Venue: On a Hybrid Basis in Committee Room 1, Kilmory, Lochgilphead and by Microsoft Teams
Contact: Julieann Small, Democratic Services Assistant - 01546 604043
No. | Item |
---|---|
WELCOME AND APOLOGIES Minutes: The Chair welcomed everyone to
the meeting and general introductions were made. Apologies for absence were
intimated on behalf of: Iona MacPhail,
Fyne Homes; Fergus Murray, Head of
Development and Economic Growth, Argyll and Bute Council; Heather Thomas-Smith, Wild
About Argyll; Laurie Piper,
Scottish Canals; Sergeant Matthew
Shaw, Police Scotland; Darren Gibb,
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service; Clare Hay, Colonsay Community Council; May Cross, Campbeltown Job Centre; Alasdair Paisley,
Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP); Caitlin McNeil, Argyll and
Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI); Jamie Titterton, Community Learning Services, Live Argyll; and Jeni
West, Forestry and Land Scotland. |
|
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Minutes: There were no declarations of interest intimated. |
|
Minutes: The Minute of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group meeting held on Wednesday 6 November 2024 was approved as a correct record. |
|
COMMUNITY FOCUS |
|
Kintyre Recycling Presentation from Kintyre Recycling Minutes: Consideration was given to a
verbal update from David Conor, Kintyre Recycling which highlighted that they
currently employ 4 people, have 4 main elements within the company, operate in 47
schools and collect from more than 10 charity shops all around Argyll and Bute.
Mr Conor advised that since 2022 they have doubled their capacity since leaving
the Council contract and have 1 driver collecting and delivering to Nathans Wastesavers 4 times a week. It was highlighted that in
conjunction with InspirAlba they introduced a
pre-loved uniform scheme in early 2022 and that in year one they distributed
322 items to 72 children and in year two 129 children were helped. Mr Connor discussed the bike
centre and how this was slowly progressing. They hoped to put 2 people through
their bronze level bike mechanic course shortly. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community
Planning Group noted the information provided. (Reference: Verbal Update from Kintyre Recycling) |
|
Having noted the commitments of
those in attendance, the Chair agreed to vary the order of business to
facilitate attendees. This minute reflects the order in which items were
discussed. |
|
INSPIRALBA - HOUSEHOLD RESILIENCE AND EMPLOYABILITY ANNUAL UPDATE Presentation from InspirAlba Minutes: Consideration was given to a presentation from Adele Martin, Eryne Barr and Megan Elliot from InspirAlba
in relation to their Household Resilience and employability projects. The
presentation provided an overview of the Spark Your Purpose Project which is a pre-employability program designed to support individuals aged 16-17
in discovering and pursuing their unique career paths and the Parental
Employability Support Fund which is one-to-one support to help identify what
individual's goals are and work through any issues that might be getting in the
way. Information relating to the support provided and project achievements for
both projects was also included within the presentation. The presentation also
highlighted the criteria for eligibility in both projects; participate
progression from 2021-2023; the Household Resilience work-based placement
project; their Household resilience Argyll and Bute
team; their Partner organisations; the project to
date; common client issues and examples of help they have provided. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group
noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation from InspirAlba) |
|
ASPIRING PLACES; COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN ARGYLL AND BUTE Presentation by Project Manager and Project Officers, Argyll and Bute Council Minutes: The Group gave consideration to a presentation by the Project Manager
and Project Officer from Argyll and Bute Council, in relation to the Council’s
Aspiring Places; Community Project in Argyll and Bute. The presentation
provided background information in relation to the previous project approach;
the project review undertaken between April and September 2024; the Council
agreed priorities for 2024-2027; the Council decision in September 2024; the
revised project vision; the one digital space for Community projects in Argyll
and Bute; the project scope and the next steps. Discussion took place in relation to how Community Groups could get
involved with the project and it was advised that the project would be launched
towards the end of March and that they would be publicising information widely
on how to access the online digital space. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group
noted the information provided. (Reference: Presentation by Project Manager and Project Officer, Argyll
and Bute Council, submitted) |
|
MINORITY ETHNIC CARERS OF PEOPLE PROJECT (MECOPP) Presentation from Support and Development Worker, Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project Minutes: Consideration was given to a presentation from Ali Martin, Support and
Development Worker at Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project. The
presentation highlighted that MECOPP work specifically with Gypsy/Traveller
communities in rural and urban Scotland; supports Black and Minority Ethnic
carers to access support and services appropriate to their caring situation;
develops a strategic response to identified gaps in service provision; assists
service providers, both statutory and voluntary, in the development of
culturally competent services; develops opportunities for the active
involvement of Black and Minority Ethnic carers in consultation planning and
raises the profile of Black and Minority Ethnic carers and their needs at national
level. The presentation also provided an overview on who Gypsy/Travellers are
and where they live; their culture, traditions and values; barriers and
challenges which affect the way they live their lives; stereotyping and
discrimination which affects their lives and how to make positive changes. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre
and the Islands Area Community Planning Group: 1.
