and obligations. Socio-economic Duty - all project activities will comply with the council’s socio-economic duty. Islands - interventions under the UKSPF will be delivered across the Argyll and Bute area, including island communities. How will you consider your public sector equality duty when implementing your investment plan, including in the selection of projects? All activities and interventions will comply with all Equal Opportunities/Fairer Scotland Duty policies and obligations. This will be an essential criteria for all projects delivered through the Argyll and Bute UK Shared Prosperity Fund Investment Plan. RISKS Have you identified any key risks that could affect delivery, for example lack of staff or expertise? Yes No (If Yes) Describe these risks or issues, including the contingency measures you have in place to mitigate them. A staff resource will need to be employed to oversee the delivery, in particular the outputs and outcomes, of all the projects included in the Argyll and Bute UK Shared Prosperity Fund Investment Plan, 2022-25. Have you identified any key fraud risks that could affect UKSPF delivery? Yes No (If Yes) Describe these risks or issues, including the contingency measures you have in place to mitigate them.
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Capacity and capability In this section, we will ask you about: The capacity and capability of your team to manage funding The resources you have in place for work related to UKSPF Your answers here will help us know how to support you with delivery. They will not affect the amount of funding you will get. Answer as honestly as possible. TEAM RESOURCE How many people (FTE) will be put in place to work with UKSPF funding? 1.5 new full-time equivalent jobs (FTEs) plus 2 FTEs of existing staff. Describe what role these people will have, including any seniority and experience. Economic Growth Manager, Argyll and Bute Council (existing staff) Senior Development Officer, Argyll and Bute Council, (existing post, currently vacant – will recruit). New UKSPF Officer, Argyll and Bute Council (full-time: 100% funding) New Administration Support, Argyll and Bute Council (part-time: 50% funding). Strong capability: Has extensive experience and/or a proven track record of delivery in this area. Strong capacity: High degree of confidence that there is enough staffing/resource to manage funding in this area. Some capability: Has previous experience of delivery in this area. Some capacity: Confident that there is enough staffing/resource to manage funding in this area. Limited capability: Does not have previous experience and/or no track record of delivery in this area. Limited capacity: Limited confidence that there is enough staffing/resource to manage funding in this area. Additional resource may be needed to support delivery. CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY How would you describe your team’s current experience of delivering funding and managing growth funds? Very experienced Some experience No previous experience How would you describe your team’s current capability to manage funding for procurement? Strong capability Some capability Limited capability How would you describe your team’s current capability to manage funding for procurement? Strong capability Some capability Limited capability How would you describe your team’s current capacity to manage funding for procurement? Strong capacity Some capacity Limited capacity How would you describe your team’s current capability to manage funding for subsidies? Strong capability Some capability Limited capability How would you describe your team’s current capacity to manage funding for subsidies? Strong capacity Some capacity Limited capacity
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COMMUNITIES AND PLACE CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY Does your local authority have any previous experience of delivering the Communities and Place interventions you have select? Yes No How would you describe your team’s current capability to manage funding for Communities and Place interventions? Strong capability Some capability Limited capability Describe the key capability challenges (if you have any) for delivering Communities and Place interventions. This may include challenges within your local authority and/or your local/regional delivery system. Climate Change work – we are working with an established Climate Change working group of the Community Planning Partnership. There is commitment from partners, including the third sector, to undertake the associated project work on climate change activity. Describe what further support would help address these challenges. How would you describe your team’s current capacity to manage funding for Communities and Place interventions? Strong capability Some capability Limited capability Describe the key capacity challenges (if you have any) for delivering Communities and Place interventions. This may include challenges within your local authority and/or your local/regional delivery system. Describe what further support would help address these challenges. SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY Does your local authority have any previous experience of delivering the Supporting Local Business interventions you have select? Yes No How would you describe your team’s current capability to manage funding for Supporting Local Business interventions? Strong capability Some capability Limited capability Describe the key capability challenges (if you have any) for delivering Supporting Local Business interventions. This may include challenges within your local authority and/or your local/regional delivery system. Describe what further support would help address these challenges.
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How would you describe your team’s current capacity to manage funding for Supporting Local Business interventions? Strong capacity Some capacity Limited capacity Describe the key capacity challenges (if you have any) for delivering Supporting Local Business interventions. This may include challenges within your local authority and/or your local/regional delivery system. Staff resource. Describe what further support would help address these challenges. PEOPLE AND SKILLS CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY Does your local authority have any previous experience of delivering the People and Skills interventions you have select? Yes No How would you describe your team’s current capability to manage funding for People and Skills interventions? Strong capability Some capability Limited capability Describe the key capability challenges (if you have any) for delivering People and Skills interventions. This may include challenges within your local authority and/or your local/regional delivery system. Describe what further support would help address these challenges. How would you describe your team’s current capacity to manage funding for People and Skills interventions? Strong capacity Some capacity Limited capacity Describe the key capacity challenges (if you have any) for delivering People and Skills interventions. This may include challenges within your local authority and/or your local/regional delivery system. Staff resource.
