Agenda and minutes

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

Apologies for absence were intimated by:-

Dave Kent, South Knapdale Community Council

Andy Buntin, Lochgilphead Community Council

Iain Ritchie, North Knapdale Community Council

Alison Hay, Mid Argyll Chamber of Commerce

Campbell Cameron, Community Broadband Scotland

Eleanor Sloan, Kintyre Health and Wellbeing Network

Lorraine Paterson, Head of Adult Services, Health and Social Care

Mary Wilson, Argyll and Bute CHP

Jim Smith, Head of Roads and Amenity Services, Argyll and Bute Council

Rona Gold, Community Planning Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

Anne Paterson, Education Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

Jeannie Holles, Adult Learning Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

Carol Keeley,  Emergency Planning Officer, Argyll and Bute Council

There were no declarations of interest intimated.

The Minute of the meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group held on 13 May 2015 was approved as a true record. 

For noting

The group agreed to note the Minute of the Mid Argyll Partnership (MAP) held on 29 July 2015.

For noting

The group agreed to note the Minute if the meeting of the Kintyre Initiative Partnership (KIP) held on 26 June 2015.

For noting

The group agreed to note the Minute of the meeting of the Ferry Sub-group held on 26 June 2015. 

Report by Area Governance Manager

The group considered a report outlining the mechanisms for community input to the Area Community Planning Group across the MAKI area.  The Area Governance Manager updated Partners in respect of an earlier meeting she had with both Islay and Jura Community Councils.  She outlined the basis of discussions and advised that she had agreed to take forward the production of a guidance note outlining the purpose of the Community Planning Group and the processes involved.  She explained that she would undertake this prior to the Community Council By-elections.    Further discussion took place in relation to the timings of the meetings, the focus of the agenda and the possibility of elected Members circulating the information round Community Council meetings if community input remained low.

Decision:

The group agreed:-

1.    to note the contents of the report;

2.    requested that the Area Governance Manager produce a guidance note prior to the next round of Community Council By-elections; and

3.    requested that a report be brought to the next Area Community Planning Group meeting, providing an update on the progress made in relation to the mechanisms being put in place to support engagement with local communities. 

(Ref:  Report by Area Governance Manager, dated 12 August 2015, submitted.)

Report by Area Governance Manager

The group considered a report outlining the response by the CPP Management Committee to key matters highlighted by the Area CPG’s at their meetings in May 2015.  The report provided further information on the commitments of the CPP Management Committee in relation to Health and Social Care Integration; public attendance at Community Planning Management Committee meetings and further information on how Area CPG’s could be involved in consultations and how they can be supported to communicate the SOA:Local.  Partners noted that the CPP Management Committee would release a fortnightly document on current consultations within the area, which would be distributed to the group by the Senior Area Committee Assistant.  Following discussions, the Area Governance Manager agreed to seek clarity from the CPP Management Committee in respect of when the EKOS report would be made public and take forward the possibility of advertising forthcoming meetings of the ACPG in the local press. 

Decision:

The group agreed:-

1.     to note the contents of the report; and

2.     requested that the Area Governance Manager, take further comment to the   CPP Management Committee meeting on 30 September 2015.

(Ref:  Report by Community Planning Manager, dated 12 August 2015, submitted.)

Update Report by Highlands and the Islands Enterprise (HIE)

The group considered a report providing an update on progress at an overall strategic level for the period to end July 2015.  The report detailed the successes and key achievements to date for Outcome 1.  General discussion took place in respect of the involvement and investment being made by HIE across the region to support businesses, social enterprises, communities and infrastructure.       

Decision:

The group agreed:-

1.    to note the contents of the report; and

2.    to invite both Calmac and Transport Scotland to the ACPG meeting in November to provide an update in terms of Outcome 2: We have infrastructure that supports growth.    

(Ref:  Report by Area Manager, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, dated  12 August 2015, submitted.)

Presentation by MACC Manager

The group were given a presentation by Claire McFadzean, Marketing Officer of Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC).  Ms McFadzean outlined her role within the Company and outlined the priorities going forward on both the charitable and development strands of the business. She advised of the ways in which MACC contribute to the Charitable sector within the locality, and the positive impact that it has on local businesses.    Ms McFadzean highlighted the key opportunities and the priorities of the base which included the expansion of the existing leases as well as securing new long term tenancies.  She outlined the current position in relation to the aquaculture business and various renewable energy projects as well as the current spaceport bid.   General discussion took place in relation to the timescales of the spaceport plans and also the effects this would have on current existing business set up on the base. 

The Chair thanked Ms McFadzean for the informative presentation and wished MACC luck with the ongoing spaceport plans. 

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the presentation. 

(Ref:  Presentation by Marketing Officer, Machrihanish Airbase Community Company, dated 12 August 2015, submitted.)

