Agenda and minutes

Stuart McLean welcomed everyone to the meeting and highlighted that Alastair Moodie had resigned as role of Vice-Chair. He added that a report would be considered at the next meeting seeking nominations to this position. Partners were encouraged to consider whether this is a role that they would be interested in fulfilling and if so to please contact him for further details.

In the absence of Charles Dixon-Spain, Councillor Liz McCabe chaired the meeting.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Charles Dixon-Spain (Chair);

Susan MacRae Skills Development Scotland; and

John Weir, Bute BID Manager

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the Bute and Cowal Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday, 16 August 2022 were approved as a correct record.

The Chair ruled, and the Community Planning Group agreed, to a variation in the order of business to allow Partner attendance. The minute reflects the order in which items were discussed.

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Report presented by Robert Beauchamp, Centre for Economics and Business Research

The Group considered a presentation by Robert Beachaump. It was highlighted that the Phase 2 report was an quantitative analysis of the impacts of CalMac as a company (employment, Gross Value Added, turnover, and employee compensation supported directly and through the supply chain) and of impacts of service levels on island communities (ferry users’ welfare, economic activity, employment, population), based on Phase 1 findings, desk research, analysis, fieldwork, and socio-economic modelling.

Councillor Gordon Blair highlighted that the Dunoon to Gourock passenger ferry is in need of improvement.

Reeni Kennedy-Boyle advised that the report didn’t seem to have much input from Bute, adding that only 1 major employer was involved and highlighted that Bute’s economy is based on small businesses or family businesses who rely on Calmac for their supply chain. Robert added that they had had some good conversations on Bute but added that they were time limited.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Senior Economist Centre for Economics and Business Research, submitted)

Laura Walker from Strachur Joint Efforts provided the Group with a Presentation. She highlighted that Strachur Community Council had received ten thousand pounds from the Big Lottery Fund to create opportunities for the young people in the area.

Laura highlighted some of the events and activities that have subsequently been created including a pop up café every 3 weeks – with different themes for each and opportunities to develop  skills such as cooking, customer service and budgeting.

Laura added that this project would provide young people with qualifications to add to their CV such as a food hygiene certificate or 90 hours of volunteering award.

Discussion was had around the support of the community and the possibility of community group’s collaborations.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Verbal report by Laura Walker, Strachur Joint Efforts)

Report by Governance Manager

Consideration was given to a briefing note which provided information on matters discussed during a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee, held on 6 October 2022.

Stuart McLean, spoke to the report and highlighted updates on topics including the Shaping Places for Wellbeing Dunoon Project; the CPP Annual Report and the cost of living crisis and the support available from within the Council.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group considered and noted the briefing note.

(Reference: Report by Shona Barton, Governance Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 1 November 2022, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update by Sergeant Eddie McGunnigal and PC Laura Evans. The update included information relating to personnel changes within the locality which included a new inspector, 2 new probationers and 2 new experienced officers. Sergeant McGunnigal also advised that a new Youth Engagement Officer had been recruited who will work closely with schools and that the Service was currently looking to recruit youth and adult volunteers. Officers are continuing to undertake speed detection duties at local schools and are actively promoting the “Don’t Be That Guy” campaign.

PC Laura Evans highlighted the new Dementia Safeguarding Tag which the Service aims to launch by the end of November with support from Alzheimer Scotland. General awareness raising material around the Tag would be circulated to Partners after the meeting.

PC Evans added that the Local Policing Plan consultation was soon to be launched.  This would also be distributed to the Partners once available.

Discussion took place around drug abuse in the Cowal area. It was highlighted that these operations are intelligence led and that they are dependent on the community to report instances to allow the Service to respond.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by PC Laura Evans, Police Scotland, submitted)

The Group considered a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ2 review of local performance across Bute and Cowal for the period 2022-23. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan, incidents during this time period and recent community engagement activities.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted)

The Group considered a public health update. Laura Stephenson from HSCP was in attendance to speak to the update. She highlighted the Public Health Team Annual Report for 2021-2022 and the Living Well Mid-Strategy Report for 2019 – 2021.

Discussion was had around social prescribing, Laura highlighted that she was happy to pass the contact details of the officer leading to Fyne Future.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Health Improvement Lead, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to an update by Sandy McLeod of Argyll and Bute TSI which included information on the positive feedback received regarding the Community Directory; the conversation café hosted ahead of the launch of the next round of Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Funding; the Positive Destination Scheme; volunteer events held to encourage new volunteers for organisations and free online training available for volunteers and staff members of organisations.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute TSI, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to an update from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) providing statistical information on the number of customers claiming universal credit and legacy benefits; job seekers allowance; employment and support allowance; and income support. The report also covered information on recruitment events held by Rothesay and Dunoon Job centres; the new telephone shared line number with New Style Employment & Support Allowance; fuel direct; broadband social tariff; health adjustment passports; managed moves to Universal Credit; the influx of pension credit claims; disability cost of living payment stakeholder toolkit; cost of living payment; Government plans to cut energy bills; the raised Administrative Earnings Threshold; Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims and Adult Disability Payments (ADP). There was no one in attendance from the DWP to present the report.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Employer & Partnership Manager, Department for Work and Pensions, submitted)

The Group considered an update from Rhona Grant, Live Argyll - Community Learning Service, which provided information relating to SAWA project Bute, including children arts class which are now taking place at the Bank of Ideas; an International Day which was held on Thursday 13^th October in Greentree Café; a planned bike repair class and the two day Apple Project which volunteers and refugees took part in.