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Describe what further support would help address these challenges. SUPPORT TO DELIVERY UKSPF All lead authorities can use up to 4% of their UKSPF allocation to support the delivery of their chosen interventions but by exception, lead authorities will be able to use more than 4%. Are you planning to use more than 4%? Yes No (If Yes) Explain why you wish to use more than 4%. Approvals (to be finalised, subject to P&R approval) Before submitting your investment plan, you should have approval from your: Chief Executive Officer Section 151 Officer Leader of your lead authority Do you have approval from your Chief Executive Officer for this investment plan? o Yes o No Do you have approval from your Section 151 Officer for this investment plan? o Yes o No Do you have approval from the leader of your lead authority for this investment plan? o Yes o No If you do not have approval from any of these people, please explain why this is: Additional documents You will have received an email giving you access to a folder where you will need to upload supporting evidence to your investment plan. All applicants must complete and upload the following spreadsheet to the folder prior to submitting their investment plan:
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- UKSPF Expenditure Profile spreadsheet - UKSPF Indicative Deliverables spreadsheet Your investment plan submission will be considered incomplete without the required documents. Have you completed and uploaded the two spreadsheets to the SharePoint folder as requested? o Yes o No
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SUMMARY OF PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES For easy reference, Table A1 presents a summary of the projects and programmes for inclusion in the Argyll and Bute UKSPF Investment Plan. Table A1: Summary of Argyll and Bute UKSPF Investment Plan Projects / Programmes Communities and Place Predefined Intervention Project Allocation (exc. admin) S7: Funding for the development and promotion of wider campaigns which encourage people to visit and explore local areas. Tourism Marketing Support £155,000 S8: Funding for impactful volunteering and/or social action projects to develop social and human capital in local places. Community Planning Partnership Climate Change Working Group – community capacity building £60,000 S9: Investment in capacity building, resilience (including climate change resilience) and infrastructure support for local civil society and community groups. Extension of Shaping Places for Wellbeing Support £6,000 Vibrant and Living Spaces £304,262 S10: Community measures to reduce the cost of living, including through measures to improve energy efficiency, and combat fuel poverty and climate change. Extension of Flexible Food Fund - grants, advice and skills support for people struggling with cost of living £408,000 S12: Investment and support for digital infrastructure for local community facilities. Community Hubs £81,750 S13: Support for linking communities together and with employment opportunities with a focus on decarbonisation. Pre-loved School Uniform Project £140,000 Sub-total allocation for Communities and Place £1,155,012 Supporting Local Businesses Predefined Intervention Project Allocation (exc. admin) S14: Funding for the development and promotion (both trade and consumer) of Tourism Sector Support – £45,000
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the visitor economy, such as local attractions, trails, tours and tourism products more generally. improved digital infrastructure for data monitoring, evaluation & visitor book ability Supporting Local Businesses (continued) Predefined Intervention Project Allocation (exc. admin) S15: SME development grants and support, aligned with local and regional sectoral priorities and growth potential. This could include, providing tailored expert advice, matched grants and leadership training to enable manufacturing SMEs to adopt industrial digital technology solutions including AI artificial intelligence; robotics and autonomous systems; additive manufacturing; industrial internet of things; virtual reality; data analytics. The support is proven to leverage high levels of private investment into technologies that drive growth, productivity, efficiency and resilience in manufacturing. Scientific Robotics Academy £299,900 S16: Research and development grants supporting the development of innovative products and services, with a particular focus on low carbon goods and environmental services, and climate resilience. This could include investment to support the diffusion of innovation knowledge and activities. Support the commercialisation of ideas, encouraging collaboration and accelerating the path to market so that more ideas translate into industrial and commercial practices. Innovation Support Service providing expert advice and capability reviews to help SMEs create innovation plans £100,000 S22: Support for growing the local social economy, including community businesses, cooperatives and social enterprises. Graduate Apprenticeship Opportunities in the Third Sector £71,154 S26: Business support measures to drive employment growth, particularly in areas of higher unemployment. Graduate Placement Programme providing graduate placement grants covering staff, £180,000
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training and travel costs S29: Support for new and existing businesses and start-ups aligned with local, regional and Scottish policy. Business Development Package for local SMEs, providing enhanced start- up, recovery and growth support comprising grants, specialist advice and intensive support programmes £454,000 Sub-total allocation for Supporting Local Businesses £1,150,054 People and Skills Predefined Intervention Project Allocation (exc. admin) S31: Employment support for economically inactive people: intensive and wrap-around one-to-one support to move people closer towards mainstream provision and employment., supplemented by additional and/or specialist life and basic skills (digital, English, maths (Multiply) and ESOL) support where there are local provision gaps. Pre-Employability Support Programme £71,179 Adult Literacy and Numeracy Programme £165,559 People and Skills Predefined Intervention Project Allocation (exc. admin) S33: Activities such as enrichment and volunteering to improve opportunities and promote wellbeing Expansion of the Wider Achievement Programme for all secondary schools £125,000 Pre-Employability Support Programme Work Placements £331,410 Positive Destinations Programme, providing support for young people £137,475
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S35: Support for employability programmes and advice including alignment with the No One Left Behind agenda, Fair Start Scotland and Scottish employability pipeline. This could include tailored support to help people in employment, who are not supported by mainstream provision to address barriers to accessing education and training courses. Pre-Employability Support Programme Training £97,765 Supported Employment Experience in the Third Sector £336,850 Sub-total allocation for People and Skills £1,265,238 Overall Allocation (exc. admin) £3,570,304 The above projects/programmes in Table A1 will involve a mixture of delivery models (again predefined by the UK Government) as follows: In-house provision; Procurement of service provision; Grants to public or private organisations; or Commissioning third party organisations. At present the majority of the Multiply budget will be subject to a procurement process.