noted the
information provided; and 2.
agreed that
links to the videos “Roads from the Past” and “Two Sides of the Same Story”
would be distributed post-meeting to members. (Reference: Presentation by
Support and Development Worker, the Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project,
submitted) |
|
PARTNER UPDATES |
|
Police Scotland Update Minutes: Consideration
was given to an update which provided information on the ongoing work of the
Service and information on serious and organised crime; acquisitive crime; road
safety and road crime; violent crime; public protection and issues and questions
raised by Community Councils and Councillors to the Communities Team in January
2025. Discussion
took place in relation to Police reports received by Community Councils for
their meetings and the lack of area specific information provided within these. Decision The
Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group: 1.
noted the
information provided; 3.
noted
that in the absence of a representative from Police Scotland, any questions
could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated
to the Group. (Reference:
Report by Police Scotland, submitted) |
|
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update Minutes: The Group gave consideration to a report highlighting the Scottish Fire
and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) FQ3 review of local performance across Mid Argyll,
Kintyre and the Islands for the period 2024-25. The report included information
on the local firefighter training plan; incidents during this period; unwanted
fire alarm signals; the drowning incident review; road and water safety
campaigns; community engagement activities; East and West Dunbartonshire and
Argyll and Bute Local Senior Officer Activities; and home fire safety. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the information
provided; and 2. noted
that in the absence of a representative from the Scottish Fire and Rescue
Service, any questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any
responses circulated to the Group. (Reference: Report by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, submitted) |
|
Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Public Health Update Minutes: Consideration was given to a public health update from Argyll and Bute
Health and Social Care Partnership’s Public Health Team on the ongoing
wellbeing and prevention activities overseen and delivered by them in Argyll
and Bute. The update provided information on the Argyll and Bute Joint
Strategic Needs Assessment which was published in December 2024; the expansion
of the Community Link Working service; the launch of the Mental Health Hub –
Living Well in Argyll and Bute digital resource and mental health awareness and
suicide prevention training available. The report also provided information on the work undertaken as part of
the alcohol and drugs partnership; the screening inequalities grant funding
which has been awarded to Argyll and Bute; the end of the Waverly Care contract
and the end of the existing Living Well Network coordination. Olena Mishanina
highlighted an upcoming webinar on 26 February to discuss the installation of a
‘Take Some Breathing Space’ bench on one of the islands in Argyll and Bute. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group
noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Health Improvement Senior, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, dated February 2025, submitted) |
|
Live Argyll Community Learning Services - Youth Learning Update Minutes: Consideration was given to an update report from the Live Argyll
Community Learning Service, which provided an update on Youth Work in Kintyre.
The report provided information on the work of the Kintyre Youth Action Group; the
collaboration with Skills Development Scotland to provide an employability
skills development programme to learning support students in schools; the
delivery of wider achievement awards; the continued support provided to
Alasdair Paisley MSYP for Argyll and Bute; the return of the Friday Night
‘Street Sports’ programme; the online directory of programmes and activities
aimed at young people in the Kintyre area and regular ongoing projects. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the information
provided; and 2.
noted
that in the absence of a representative from Live Argyll Community Learning
Services (Youth Services), any questions could be forwarded to them following
the meeting and any responses circulated to the Group. (Reference: Report by Live Argyll Community Learning Services,
submitted) |
|
Live Argyll Community Learning Services - Adult Learning Update Minutes: Consideration was given to an update report from the Live Argyll
Community Learning Service, which provided an update on Adult Learning. The
report provided information on the Kintyre Community Learning Hub which continues
to offer a wide range of support and accredited learning in a variety of
subjects; the Kintyre Adult Learning and Mari Allibone
Alzheimers Scotland partnership; the Mid Argyll
Learning Hub which continues to operate successfully; advocacy skills workshops
delivered and planned; the Let’s Grow Group and Give Back Group Accredited
Learning; Digital Skills support; the Community Centre garden project and
LGBTQ+ community engagement event planned. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group
noted the information provided. (Reference: Report by Live Argyll Community Learning Services,
submitted) |
|
Minutes: The Group gave consideration to an update from Paul Ives, Shopper-Aide
which highlighted that they have been overwhelmed by the support of the local
community and thanked organisations and people who helped with donations, fundraising
and any other support since the last meeting. The update also highlighted that
they are currently undertaking a survey of their clients, their families and
members of the wider community to help them understand the changing needs of
the older people in Kintyre and that they are looking to undertake a number of
engagement sessions with the support of the Councils’ Community Development
Team to help gather qualitative feedback to ensure that the service continues
to meet the needs of the community and are also currently working on plans for
their organisation moving forward and continue to need the support of the local
community. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the information
provided; and 2.
