Agenda and minutes

Venue: Skype

Contact: Adele Price-Williams, Senior Committee Assistant - 01546 604480 

Items
No. Item

1.

WELCOME AND APOLOGIES

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Judith Hawcroft - North Argyll Carers Centre and Tom Nelson - Mull Community Council.

 

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and invited the Community Planning Officer to give a brief overview of the aims of the Group. These included that partnership working was supported in order to identify possible gaps in service provisions and to fill these gaps for the good of the community.

2.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

3.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 244 KB

Meeting of Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group held on Wednesday 17 February 2021

Minutes:

The minute of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Wednesday 17 February 2021 was approved as a correct record.

4.

COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE pdf icon PDF 222 KB

Report by Committee Manager

Minutes:

The Group considered a briefing note which provided an overview of the discussion which took place at the Community Planning Partnership Management Committee meeting on 10 March 2021.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the briefing note.

 

(Reference: Briefing note by Committee Manager, dated 12 May 2021, submitted)

5.

AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING ACTION PLAN - TRACKER

Verbal Update by Community Planning Manager

Minutes:

The Group gave consideration to a verbal update concerning the Action Plan Tracker and noted that the results from the Place Standard Engagement exercise that took place last year would be used to develop the action plans. Officers reported that short and focussed online workshops with partners would take place from August 2021 with the action plans being finalised by April 2022.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Verbal Update by Community Planning Officer)

6.

COVID INFECTION RATES AND VACCINATION pdf icon PDF 694 KB

Report by Committee Manager

Minutes:

The Group considered a briefing note which provided some detail around the current Covid-19 infection rates in Argyll and Bute and also gives some information on the uptake of Covid-19 vaccination.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group noted the briefing note.

 

(Reference: Briefing note by Committee Manager, dated 12 May 2021, submitted)

The Chair ruled, and the Group agreed, to take the items out of sequence in order to facilitate Partner attendance.  The items were discussed in the order that they appear in the minute.

7.

PARTNERS UPDATES

7a

Department of Works and Pensions pdf icon PDF 241 KB

Update by Lynn Campbell - Customer Service Leader, Department for Work and Pensions

Minutes:

The Group considered an update from the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) which detailed their response to Covid-19 as well as various initiatives they are involved with including the Kickstart scheme, Virtual Youth Hub, Video Appointment Service and the launch of a new Universal Credit benefits checker.

 

Confirmation was sought and received on the positive impact of the easing of restrictions enabling Oban Job Centre’s case size to decrease by 25% as hospitality re-opens, creating job opportunities.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group;

 

1.         considered and noted the information provided; and

 

2.         agreed that, where appropriate, DWP Kickstart information would be shared  amongst Partners.

 

(Reference: Update by Customer Service Leader - Department for Work and Pensions, dated March 2021, submitted)

7b

Oban Communities Trust

Verbal Update by Eleanor MacKinnon - Operational Manager, Oban Communities Trust

Minutes:

The Group considered a verbal update from Eleanor MacKinnon, Oban Communities Trust, in relation to The Rockfield Centre.  The Group noted that the opening of the building was delayed due to Covid-19 but that the Centre continued to operate as a community anchor organisation by moving most of their activities online, which will remain the position until September 2021 when they hope to have a soft launch of the Centre and an official launch in April/May 2022. However, with more staff coming on board they aim to develop more face-to-face activities such as working with Atlantis Leisure Centre to facilitate a summer camp programme. It was also reported that the charity shop will be open from Thursday 13 May 2021 with an open day at The Rockfield Centre on Friday 21 May 2021 1pm-3pm and 4pm-6pm which is open to everyone.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group;

 

1.    considered and noted the information provided; and

 

2.    agreed to post links to the Rockfield Centre’s website and YouTube video on BaseCamp.

