Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were intimated by:-

Councillor Anne Horn

Councillor Donald Kelly

Councillor John McAlpine

Councillor Douglas Philand

Janet Waterworth

Kate McAulay

Stuart Irvine

Ailsa Clark

There were no declarations of interest intimated. 

The Minute of the meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group held on 3 December 2014 was approved as a true record.

The group agreed to note the Minute of the meeting of the Mid Argyll Partnership (MAP) held on 10 December 2014. 

The group agreed to note the minute of the Kintyre Initiative Partnership (KIP) held on 12 December 2014. 

The group agreed to note the Minute of the Ferry Sub-group meeting held on 12 December 2014.    

Report by Area Governance Manager

The group considered a report which outlined the progress of the development of the Area Community Planning Group (Area CPG) Terms of Reference (TOR) and future ways of working. 

The Area Committee Manager provided an overview of the report, asking the Group to give consideration to the recommendations contained in the report.  Councillor MacMillan, seconded by Steve Byrne moved that Councillor Colville be elected as Chair of the Area CPG.  There being no further nominations, Councillor Colville accepted the nomination and then asked for nominations for the position of Vice-Chair.  Councillor Colville seconded by Councillor Currie moved that Lorraine Paterson, NHS Highland be elected as Vice-Chair.  There being no further nominations Ms Paterson accepted the nomination.

Discussion took place on the timing of the meetings given that they will now take place on a separate day to the Area Committee meetings.  The Group were in agreement that future meetings should commence at 10 am.

Decision:

The group agreed:

1.    To adopt the revised Terms of Reference submitted in the report;

2.    To appoint Councillor Rory Colville as the Chair and Lorraine Paterson as the Vice Chair of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands CPG, and agreed that they take up these posts with effect 1^st April 2015;

3.    To the revised meeting schedule and dates submitted within the report, with all meetings commencing at 10am;

4.    To incorporate a pre-agenda meeting into the administration process for the Area CPG; and

5.    That these revised ways of working are undertaken on a trial basis for a period of one year, with a review on their effectiveness then being carried out by the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee, and the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee. 

(Ref: Report by Head of Community and Culture, dated 4 March 2015, submitted.)

Report by Area Governance Manager

The group considered a report giving an update on the progress of agreed changes to the membership for the Area CPG.  The report noted that the membership will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis by the Area CPG and that there is a provision for additional organisations to join the group at a later date to accommodate local circumstances.

General discussion was had in relation to taking forward the Single Outcome Agreement and the possibility of setting up a caucus of Community Council’s, particularly from the islands.   

Decision:

The group agreed:

1.    The revised membership of the group as discussed at the December CPG meeting; and

2.    That the revised membership is taken forward on a trial basis for a period of one year, with a review on its effectiveness then being carried out by the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee, and the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee.

(Ref:  Report by Head of Community and Culture, dated 4 March 2015, submitted.)

Reports by Area Governance Manager

The group considered a report outlining the consultative and inclusive process of creating the Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) Local document and also how community initiatives can be incorporated into the SOA:Local. 

The Community Planning Manager provided an overview of the report and highlighted that the information in the document was a result of the workshops which were held recently.  Discussion took place on the communication of the information and the need for it to be in a readily accessible format.

Decision:

The group agreed to:

1.    Approve the SOA:Local for Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands, with the caveat that a robust communications plan is in place between the CPP and the CPG; and

2.    Approve the criteria and process proposed for the inclusion of community initiatives into the SOA:Local. 

(Ref:  Report by the Area Governance Manager, dated 4 March 2015, submitted.)

Reports by Area Governance Manager

The group considered a report containing additional information gathered at the SOA:Local workshop held in Kilmory on 14 January 2015, which is not contained within the existing plans but which may be considered to be of interest to the Area CPG for future reference and discussion.

Decision:

The group agreed to note the information on community delivered activities and opportunities for future development attached as an appendix to the report, and that these would be considered at future meetings of the group when discussing the relevant outcome.

(Ref:  Report by the Community Planning Officer, dated 4 March 2015, submitted.)

Update by Community Planning Manager.