noted
that in the absence of a representative from Shopper-Aide, any questions could
be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the
Group. (Reference: Report by Shopper-Aide, submitted) |
|
Forestry and Land Scotland Update Minutes: The Group gave consideration to a report which highlighted the ongoing workstreams of Forestry and Land Scotland within the Mid
Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area. Information was provided in relation to
local Land Management Plans; work to combat phytophthora
ramorum disease in larch trees; progress with
peatland restoration; and details of upcoming complex operations. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the information
provided; and 2.
noted
that in the absence of a representative from Forestry and Land Scotland, any
questions could be forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses
circulated to the Group. (Reference: Report by Forestry and Land Scotland, dated January 2025,
submitted) |
|
Transport Scotland Update Additional documents: Minutes: Consideration was given to an update from Transport Scotland which
highlighted that they continue daily management of the traffic management at
the Rest and Be Thankful with regular stakeholder updates advising of changes
to the traffic management and that there is a final section of debris flow
barrier still to be installed at sectors 3a and 3b which is planned for
February. The update also highlighted that the Cairndow
signage improvement works are ongoing and that they are still waiting on SSE to
determine power connection and that the emergency works at Furnace were
successfully completed during November 2024 to mitigate river erosion. Mr Woodcock also provided the Group with a 3-month programme of planned
works along the A83. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the information
provided; and 2. recorded their thanks to
Transport Scotland, Bear Scotland and all those involved with the extreme
weather clean up following storm Eowyn. (Reference: Report by Area
Manager, Transport Scotland, submitted) |
|
Opportunity for Verbal Updates Minutes: Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament
(MSYP) In the absence of Alasdair Paisley, MSYP the Democratic Services Manager provided
the following update which was submitted before the meeting: I consulted with around 65 young people at Tarbert
Academy in Mid-December to find out issues about the local transport. I found
that around 70 percent of the consultees wanted a later bus from Lochgilphead to Tarbert. About 40
percent mentioned that some busses can be quite unhygienic. These are the most
major negative responses. On a positive note, I also found that 60 percent of the young people
enjoyed the free bus travel and find it incredibly helpful, and the freedom
that comes with it is very liberating. Other mentions were that the busses can
cost a lot for those without a NEC, that there can be awkward timings between
busses, ferries and community building (such as schools) opening hours and an
appreciation for how public transport can help the environment. These responses
had around 30 percent of consulted young people saying so. January and December has been a less intensive month for me in terms of
my role due to prelims and school, so I should have much more and be able to
come along to these meetings next time. I shall focus on finding the support in Lochgilphead
and Campbeltown for a later bus along Kintyre, as
well as helping consult for the upcoming Youth Work Bill and the SYPs new
manifesto. Argyll and Bute Council Councillor Horn provided an update to the Group on behalf of the Council
which read: The Council, along with other Local Authorities across the UK, are
exploring the potential of a pilot with BT and Openreach
to trial a mass migration of telecare clients testing the new digital voice
protocol. For information on the Digital
Phone Switchover, this can be located on the Council’s Website. I’ll ask Governance staff to include a link
in the minutes of this meeting. (The
Digital Phone Switchover | Argyll and Bute Council) Tied to this I would also ask partners to be mindful and alert to the
fact that there are scam callers targeting the digital voice switchover on the
pretence of being BT support agents. BT
will never ask you for payment information whereas those scammers will looking
to gain personal and payment information to undertake checks to ensure phone
services can be migrated. Again, I will
ask that a link to this be included in the minutes so that members can help
raise awareness of this scam. (Scam
Callers Target Broadband ISP BT's UK Digital Voice Switchover - ISPreview UK) The Council is currently consulting on two important matters which I
would draw to the attention of partners.
The first is the consultation on a visitor levy. The Council agreed on 20 December to run a
formal public consultation exercise on a visitor levy for the area. The
consultation will run until Thursday 10 April 2025. The consultation survey
asks questions such as what would you like any income spent on if a levy was introduced and what support local businesses would like
if involved in administering a levy.