 

(Reference: Verbal Update by Eleanor MacKinnon, The Rockfield Centre)

7c

Islands Living Well Network - Mull and Iona, Tiree, Coll and Colonsay pdf icon PDF 283 KB

Update by Carol Flett - Coordinator, The Islands Living Well Network

Minutes:

The Group considered an update from Carol Flett, The Islands Living Well Network, which included information on the work undertaken; how the use of Zoom has improved networking; and detail around current membership noting their next meeting is on 25 May 2021.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Update by Carol Flett, The Islands Living Well Network, dated 19 April 2021, submitted)

7d

Opportunity for verbal updates by Community Planning Partners

Minutes:

Crossroads - North Argyll Carers

 

Joan Best advised the Group that they had been very busy with referrals for respite for unpaid careers and are currently providing 150 hours a week. Discussion focussed on how lockdown had had an effect on the number of referrals. North Argyll Carers had placed an advert for staff on the islands but had not received any applications, Ms Best asked that anyone with an interest in securing a position to get in touch.  The Group noted that they have a new Carers Act implementation officer, Kirsty McKenzie, who it is anticipated will attend future meetings of the Group.

 

Hope Kitchen

 

Catriona Petit advised the Group that the Greenshoots Garden has remained open throughout the pandemic by working with partners and had started a new initiative working with primary care mental health teams and social prescribers to deliver woodland based activities and run the Looking on the Bright Side Allotments initiative.

 

Hope Kitchen also worked in partnership with the Rockfield Centre, through the Community Fund, to deliver their response to people's emotional and mental health issues due to the impact of Covid-19. The Group noted the Wellbeing Cafe is open each Thursday from 2pm-3.30pm where food parcels, in conjunction with the Flexible Food Fund, are provided.

 

Skills Development Scotland

 

Susan MacRae updated the Group on key activities of Skills Development Scotland (SDS) which included working with a real focus on school leavers with careers advisers back in Oban High School on an appointment based system.  SDS aim to have advisers back in other schools as soon as possible.

 

Police Scotland

 

Police Inspector Mark Stephen advised the Group that a successful bid to the council for funding enabled them to employ an officer to work with new wardens around Staycation activities; police bicycles will soon to be available to officers to enable them to access places where cars cannot. Inspector Stephen also advised that the station had a full complement of staff and that two local officers secured promotions with new probationers due to start in July.

 

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

 

Mark Gillies reported that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continue to undertake home fire visits for high risk customers and that they will be in the community more when restrictions ease. Mr Gillies advised that, in relation to wild fires and the impact of increase in visitors to the area, the Service was constantly updating policy and procedures accordingly with information bulletins sent out via social media.

8.

COMMUNITY FOCUS

8a

Oban Access Panel pdf icon PDF 595 KB

Presentation by Marie Harrower, Oban Access Panel

Minutes:

The Group considered an update by Marie Harrower, Oban Access Panel, on the work of the Panel in promoting social inclusion and securing a more accessible environment in Oban and the surrounding area. The Group noted that the Panel aim to make improvements for locals and visitors by linking into national campaigns and working with the local authority to identify potential problems accessing buildings. The Panel are actively involved in commenting on planning application to ensure that applicants are not just complying with building regulations but are making practical adjustments to ensure accessibility for all. The Group heard how the Panel were keen to engage with young people from the schools to help them continue in the development off an access plan for the area. They are also working on an initiative to try to ensure products in shops can be identifiable for all by labelling products in braille.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Update by Marie Harrower, Oban Access Panel, dated 14 May 2021, submitted)

9.

COMMUNITY LEARNING SERVICE UPDATE pdf icon PDF 269 KB

Update by Brian Smith - Community Learning Team Leader

Minutes:

The Group considered an update from Argyll and Bute Council’s Community Learning Service which detailed information on the Scottish Youth Parliament Elections 2021, Scottish Young Person Awards 2021, Argyll and Bute Community Learning Development Plan 2021-2024. The update also highlighted the work being undertaken to start the process of resuming face to face provision and Service Delivery around Recovery and Transition.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Update by Community Learning and Development Assistant dated 12 May 2021, submitted)

10.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN CONSULTATION

Verbal Update by Nicola Hackett - Business Development Manager, Live Argyll

Minutes:

The Group gave consideration to an update on the Argyll and Bute Community Learning Partnership consultation which was designed to gather feedback to help shape the priorities of the new three year plan and to ensure greater learning opportunities are offered.  The Group noted the survey was currently open until Friday 28 May 2021 at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WM22VN2 and had been posted on BaseCamp for issuing around the networks.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Verbal Update by Brian Smith - Community Learning and Development Assistant, Live Argyll)

11.

