Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and general introductions were made.

Apologies for absence were intimated by:

Councillor Alex McNaughton

Councillor Michael Breslin

Alistair McLaren, THI

Stephen Whiston, NHS Highland

Alison Hardman, NHS Highland

Campbell Cameron, Community Broadband Scotland

Russell Byrne, Scottish Fire and Rescue

Barrie McCrichton, Scottish Fire and Rescue

Sharon Erskine, Homestart Majik

David MacKenzie, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

No declarations of interest were intimated.

The minute of the Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group meeting of 8^th November 2017 was approved as a correct record.

The Community Planning Manager took the Group through a report which provided discussion points raised from the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee meeting on 20^th December 2016 which includes:-

• Issues raised at previous Community Planning Groups
• A focused discussion on points highlighted by the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group
• Updates to progress on the delivery of actions contained within the delivery plans for Outcome 3 (Education, Skills and training maximises opportunities for all) and Outcome 4 (Children and young people have the best possible start)
• A presentation on the Local Development Plan 2 and upcoming consultation on this

Decision

The Group noted the contents of the report.

(Ref: Report by Community Planning Manager dated 14^th February 2017, submitted).

A report outlining a proposed amendment to the Area Community Planning Groups Terms of Reference, specifically in relation to the tenure of the current officer bearer and their ability to stand for re-election, was considered.

Decision

The Group:-

1. Agreed the proposed amendment to the Area Community Planning Group Terms of Reference; and
2. Noted that all current office bearers are coming to the end of their period in office and would able to stand for election to a second term in office should they wish to do so.

(Ref:  Report by Community Governance Manager dated 14^th February 2017, submitted).

Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners

Police Scotland

Inspector Paul Robertson of Police Scotland gave a verbal update to the Group on activities in the last quarter in Bute and Cowal.   He advised that overall crime has been very low making the area a very safe place to work, live and visit.  He confirmed there has been a rise in Anti-Social Behaviour offences in Bute but explained that this was due to additional officers being placed on the island for a 4 week period leading up to the festive campaign which resulted in possession of controlled drugs being found for user amounts which lead to suspected drug dealers being searched under warrant.

On a strategic level, Inspector Robertson advised that Police Scotland Estates are reviewing all police office buildings, police houses etc and have recommended that Strachur Police house go up for sale.  He advised that Dunoon based Police have been covering the Strachur area and that no change to this arrangement is planned.  He confirmed some improvements have been made to the existing Dunoon Police Office building and advised that while Police Scotland have been engaging with partners and discussing opportunities for sharing at a local level however there is no current plans to move.

Inspector Robertson confirmed that the Rothesay Police Office is in a poorer condition than Dunoon and they would look to move from this office in the future.  He encouraged all agencies potentially interested in using the additional space available in the current police building contact him.

He gave an update on the town centre action plan which includes Pub Watch. He advised this is a very positive scheme that works well.

Scottish Ambulance Service

Julie-Ann Wallace gave a brief update on the services that are provided in the Bute and Cowal area.  Discussion took place on transport to hospitals and care in the community.

Area Community Planning Chairs & Vice Chairs meeting

The Chair updated the Group on the recent Area Community Planning Chairs and Vice Chairs meeting which was held in Helensburgh.  He advised that CPGs are now taking the lead role on criminal justice and Health and Social Care Locality Planning.  He advised that the next meeting is being held in Lochgilphead in April/May and felt this meeting was very useful and was interesting to hear there is communality between all 4 Area Community Planning Groups.  The Chair recommended there be more frequent meetings or sub meetings that deal with serious issues which can then be fed back to the Community Planning Group meetings.

Scottish Fire and Rescue provided a written update which was tabled at the meeting.

Facilitated discussion on outcomes and inequalities of outcomes experienced  by communities in the CPG Area within the context of Community Planning and the Community Empowerment (Scotland)  Act

The Group took part in a discussion using information provided by the Community Planning Outcome Profile Tool (CPOP) and local knowledge regarding the outcomes and inequalities of outcomes experienced by communities in the CPG Area within the context of Community Planning, Single Outcome Agreement’s overarching objectives and the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act Locality Planning legislation.  A demonstration of the Place Standard Tool was provided by the Community Planning Officer and a short presentation highlighting the CPOP was provided by the Improvement Service. 

General discussion took place in respect of the priorities for the area, which were employment, connectivity and mobility. It was also noted that many people commuted to the area to work and it was suggested that it would be useful to survey professionals such as teachers, health workers and other public sector employees to find out why they chose to commute rather than relocate when taking up job opportunities within the area.

Decision

The Group agreed that a briefing note summarising the outcomes of discussions be forwarded to the next meeting of the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee for consideration. 

(Ref:  Briefing Note by Community Governance Manager, dated 14^th February 2017, submitted).

Discussion facilitated by the Area Governance Manager on items for inclusion on the Agenda for the next meeting.

Outcomes to be discussed:-

Outcome 1 – The Economy is diverse and thriving

Outcome 5 – People live active, healthier and independent lives

The group noted that the date of the next Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group is scheduled for Tuesday 18^th April at 10am in the Timber Pier Building, Dunoon.

The outcomes to be discussed at the next meeting will be:- 

Outcome 1 – The Economy is diverse and thriving; and

Outcome 5 – People live active, healthier and independent lives. 

The Chair advised that members of the partnership should consider how these outcomes impact on their communities and submit potential agenda items to the Senior Area Committee Assistant by email. 

The Community Governance Manager advised of a restructuring within the Council’s Governance and Law department.  She advised that whilst future meetings would continue to be supported, exact details of that support would be confirmed in due course.