Alongside the consultation, the Council will be running online webinars
and drop-in events in various locations across Argyll and Bute. The online webinars will last one hour and will take place on Monday 24
February at 5.30pm, Thursday 6 March at 10am, Tuesday 25 March at 5.30pm, and
Thursday 3 April at 9am. To attend the online events you will need
to book a space in advance. Booking for the webinars will be via the council website and the booking system will open on Monday
10 February. There are a number of drop-in events being held throughout the area but I
will highlight the drop-in events taking place in the MAKI area which are: Wednesday 5th March – Islay – Islay Gaelic Centre from 3pm to
6pm. Monday 17th March – Campbeltown –
Kintyre Community Centre from 4pm to 7pm Monday 24th March – Inveraray – Inveraray Inn from 4pm to 7pm There will be no requirement to book for the drop-in events. The second consultation which is currently ongoing is the 2025 budget
consultation. It is well documented that the funding settlement will not be
sufficient to sustain service delivery at the current level in Argyll and Bute.
As a result, savings of £14.9m need to be found in the coming financial year to
balance the budget. There is information on the council website about what
services the council does provide, and what services are currently being
provided which the council is not obliged to provide. Please do take the
opportunity to contribute towards what services you feel are a priority.
Feedback from the survey will be available when the Council is invited to set
its budget on Thursday 27th February. |
|
Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface Update Minutes: The Group gave consideration to an update from Argyll and Bute Third
Sector Interface (TSI). The update provided information on the Argyll and Bute
Resilience and Transformation Fund which closed for applications on the 3 February;
the review of day services and day supports for older adults in Argyll and
Bute; the TSI Volunteer of the Year awards which is now open for 2025
nominations; the work of the Wellbeing Development Manager and winter welcome
spaces. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre
and the Islands Area Community Planning Group: 1.
noted the
information provided; and 2.
noted that in the absence of a representative
from Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI), any questions could be
forwarded to them following the meeting and any responses circulated to the
Group. (Reference: Report by Argyll and
Bute Third Sector Interface, dated 5 February 2025, submitted) |
|
CLIMATE CHANGE |
|
Presentation by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust Additional documents:
Minutes: Consideration was given to a report providing an update on the Community
Planning Partnership’s Argyll and Bute Climate Action Project: Developing a
Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Argyll and Bute. It was noted that
the Project Manager was seeking recommendations for
best groups at area level to inform development of the action plan and pilot
projects. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Isles Area Community Planning Group: 1. noted the approach and
status of the project outlined in the report; and 2. agreed to provide
comments and feedback to the Project Manager (andy@act-now.org.uk)
following the meeting. (Reference: Report by Climate Change Project Manager, Argyll & the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust, dated 22 January 2025, submitted) |
|
Opportunity for verbal updates on community based initiatives Minutes: There were no verbal updates provided under this item. |
|
AREA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Additional documents:
Minutes: The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined the governance
arrangements of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning
Group (Area CPG) specifically the Terms of Reference, membership and future
meeting dates. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group: 1. considered and adopted the
Terms of Reference submitted at Appendix 1 and
agreed that these be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure their ongoing
currency and appropriateness for the work of the Area CPG as it develops over
time; 2. considered and agreed the
membership of the group at Appendix 2 and agreed that the membership of the
group be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure currency and appropriateness for
the work of the group as it develops over time; and 3. noted the future meeting
dates of the Group as Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 27 August 2025, 5 November 2025, 4
February 2026 and 27 May 2026. (Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated
5 February 2025, submitted) |
|
COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council Minutes: The Group gave consideration to a report which outlined matters
discussed during the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Management Committee
meeting held on 6 December 2024. The report highlighted that the Management Committee
had noted the concerns raised by the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands ACPG
regarding the negative impacts to local people and businesses due to repeated
closures of the A83 and they hoped that any further frustrations had been
alleviated by the details provided by Ian Woodcock in his update on the ongoing
traffic management arrangements on the A83 and improvements to the Old Military
Road. The report also provided information on a presentation in relation to
ongoing work on the population and census data from the census / National
Records of Scotland (NRS); the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) 2024;
the CPP Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan; CPP Community Wealth Building
(CWB) Short Life Steering Group; Argyll and Bute Council Equalities Outcomes
Consultation and the Audit Scotland’s Tackling Digital Exclusion Report. Decision The Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning Group
noted the contents of the report. (Reference: Report by Committee Manager, Argyll and Bute Council, dated 5 February 2025, submitted) |
|
DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting will take
place on Wednesday 7 May 2025. Minutes: The Group noted that the next
meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Community Planning
Group would take place at 10am on Wednesday 7 May 2025 on a hybrid basis by
Microsoft Teams and in the Templar Arts and Leisure Centre in Tarbert. |