Period  January to March 2012

Key Successes

1. Roads and Amenity teams joined forces with council colleagues, emergency services and partner agencies during and following the early January storm to help keep the roads network passable and assist communities in the recovery.
     
2. New business start-ups supported exceeded target by 14% with 154 new businesses starting during FQ4 against a target of 135.
   
   
3. The Employability Team secured 513 work place referrals and 79 job outcomes during FQ4 and the team is currently the top sub-contractor for Working Links in terms of sustainable job outcomes.
   
   
4. Area Tourism Partnership has increasing membership, successfully secured £164k in grants to deliver ‘umbrella identity’ and promoted Argyll and Bute at VisitScotland Expo.
   
   
5. Contracts were awarded and good progress is now being made on the Milton Burn Flood Alleviation Scheme; Soroba Lane bridge ground investigation completed and the business case is now being prepared; Kintyre Renewables Hub, marine works have started, Park Square works are progressing well and the associated A83 passing places and U59 junction contract has been awarded.
    
6. Contract with the Food Standards Agency for shellfish biotoxin project was agreed and approved.
   
   
7. Environmental Health supported local businesses win $6 million of new business exporting salmon to Chinese markets (Nov 2011 – Mar 2012).
   
   
8. LEADER awarded over £400k to 15 projects including £38.3k for Craignish Boat Club; £25.7k towards GalGael Barmaddy Project; and £41.2k towards Fyne Futures, Bute Produce Food Chain Expansion with Agricultural Integration.
   
   
9. Campbeltown CARS and Campbeltown Town Hall needs analysis draft reports were both completed. 
   
   
10. Oban Bay/Harbour and Dunoon Waterfront business cases were approved and the Rothesay Pavilion, Historic Scotland grant application was successful.
    
    
11. Tiree Onshore Scenario Mapping Report went to consultation.
    
    
12. The Craignish Community Plan gained approval.
    
    
13. The Wind Energy Landscape Capacity Study for Argyll and Bute (excluding the National Park) was completed.
    
    
14. Oban Airport had a record month for passengers in March 336 (767 in FQ4), bringing 2011/12 passenger totals to in excess of 2500.
    
    
15. 14 walking/cycling infrastructure projects were completed following funding from Argyll and Bute Council, CWSS, Sustrans and LEADER.
    
    
16. Following extensive consultation with community councils across Argyll and Bute, the Council’s submitted a considered response to the Scottish Government’s Draft Ferry Plan.
    
    
17. Improvements in productivity resulted in roads work instructions performance exceeding target by 3% points (achieving 93%, against 90% target) in FQ4.
    
    
18. £900k planning gain was secured following the determination of a supermarket planning application in Helensburgh.
    
    
19. The RTPI Award for the Forest and Woodland Strategy went to Argyll and Bute Development Policy Team. The strategy is now cited as best practice in the National Planning Framework.
    
    
20. Joint initiative with Strathclyde Police delivered 9 projects tackling anti-social behaviour in problematic areas.
    
    
21. Consultation is underway over the possible establishment of the Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust in partnership with SNH, Forestry Commission, ABSEN and the Argyll and Bute Local Services Initiative, with a remit of outdoor access, marine and coastal, built environment and biodiversity projects. 6 public events are taking place during FQ1 2012/13.

Key Challenges

1. 3 year Roads Recovery Programme (circa £21m) and long term Roads Network Improvement Strategy. 
   
   
2. Securing a satisfactory outcome over outstanding contract variation issues with Shanks Argyll and Bute and the proposed introduction of future collections for co-mingled waste.
   
   
3. Successful implementation of revised roads and amenity structures critical to realising R&A Service Reviews implementation benefits.
   
   
4. Ensuring the Streetscene Service Review - year 2 implement is progressed to the satisfaction of stakeholders.
   
   
5. Review and meet street lighting service expectations within budget limitations.
   
   
6. Maintain momentum for the CHORD programme – ensuring the stability necessary to realise individual project deliverables.

Action Points to address the Challenges

1. Efficiently and effectively deliver the Roads Reconstruction Programme within allocated budgets, working with responsible agencies for the trunk roads to ensure the condition of the road network is progressively improved.  
   
   
2. Continued departmental focus, supported by Special Projects Team, to resolve matters with Shanks Argyll and Bute satisfactorily.
   
   
3. Careful implementation planning including use of workshops, training and peer support for front line service staff designed to underpin joint working and improve front line services. 
   
   
4. Effectively complete the Streetscene Service Review Implementation in a planned and inclusive manner, involving stakeholders in the necessary service re-design that is required to adhere to further revenue budget reductions in 2013/14 whilst focusing on optimisation of productivity and improving customer service satisfaction.
   
   
5. Service delivery modelling for street lighting and spend to save investment strategies will be progressed.
   
   
6. Ensuring communication is maintained at every level and maintaining clarity over programme milestones, individual project scope and budgets.