The group gave consideration to an update by the Community Planning Manager.  Ms Gold provided an overview of the structure in place for Community Planning in Argyll and Bute, this included looking at other structures in place across Scotland and highlighting the role of the Management Committee and the Partnership Board.  Ms Gold also advised of the changes to Community Planning Partnership Board membership which will take place as a result of the introduction of the Community Empowerment Bill.

Decision:

The group noted the information provided.

Physical Activity update by the Health Improvement Team

The group gave consideration to a report outlining the new position statement for physical activity for Argyll and Bute, including the 7 key target areas for action locally.  Discussion took place in relation to the many opportunities offered in Argyll and Bute for physical activity both indoors and outdoors, and the role that the group could play in increasing physical activity levels locally.

The group heard from Alison McGrory who outlined the 7 key target areas for action.  Ms McGrory also made reference to a short film which it was agreed would be circulated to members of the group.

Discussion took place on the work being undertaken by the Council to promote physical activity to employees including the Healthy Working Life’s initiative.  The group also highlighted the difficulties faced by rural village communities and those on low incomes in accessing organised activities.  It was noted that there were initiatives in place such as the Health and Well-being Grants scheme which could help with promoting physical activity in localities.

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the report. 

(Ref:  Report by the Health Improvement Principal, Argyll and Bute CHP, dated 4 March 2015, submitted.)

Prior to consideration of the following items, the group noted the supporting information which related to Outcome 2.

Presentation by Scottish Water Representative

The group were given a presentation by Joanna Peebles of Scottish Water.  She outlined the role that Scottish Water plays within the local community and also the investments made within the Argyll and Bute area since 2002.  Ms Peebles advised that a new Freephone number was now in operation 0800 0778 778.  She also spoke of raw outflows and how they need to be removed by 2018.

Discussion took place on the programme for the next 5 years, with Ms Peebles highlighting that she would welcome input from local Elected Members.  Information was also provided to Ms Peebles on areas which have regular flooding issues.

The Chair thanked Ms Peebles for the information provided. 

Report by Community Broadband Scotland Representative  

The group considered a report outlining the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband programme timescales.

Decision:

The group agreed to note the report.

(Ref:  Report by Campbell Cameron, Community Broadband Scotland, submitted.) 

Presentation by Community Development Officer

The group were given a presentation by the Community Development Officer, who provided an overview of the community transport service in the MAKI area.  Ms Baird spoke of the community vehicles within the area and also of which specific areas of geography that each covers.  She advised on the funding arrangements for the service and explained the pricing structure. Ms Baird also highlighted the barriers and issues faced by users of community transport.

The group then considered a report by Mid Argyll Transport Volunteers (MATV), which outlined the background and membership of MATV; the usage and trends and funding sources.  Mrs Ross from MATV spoke to the terms of the report and expressed their appreciation of the support provided by Argyll and Bute Council.

Discussion took place on the difficulties faces by MATV users in terms of having to pay for journeys in full and then use the claim back process.

In Campbeltown it was noted that the Community Council had worked to change the scheme with charges thereafter being dropped.

The Chair thanked both Ms Baird and Mrs Ross for the information provided.

 (Ref:  Report by Mid Argyll Transport Volunteers, submitted)

Report by Development Policy Manager

The group gave consideration to a report which provided an update on the progress of the Argyll and Bute Local Development Plan (LDP) towards adoption and the potential for the CPG to become involved in the delivery of the plan.  The group noted that the LDP is rthe statutory land use plan that promotes and guides future development across Argyll and Bute. 

The group heard a presentation from the Development Policy Manager who provided further information on the role of the LDP, outlining the vision and it being strongly aligned with the SOA.  It was noted that the anticipated formal adoption of the LDP would be in March 2015.  Mr Mulderrig highlighted some of the key points in the LDP and the key points which had come from the examination report.

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the report and in particular the potential for future engagement related to the delivery aspects of the plan.

(Ref:  Report by the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 4 March 2015, submitted.)

Prior to consideration of the following items, the group noted the supporting information which related to Outcome 6.

