Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies were intimated on behalf of:-

Ryan MacIntyre, Member of Scottish Youth Parliament

Michelle Mundie, Chief Executive ACHA

Fergus Murray, Development and Economic Growth, Argyll and Bute Council

PC Laura Evans, Police Scotland

Inspector Lee Page, Police Scotland

Ronnie Kelly, Department of Work and Pensions

Andrew Spence, BIDS4Oban

Carol Flett, Living Well Network (Mull, Coll and Tiree)

Councillor Jim Lynch, Argyll and Bute Council

There were no declarations of interest.

Oban Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group Minutes of meeting 9 November 2022.

The minutes of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Wednesday, 9 November 2022 were approved as a correct record.

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered a report which asked Members to review the updated Terms of Reference for the Group, the membership of the Group and the planned future meeting dates until May 2024.

It was noted that any other suggestions for new organisations to join the Group could be submitted to Stuart McLean by email following the meeting.

Decision

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

1.    considered and adopted the Terms of Reference submitted at Appendix 1 of the report and to agree 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.    consider and agree the membership of the group at Appendix 2 off the report and agree 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 Wednesday 10 May 2023, Wednesday 16 August 2023, Wednesday 8 November 2023, Wednesday 7 February and Wednesday 8 May 2024.

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 8 February 2023, submitted)

Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

The Group considered a report providing information relating to the appointment of a Chair of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group and outlining the expected time commitment and information about the role.

Kevin Champion, current Chair,  advised that he would be moving from the area during the summer of 2023 and volunteered to continue as Chair for the next meeting in May.

It was noted that Community Councillors, within the locality could hold the position of Chair and should be advised accordingly.  There were no other nominations for the position of Chair during the meeting.   

Decision

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

1.    Kevin Champion be re-appointed as Chair for next meeting.

(Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 8 February 2023, submitted)

The Group considered a report highlighting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ3 review of local performance across Oban, Lorn and the Isles for the period 2022-23. The report also included information on the Services’ new Policy covering Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals which will go live from May 2023, where fire alarm signals received must be backed up with a phone call or the service will not attend. The report included information on the local firefighter training plan, incidents during this time period and recent community engagement activities.

Decision

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

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

Consideration was given to an update by Sergeant Matthew Shaw, who advised that the Policing Framework within the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands and Oban, Lorn and the Isles had changed, with more emphasis on Community Focus.

The update also 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;

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Police Scotland, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a report which provided an update on ongoing wellbeing and prevention activity overseen and delivered by the HSCP Public Health Team in Argyll and Bute. The report provided information on the launch of year 4 of the Living Well (Self-Management) community capacity building fund; the Community Link Working service which is commissioned by Argyll and Bute HSCP and delivered by the Third Sector and the launch of a new website which contains information about the Living Well Strategy and the wider health improvement work. The website can be assessed at https://www.ablivingwell.org.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute HSCP - Public Health, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a written report from the Living Well Network. As no-one was in attendance from the Living Well Network, the Committee Manager advised that he would relay any questions back to them with regards to the report.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Living Well Network, submitted)

The Group considered a report from Community Learning Services, where Maureen Evans highlighted that the Community Learning Services is in a state of transition at the moment with a new Team Leader, Wendy Reid, recently being appointed.

Maureen advised that there are  Youth and Adult work support drop in sessions at Oban Library on Mondays from 10am -12pm to assist people with job applications and CVs and that this service may be extended to include an afternoon session.

Decision

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

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

The Group gave consideration to a report from Oban Community Harbour Development Authority (OCHDA),  highlighting that Argyll and Bute Council had submitted the Harbour Revision Order to Transport Scotland with further information expected to be shared at the next Harbour Board, scheduled for 2^nd March.  Mr Kincaid advised that OCHDA would welcome greater local influence over the Port.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Oban Community Harbour Development Association, submitted)

Consideration was given to an update from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), which provided information on the number of claimants for Universal Credit and legacy benefits.  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.  As no-one was in attendance from DWP, the committee Manager advised that he would relay any questions back to them with regard to the report.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Department of Work and Pensions, submitted)

Consideration was given to a report which provided an update in relation to current work streams of the Citizen’s Advice Bureau within Argyll and Bute.  The report included information on the ongoing rise in the number of clients seeking support with the energy costs as the cost of living crisis continues and the additional supports available in the forms of grants available within the ; Oban, Lorn and the Isles area.

