Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of the following:-

Councillor R Macintyre

Councillor I Strong

Councillor J R Walsh

David McCaughey, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue

The Chairman ruled and the Committee agreed, in terms of Standing Order 3.2.2 that a report regarding Tackling Poverty and Community Regeneration Funding, dealt with at item 7 of this minute, be taken as a matter of urgency due to the need to progress the matter in January.

None

The Minute of the Meeting of the 3^rd November 2009 was approved as a correct record.

The Group heard an informative presentation from the Economic Development Manager on the Economic Development Action Plan.  Ishabel Bremner explained to the meeting that this was the Action Plan for Argyll & Bute Council which is currently being consulted on.

Councillor Simon gave some background to the Action Plan advising that the last Economic Strategy was in 2003 and no longer relevant, it was important that this was reviewed and provided a relationship between Tourism, Forestry, Food and Drink etc.  with the Plan also focusing on renewables.

Geoff Calvert expressed his concern over ET04 advising that existing business also need support e.g. in terms of compliance with the implications of the Fire (Scotland) Act.

Councillor Scoullar said that he didn’t see the sub-sea indicators and transmission charges in the plan and felt that they would be mentioned under renewables.  Ishabell Bremner advised that these items are referred to in the Renewables Action Plan.

Councillor Simon advised that the new Area Plan identifies more areas for housing for population growth.

Councillor McNaughton advised that there is a need for year round employment so that young people are not dependent on seasonal jobs and the Group discussed the need for local procurement with Peter MacDonald advising that Fyne Homes have just granted a £7m contract to a local company.

Alison McCrossan advised that Transport was a major issue in Bute & Cowal and Councillor Marshall advised that the Area Committee had agreed to a Transport Forum like they have on Islay. 

Liz Carey spoke on the need for the retention of staff in the older people services, private sector companies are having problems recruiting and retaining local staff.  Ishabell advised that training programmes would help to influence people.

The group agreed the key priorities for the area would be training, broadband coverage, renewables, transport, planning and land use.

Councillor Marshall expressed his concern over the Business Sector not being represented at this Group and it was agreed that one representative from either the Dunoon & Cowal Business Association or the Cowal Marketing Group would be invited along as well as the Bute Tourism Group and the Business Gateway would be invited if there were specific items on the agenda.

Elizabeth Carey asked if four representatives from the Community Councils could attend meetings and the Group decided to wait until the Community Council had had their follow up meeting but felt that there should only be three.

Ishabell Bremner asked for the group to email any comments regarding the Economic Development Action Plan to her before 22^nd January 2010.

(Reference: Report by the Economic Development Manager – submitted)

Shirley MacLeod spoke on the Area Community Plan advising that a working group had been set up to look at the key outcomes and the group discussed them.  Geoff Calvert asked that a baseline column be added for comparison.  Mike Geraghty advised that the first item on the Plan regarding attracting working age population to the area needed key dates and officers and it was agree that examples from other Councils would be resources. 

Mrs Carey expressed her concern over the National Health Service and the amount of items relating to this service on the Plan.

Shirley MacLeod advised that the Plan would be an item for discussion at the Community Seminar in March.

(Reference: Report by the Area Corporate Services Manager – submitted)

The Group heard from Martin Turnbull, Area Community learning and Regeneration Manager on the Community Event Proposal.  Martin Turnbull explained that the Local Area Community Planning Groups are committed to two community events annually and the event will provide an ideal opportunity to consult with local communities with feedback setting the future activities, priorities and plans of the Area Planning Group.

Decision

The Committee:-

i.                     Agreed the proposals for the Community Event and granted consent to progress accordingly.

ii.                   Agreed to hold the event on Saturday 6^th March 2010 in Dunoon Grammar School.

iii.                  Agreed the CPP Partners attending the event will be designated as “observers” and not take part in the voting.

(Reference: Report by the Area Community Learning and Regeneration Manager dated 12^th January 2010 – submitted)

Martin Turnbull spoke on Tackling Poverty and Community Regeneration Funding and asked for permission to apply for this money on behalf of the Local Area Community Planning Group.

Decision

The Group agreed that Martin Turnbull would apply for Tackling Poverty and Community Regeneration Funding on behalf of the Local Area Community Planning Group.

 (Reference: Report by the Area Community learning and Regeneration Manager – tabled)