POLICE SCOTLAND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TEAM

Verbal Update by Police Inspector Boyle

Minutes:

Police Inspector Mo Boyle updated the Group on the positon of the Police Scotland Community Engagement Team. The Group noted that the new team, comprising of a Problem Solving and Community Engagement section, aimed to delivering priorities under the Local Policing Plan via a range of specialist officers who were looking to add value through new engagements and partnership working including a fraud awareness event due to take place online at 2.30pm on 18 May 2021.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Verbal Update by Police Inspector Mo Boyle, Police Scotland)

12.

GAELIC DEVELOPMENT ACROSS ARGYLL AND BUTE pdf icon PDF 232 KB

Report by Cristie Moore, Gaelic Development Worker

Minutes:

The Group considered a report which provided information on the role of the Gaelic language in Argyll and Bute; provided details of the value that the Gaelic language could bring to the improvement outcomes; and encouraged partners to continue to support the promotion and usage of the Gaelic language. 

 

Cristie Moore, Gaelic Development Worker, requested assistance from the Group in promoting the ongoing survey on the Gaelic language and invited Group members to pass her details to any contacts who may be interested in supporting work around Gaelic.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group agreed;

 

1.         to support the promotion of Gaelic where possible;

 

2.         to consider Gaelic as an option when looking at new and existing initiatives;

 

3.         to connect interested parties with the Gaelic Development Worker;

 

4.         to have an awareness of the Argyll and Bute Gaelic Language Plan and where possible support the objectives;

 

5.         to note the information provided in relation to Colmcille 1500 funding and celebration which relates to initiatives linking Scotland and Ireland;

 

6.         to take forward actions, where appropriate,  identified by the Gaelic survey; and

 

7.         to help with the promotion of Argyll Gaelic Gathering 2022.

 

(Reference: Report by Gaelic Development Worker, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 12 May 2021, submitted)

13.

UK WITHDRAWAL FROM THE EU

13a

UK - EU Post Transition pdf icon PDF 206 KB

Update by Chief Executive

Minutes:

The Group gave consideration to a report which set out the considerations of the EU Withdrawal Tactical Group with regard to identifying and assessing any risks relative to Argyll and Bute in relation to the UK exiting the EU.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered the report and were assured that the Council and the HSCP were as well prepared as they could be with regards to having exited the EU and are actively engaged with partners through the local and national resilience frameworks.

 

(Reference:  Report by Chief Executive dated 7 April 2021, submitted)

13b

Update by Clyde Fisheries Association pdf icon PDF 10 MB

Update by Kenny Macnab, Clyde Fisheries Association

Minutes:

The Group gave consideration to the update which provided information around Clyde Fishermen’s Association, the fishing industry in Argyll and Bute and the impact of Brexit and Covid-19.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group;

 

1.    considered and  noted the information provided; and

 

2.    noted that in absence of an officer from the Clyde Fishermen’s Association, the Committee Manager would take back any questions to them and circulate any responses to the Group.

 

(Reference: Update by Clyde Fishermen’s Association dated 12 May 2021, submitted)

13c

Opportunity for updates from Area Community Planning Group Partners in relation to the impact of UK Withdrawal from the EU

Minutes:

No updates given.

14.

BASECAMP TRIAL

Verbal update by Community Planning Officer

Minutes:

The Group gave consideration to a verbal update in reaction to the uptake and usefulness of BaseCamp and partners were encouraged to continue to engage with the platform.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the information provided.

 

(Reference: Verbal Update by Community Planning Officer)

15.

CAMPERVAN, MOTORHOME AND STAYCATION ACTIVITY pdf icon PDF 337 KB

Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth

Minutes:

The Group considered a report on the opportunities and challenges in relation to informal camping.

 

Decision

 

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group;

 

1.         noted the content of the report and progress to date;

 

2.         agreed to continue to collaborate to try and address the challenges faced due to increased informal camping activity; and

 

3.         noted that in absence of an officer the Committee Manager would take back any questions to the relevant officer and circulate any responses to the Group.

 

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Development and Economic Growth, dated 12 May 2021, submitted)

16.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 25 August 2021 at 6.30pm.

Minutes:

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group would take place at 6.30pm on Wednesday 25 August 2021.