Councillor John Armour left the meeting at 3.55 p.m.

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Verbal update by Police Scotland Representative

The group were given a verbal presentation by Chief Inspector Marlene Baillie who provided a brief overview of work in the MAKI area.  She advised that in relation to domestic violence, incidents had reduced by 7% with a 265 reported as compared to 285 in the previous year with an 84% detection rate.  Chief Inspector Baillie noted that the Police continued to work with partners such as Women’s Aid and the Fiscal Service.  In relation to crimes of a sexual nature the figures showed a reduction of 33% with 44 crimes reported as compared with 66 in the previous year with a 75% detection rate.  It was noted that in terms of these crimes, they can be of a historical nature meaning that forensic evidence can be lost.

Chief Inspector Baillie advised that the Police had been working with Trading Standards in terms of bogus callers.  She also highlighted that there had been a reduction in the number of house breakings in the area with a detection rate of 17%.  She advised that the majority of these crimes were of an opportunist nature and that the Police continue to do joint work in this area and have regular crime breakers and road blocks.

In relation to Anti-Social Behaviour there had been no serious assaults since the last meeting with 2 previous crimes now being detected and giving a 100% detection rate.  Crimes of disorder were also down by 15% and information was also provided on the shop a dealer campaign.  Statistics in relation to road traffic collisions had also shown a decrease with a 75 % reduction in fatalities with none involving children.

Chief Inspector Baillie advised that Inspector Julie McLeish would be moving to MAKI permanently as of 20th March 2015.  She also advised the group on the current consultation relating to the proposed merger of K and L Division to form one larger Division.  It was noted that there would be no change to the current command structure or to local policing arrangements but there may be some sharing of backroom functions.

Discussion took place on the consultation process and also in regard to the current speed limit consultation relating to the A83 between Ardrishaig and Tarbert.  Chief Inspector Baillie advised that Police Scotland had provided information and statistics in response to the consultation.

The Chair thanked Chief Inspector Baillie for the information provided.

Verbal Update by Scottish Fire and Rescue Representative

The group considered a verbal update by Group Manager Andy McClure, who updated the group in terms of activities relating to Scottish Fire and Rescue in the MAKI area.  He advised that 60% of calls relate to automatic fire alarms and that the Service is keen to deduce these numbers.  Road Traffic Collisions are still a concern and the Service works closely with the Police, the Road Safety Group and Schools to reinforce the road safety message.

Group Manager McClure highlighted that forest and hill fires area a concern in the drier months, but noted that work has been done to raise awareness with farmers/landowners to try and reduce the number of controlled burns which are carried out at night.  He also provided an update in relation to the recruitment of retained firefighters, noting that the recruitment portal was now live.  It was also noted that there was a possibility of establishing cadet units in Lochgilphead and on Islay.

Group Manager McClure advised the group of the availability of home fire safety visits which are carried out by firefighters and the Community Action Teams and asked that partners in the group make their organisations aware of these visits.  He also highlighted the need for information sharing in relation to vulnerable persons, and asked that partners work together to identify those who may be at risk of accidental fires.  The group agreed that contact information for the Community Action Teams would be provided to all group members.

Carol Keeley, Community Resilience Manager was also heard in relation to the work that she has undertaken in helping Community Councils to formulate their own Community Resilience Plans with 74% of Community Councils now having a Plan.

The Chair thanked Group Manager McClure for the information provided. 

Report by Integration Project Manager

The group gave consideration to a progress report on the action undertaken to establish the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care partnership (HSCP) since its last meeting.  The reports outlined the completion of the Integration Scheme; the transition arrangements following the disestablishment of Argyll and Bute CHP; the commencement of the process to establish the Strategic Planning Group and the continuation of the staff communication and engagement and community events relating to integration for February 2015. 

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Programme Lead Integration, dated 4 March 2015, submitted.)

Wednesday 13^th May 2015 at 2.00pm, within Room 2 of the Community Centre, Stewart Road, Campbeltown.

The next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands CPG will take place on Wednesday 13 May 2015 at 10.00am, within the Community Centre, Stewart Road, Campbeltown.