Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone highlighting some new members of the Group including new Community Council representatives. The Chair also added his thanks to Councillor Liz McCabe who chaired the last meeting in his absence.

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of:

Michelle Mundie, Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing Association Ltd;

Sandy McLeod, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface;

Becs Barker, Carr Gomm;

Jean Maskall, Sandbank Community Development Trust;

Councillor Audrey Forrest;

Barry Colvan Scottish Fire and Rescue Service;

Sergeant Eddie McGunnigal, Police Scotland; and

Jean Moffat, Bute Community Council

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The minutes of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Tuesday 1 November 2022 were approved as a correct record. 

Report by Committee Manager

The group gave consideration to a report which outlined the governance arrangements of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group (Area CPG) specifically the Terms of Reference, membership and future meeting dates.

The Committee Manager confirmed that organisational contacts could be updated as required, and noted that any suggestions for new organisations to join the group could be submitted to Stuart McLean or Julieann Small following the meeting.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group:

1.    considered and adopted the Terms of Reference submitted at Appendix 1 of the report and to agreed that they would be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure their ongoing currency and appropriateness for the work of the Area CPG as it developed over time;

2.    considered and agreed the membership of the group at Appendix 2 of the report and  agreed that the membership of the group would be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure currency and appropriateness for the work of the group as it developed over time; and

3.    noted the dates for future meetings of Tuesday 2 May 2023, Tuesday 15 August 2023, Tuesday 31 October 2023, Tuesday 6 February 2024 and Tuesday 30 April 2024.

(Reference: Report by, Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 7 February 2023, submitted)

Report by Committee Manager

The Group considered a report providing information relating to the appointment of a Vice-Chair of the Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group and outlined the expected time commitment and information about the role.

Fyne Futures representative, Reeni Kennedy-Boyle, indicated her willingness to accept this positon.   

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group agreed that Reeni Kennedy-Boyle be appointed as Vice-Chair.

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 7 February 2023, submitted)

Report by Committee 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 7 December 2022.

The Committee Manager outlined a number of key highlights from the meeting, with it being noted that the closing date for the consultation survey being conducted by the MSYP’s in respect of the review of the Argyll and Bute Outcome Improvement Plan had been extended until 14 February 2023. Partners were encouraged to take part in the consultation, which can be found at Improving lives in Argyll and Bute (argyll-bute.gov.uk)

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 7 February 2023, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update by PS Helen Moffatt. The update included information on the ‘Not At Home Protocol’ which launched locally on the 9th of January 2023; The Distress Brief Intervention which is being rolled out throughout Argyll and Bute; the ‘Rural Watch Scotland’ extension of the Neighbourhood Watch Scotland movement; the Local policing plan which is due to be released; the Police youth volunteer programme and the Community speed watch.

Discussion was had around sheep worrying and Lauren Worrell from NFU Scotland highlighted that she was in the process of organisation small events in relation to the Campaign and advised that she also had some signage which she was happy to distribute to members of the Group.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted)

The Group considered a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ3 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 from Laura Stephenson, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership on the ongoing wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by the HSCP Public Health Team in Argyll and Bute. The update highlighted information on the launch of year 4 of the Living Well (Self-Management) community capacity building fund; the Community Link Working service; the newly launched Health Improvement website and health screening awareness. It was highlighted that further information on NHS Screening Programmes could be found at NHS Inform.

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 Rhona Altin, UHI Argyll. The update highlighted that all UHI Argyll Centres have provided additional support in response to the rising living costs; they are now offering a wide range of free access courses; intensive tuition in National 5 English and Maths is being offered for a fee which is more affordable than private tuition; opens days were held in all UHI Centres in November and January with a further open day scheduled for March; the Graduation Ceremony for 2022 graduates was held in September 2022 and The Sawa partnership project for New Scots reached completion in October 2022.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by UHI Argyll, dated 25 January 2023, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to an update from Rhona Grant, Live Argyll - Community Learning Service, which provided information on activities relating to the Sawa project Bute which concluded in October 2022; cooking on a budget youth sessions; Dunoon girls group; MSYPs consultation events and the new appointment of LiveArgyll Community Learning Services Youth Team Leader.

It was also added that Adult Learning activities and classes on Bute will resume once the position for a new adult learning worker has been filled.

Decision

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

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

The Group gave consideration to a written 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. Further information was provided in relation to a number of targeted packages of support for the most vulnerable which included the benefit uprating; the new cost of living payments; the benefit cap rise and employment and support allowance.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group:

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

2.    noted that in the absence of a representative from the DWP, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Employer & Partnership Manager, Department for Work and Pensions, dated 11 January 2023, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a written update by Argyll and Bute TSI which included information on the Argyll & Bute Community Directory’s Self Service Function which will allow organisations to update and maintain their listing themselves; useful resources and warm spaces information in relation to the Cost of Living Crisis; the TSI Inveraray Hub which is being offered as a warm space for Organisations; fully funded distance learning qualifications with Skills Network training and All our Children Network and the TSI Social Enterprise Network meetings on the 14^th and 15^th of February 2023.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group:

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

2.    noted that in the absence of a representative from the Argyll and Bute TSI, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

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

The Group gave consideration to an update report from Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau including information on the significant ongoing rise in requests from clients for advice and support with energy costs; the recruitment campaign for volunteer advisers; the annual consultation exercise and the research project for 2023. Partners noted that they could participate in the consultation which could be found at:

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ABCABCommunityPartnersSurvey/

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Citizen’s Advice Bureau, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a report by Scenic Sandbank which highlighted that they are a charitable community group run by volunteers which was created to improve the area around Sandbank for the benefit of residents and visitors. The report provided information on the Community Garden Project and the application to the Scottish Land Fund to buy the former land close to the former Sandbank Primary for a Community Garden, an outcome on this application is expected by early March 2023. There was no one in attendance from Scenic Sandbank to present the report.