The update also highlighted information on Youth Services in Cowal and Dunoon which included The Give Programme that ran over the October Holidays in Dunoon; a girls group which meet every Wednesday evening; Dunoon’s partnership with Active Schools and DGS on a Healthy Me programme and a residential which took place in September.

Discussion took place in regards to Dunoon Grammar Schools success and the new garden project. Rhona highlighted that the success raised a lot of positivity around older pupils.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Team Leader – Community Learning Services, Live Argyll, submitted)

Fyne Futures

Reeni Kennedy Boyle of Fyne Futures provided the Group with a verbal update including information on the volunteer programme which is going very strong; ongoing collaboration work with a variety organisations; the employability programme extension; and the environmental work that had been completed.

Discussion took place regarding the climate change training which some Councillors had received, it was highlighted that they found it very interesting. Partners were anxious that this be provided to a wider audience.

Shaping Places for Wellbeing

Alex Wilde, Shaping Places for Wellbeing Project Lead – Dunoon provided the Group with a verbal update including information on a new Community Link Lead for Dunoon and that the Project is still identifying key areas of inequality.

Alex advised that she had positive conversations with some partners after the last meeting and invited any other partners interested in the Project to get in touch.

Alex referred to an action from the last meeting regarding data used to inform the project, she advised that she is still waiting on a reply and will update at the next meeting.

Report by Iona MacPhail, Chief Executive of Fyne Homes

The group considered an update from Iona MacPhail, Chief Executive of Fyne Homes. The update included information on the AGM held in October; property lets for 2021/2022; maintenance and Fyne Futures.

Iona highlighted that Fyne Homes is unique due to its 3 Wind Turbines which are situated in Glenbarr and added that profits are distributed between Fyne Homes, Fyne Futures and the Community of Glenbarr.

Discussion was had around sustainability and Iona highlighted that new builds are being developed to a high quality and the challenge will be for retrofitting.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Chief Executive, Fyne Homes, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report which highlighted the ongoing work of the Climate Change Working Group. The report outlined the proposal to produce a strategic Action Plan as a means to address the climate emergency in Argyll and Bute; the development of governance arrangements and structures to support the Climate Change Project Officer post. Information was also provided on the funding options for the project.

Discussion was had around the shortfall of funding required. Angela Anderson highlighted the importance of securing the funding to ensure overall coordination of the project.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Stan Phillips, Chair of the Climate Change Working Group, submitted)

There were no verbal updates provided under this item.

The Group considered an update by Angela Anderson from Time for Change Argyll and Bute. Angela advised that Time for Change is a group of residents who are campaigning to raise awareness of climate change.

Angela highlighted that as a group they are increasingly concerned with the need to build resilience in all areas and communities in Argyll and Bute. She added that they had received a great response from organisations during the pandemic but advised that with the current economic, energy and climate situation greater partnership working should be encouraged.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Angela Anderson, Time for Change Argyll and Bute, submitted)

Presentation by Dr Lynda Mitchell, Manager, ALIenergy

An update was considered by the group from Dr Lynda Mitchell from ALIenergy on the affordable warmth services provided. The update included information on what they are working on including Affordable Warmth, Education, and Local Energy Projects. The update also included information on fuel poverty around Scotland with communities within Argyll and Bute being rated as one of the most at risk.  It was also highlighted that the majority of households across North West Scotland are now likely to be suffering with fuel poverty or will in the near future. It was also highlighted that oil is not a problem as it is considerably cheaper than electric heating.

Dr Mitchell advised that ALIenergy can access a number of main interventions for clients experiencing energy cost crisis such as the Fuel Bank Foundation; Scottish Government Home Heating Support Fund; Glasspool Trust; Argyll and Bute Council Flexible Fund and Argyll and Bute Flexible Food Fund.

Discussion was had around contacting electricity suppliers being very time consuming especially for vulnerable people. Lynda highlighted that although ALIenergy have some fast track numbers for companies it is quicker to use the providers online chat if available.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

(Reference: Report by Dr Lynda Mitchell, Manager, ALIenergy)

The next meeting will take place at 10.00am on Tuesday 7 February 2023

The Chair thanked everyone in attendance at the meeting, and thanked all partners for their continued proactive work in the community.

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group would take place on Tuesday, 7 February 2022 at 10am.