The report also highlighted the recruitment campaign about to begin for the spring cohort of volunteer trainee advisers and the the annual consultation exercise with partner organisations in order to review the work of the bureau.  Partners noted that they could participate in the consultation which could be found at:

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

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice, submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a written report from Community Contacts – Carr Gomm. As no-one was in attendance from Carr Gomm the Committee Manager advised that he would relay any questions back to them with regards to the report.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by Community Contacts, Carr Gomm submitted)

The Group gave consideration to a report from North Argyll Carers Centre highlighting the increase in demand for their services, with 29 new adult carers and 15 new young carers being registered since the last meeting. The Health and Social Care Partnership  have awarded funding to support a pilot which will enable the Carers Centre to put in place regular home-help type preventative supports for carers, to reduce the risk of them reaching crisis point.

Decision

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

(Reference: Report by North Argyll Carers Centre, 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 14th and 15th of February 2023.

Decision

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

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

Joan Best, Crossroads

Joan Best advised that Crossroads are settling in to their new premises at Gibralter Street, with lots of people visiting.  The official open day was held to coincide with their 20^th Anniversary at the end of November, which was well attended. Joan reported that Crossroads continue to support 64 carers and have received referrals from Cuan, Luing and Seil and that a Bucksfizz and Bacon morning was held for unpaid carers. 

Catriona Petit, New Hope Kitchen

Catriona Petit reported that there has been an increased demand on the service with a number of activities going on.  Catriona advised that she is also on the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Forum, which has facilitated  more trauma support working in partnership with Carr Gomm, who have moved in to an adjacent premises. New Hope Kitchen have also formed working relationships with Atlantis Leisure, ALIenergy, Youth Cafe and Winter warmer spaces.

Susan MacRae, 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 the work ongoing with senior pupils within the schools and with students entering the senior years, specifically advice regarding the subject choices.  Susan also provided information on the current Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) situation.

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 Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning Group considered and noted the update. 

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

Presentation by Jackie Westerman, Project Officer of Home Energy Efficiency Project (HEEPs)

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 140 households in Argyll and Bute have been insulated in this year’s programme.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles 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)

Presentation by Dr Lynda Mitchell, Manager ALIenergy

An update was considered by the group from Rachel McNicol 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 with 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 that electric heating.

Decision

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

(Reference: Presentation by Rachel McNicol, ALIenergy)

Presentation by Robbie Layden

The Group gave consideration to a report  from Robbie Layden, which highlighted the ongoing workstreams of Forestry and Land Scotland within the Oban, Lorn and the Isles (OLI) locality.  Information on Land Management Plans; Renewable Energy plans;  the ongoing peatland restoration programme; removal of Larch Trees infected by disease; proposals to introduce car parking charges to a number of sites within the locality with the busiest sites being charged £3 per day or £1 per hour was highlighted.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles considered and noted the report.

(Ref. Presentation by Robbie Layden, Forestry and Land Scotland)

Report by Isla McCulloch, Sustaining Choices

Isla McCulloch, a trustee with Adventure Oban, advised that they work in  partnership with Sustaining Choices.  Isla delivered a presentation on the Active Travel Plan for Oban and highlighted the key actions proposed in Oba: Safer such as Safer Cycle Routes to Schools, Improvement on signage and lighting for active travel routes, ensuring pavements meet the needs of people with additional access needs, maintenance of the general appearance of Oban’s greenspace, pavements and shop fronts.

Decision

The Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Community Planning group considered and noted the Presentation.

(Presentation by Isla McCulloch, Adventure Oban, Sustaining Choices)

Report by Committee Manager

Consideration was given to a report 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 had been extended until 14 February 2023.  Partners were encouraged to take part in the consultation, which can be found at:- tinyurl.com/3yf3xe8 

Decision

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

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

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 Oban, Lorn  and the Isles Area Community Planning Group would take place on Wednesday, 10 May 2023 at 10am.