Decision

The Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group:

1.     considered and noted the information provided; and

2.    noted that in the absence of a representative from the Scenic Sandbank, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group.

(Reference: Report by Scenic Sandbank, submitted)

The Group considered an update by John Weir, Bute BID Manager. The update included information provided within the associated November 2022 newsletter.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Bute BID, submitted)

Cathleen Russell from Colintraive & Glendaruel Development Trust provided the group with a verbal update on what the Organisation is doing to mitigate against the Cost of Living Crisis. Cathleen advised that in September 2022 they held a public meeting and brainstorming session to identify what the community wanted them to pursue, a selection of ideas was chosen such as the distribution of a small pocket of money to alleviate the cost of living crisis and the use of the Village hall as a community hub and warm space. Cathleen advised that the Development Trust continue to support members of the Community with a range of support available such as prescription delivery.

Decision

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

(Reference: Verbal update by Cathleen Russell, Colintraive & Glendaruel Development Trust)

Amanda Graham, Dunoon Community Council

Amanda Graham, Secretary for Dunoon Community Council advised that the Community Council is now up and running and highlighted that they have their second Meeting on Monday 13^th February 2023 at 7pm at the Queens Hall, with everyone welcome to attend.

Susan McCrae, Skills Development Scotland

Susan McCrae of Skills Development Scotland provided the Group with a verbal update on the ongoing work of the service. She highlighted many ongoing collaborations with organisations and provided information on the current Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) situation.

Ailie Law, Community Development, Argyll and Bute Council

Ailie Law, Community Development Officer provided the Group with an update on behalf of the Community Development Team. The update included information on the Outcome Improvement Plan which the team have been engaging recently with elderly and disabled people using a non-digital format. Ailie advised that if partners knew anyone who would like to complete the consultation by paper to get in contact with her.

Reeni Kennedy-Boyle, Fyne Future

Reenie Kennedy-Boyle of Fyne Futures provided the Group with a verbal update including information on the Argyll and Bute Employability Partnership; the development of a digital wallet employability passport to help the unemployed; the recent parental employment support fund pilot project focusing on child poverty and other ongoing collaboration work with a variety organisations.

Presentation by Project Lead - Dunoon

Becky Hothersall, Community Link Lead for Shaping Places for Wellbeing Dunoon provided the Group with a verbal presentation. The presentation introduced the Shaping Places for Wellbeing project with it being highlighted that the overall aim of the project is to improve Scotland’s wellbeing by reducing the health inequality while addressing the health of the planet. Becky advised that there are 7 project towns and that the team will analyse a range of Public Health data sources to understand how Dunoon is performing within an Argyll and Bute and Scottish context.

Decision

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

(Reference: Verbal report by Becky Hothersall, Community Link Lead, Shaping Places for Wellbeing, Dunoon)

The Group considered a verbal presentation by Douglas McHugh, Treasurer for Strachur Men’s Shed. Douglas advised that the Group first met back in February 2022 and advised that although it is named as a Men’s Shed it is a community shed with male and female members. He added that they have got over 70 people expressing an interest with many producing plants from their own sheds as they do not have a Community Shed.

Douglas highlighted that they have applied for many grants but have been unsuccessful as they are not in a position to spend the money within the deadlines set by funders. It was highlighted that around £100K would be required to build a shed. Councillor Blair advised that the Supporting Community Grant Fund which can be accessed on the Argyll and Bute Council website may be of interest for the Group as the fund provides grants up to £2,500 which could help towards the costs.

Decision

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

(Reference: Verbal report by Douglas McHugh, Treasurer, Strachur Men’s Shed)

Report by Chair of Climate Change Working Group

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. It was highlighted that they are actively pursuing the recruitment of a Project Manager to start this Action Plan work and hope to have someone in post before the end of the financial year.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Chair of the Community Planning Partnership Climate Change Working Group, dated 20 January 2023, submitted)

Presentation by Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer

Jackie Westerman, Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer for Argyll and Bute Council provided the Group with a verbal presentation on Home Energy Efficiency and the funds available to people within Argyll and Bute. Jackie highlighted that the premise of the Energy Efficient Scotland Scheme is to reduce carbon emissions to contribute to the Scottish Governments aim to have 0% emissions by 2040, adding that fuel poverty has been an important aspect of her work. Jackie reported that the Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Scheme is available to home owners or private rented tenants with grant amounts dependent on property type and personal circumstances, with awards starting at £8,500 for a flat and a maximum of £13,500 for a detached property.

Jackie highlighted that from July 2022 until now, £1.12million has been spent in Argyll and Bute and that more than 130 households in Argyll and Bute have been insulated in this year’s programme.

Action – Jackie to send Stuart McLean Home Energy Efficiency leaflet and resources to circulate to the Group.

Decision

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

(Reference: Verbal report by Jackie Westerman, Home Energy Efficiency Project Officer, Argyll and Bute Council)

Dee Locke from Cormonachan Community Woodlands gave a presentation to the Group which provided information on the woodlands which is located in Argyll Forest Park and the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The presentation included information on the current work being carried out and what visitors can expect to find in the woodlands. It was highlighted that the woodlands received grants and donations which went towards their big project which was to create 2km of new paths which will be opened to the public between the end of April and early May 2023. More information can be found at: https://cormonachan-woodlands.co.uk

Dee invited Partners to visit the Woodlands which is free and open 24/7 all year round.

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 2 May 2023 at 10am.

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, 2 May 2023 at 10am.