Presentation by Islay Energy Trust

The group gave consideration to a presentation by Malcolm Ogilvie, of the Islay Energy Trust.  Mr Ogilvie outlined the structure and the key aim of the Trust, and  spoke of the project areas, which included the installation of free insulation to homes on the island.  Mr Ogilvie also spoke of partnership working with a variety of groups and organisations, and the challenges faced while driving the project forward.  Mr Ogilvie advised that going forward there was a need to engage with the Grants Development Officer and establish a Grants Advisory Panel and develop a process for applications to the Trust and select some small revenue-generating projects.  General discussion took place in relation to grid connectivity and other innovative ways in which the additional energy could be utilised. 

Mr Ogilvie advised that the Islay Energy Trust, as one of the first charitable organisations to tackle a project of this nature,  would be happy to share information on the challenges faced and lessons learned with other likeminded groups. 

The Chair thanked Mr Ogilvie for the informative presentation and congratulated Islay Energy Trust on the development of the programme. 

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the presentation. 

(Ref:  Presentation by Director of Islay Energy Trust, dated 12 August 2015, submitted.)

Report by Head of Strategic Planning and Performance

The group gave consideration to a report outlining the progress on the action undertaken to establish the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership.  The report highlighted the approval of the Integration Scheme, the interim operating arrangements to be implemented in both the Council and the NHS until April 2016, the new management appointments, and the production of the 3 year Strategic Plan.  General discussion took place in relation to the possible difficulties in the merging of two workforces. 

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the report. 

(Ref:  Report by the Head of Strategic Planning and Performance, dated 12 August 2015, submitted.) 

Annual Report

The group considered a report highlighting key achievements for the Health Improvement Team during 2014-15.   These include building capacity for health improvement within the Health and Wellbeing Network and small grant fund; supporting the activity of the Health and Wellbeing Partnership; empowering communities and promoting the principles of co-production; developing skills such as Mental Health First Aid; hands on health promotion activity such as alcohol awareness at Tiree Music Festival and delivering nation programmes such as Choose Life and Healthy Working Lives. 

General discussion was had in relation to the partnership working and the support given to the preventative approach by the Health Improvement team and the availability of services supporting alcohol addiction within island communities.  The Health Improvement Officer agreed to seek information on the evidence that national and local initiatives assist in each specialist area, and circulate to the ACPG.  Partners expressed concern that a lot of initiatives are run in main towns within Argyll and Bute and not in the rural areas.  The Area Governance Manager agreed to take this issue to the next CPP Management Committee meeting in September.  

Decision:

The group agreed:-

1.    to note the contents of this report; and

2.    requested that the Area Governance Manager invite the Argyll and Bute ADP Co-ordinator, Carol Muir, to a future meeting of the ACPG to provide an update on the services available in relation to addiction within island communities. 

(Ref:  Report by the Health Improvement Principal, dated 12 August 2015, submitted.)

Update by Area Manager, ACHA

The group gave consideration to a report providing an annual update in relation to housing stock figures for the MAKI area, the services provided by ACHA, the level of investment in homes throughout the MAKI area, initiatives for 2015/16, examples of community work, the current new build programme and ACHA’s current priorities.  Discussion took place in respect of the availability of one bedroom properties in the Campbeltown area, the possibility of fitting sprinkler systems in homes where there are access difficulties and the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) in Inveraray.

Having noted that Colin Renfrew, Chief Executive of Fyne Homes was in attendance the Chair invited Mr Renfrew to provide an update in respect of ongoing work and commitments of Fyne Homes.  Mr Renfrew outlined the current new build projects, a number of community initiatives and the current spend on repairs to properties annually.  Mr Renfrew further advised that he was involved in a windfarm project at Glenbarr, which had been delayed due to issues with the National Grid and SSE.  He advised that it was hoped that grid connection would take place in March 2017.  He explained that once this was confirmed it would allow a community consultation to take place. 

Decision

The group agreed to note the contents of the report by ACHA and also the verbal update by Fyne Homes.   

(Ref:  Report by Area Manager, ACHA, dated 12 August 2015, submitted.)

Update by Housing Services Manager

The group gave consideration to a report highlighting the progress of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP).  Discussion took place in respect of the need for differing types of accommodation within different areas, and the perception that there is a lack of certain types of properties.  The Housing Services Manager advised that the investment programme is determined in accordance with the needs of those on the waiting lists.  The Area Manager for ACHA explained that the waiting lists do not reflect the shortages of one bedroom properties or sheltered housing in the Campbeltown area nor of three bedroom properties in Tarbert.  She advised that to influence the Strategic Housing Investment Plan, you need to be on the waiting lists for  the size of property that is required.  The Housing Services Manager agreed to confirm this position in writing for Mrs Duncan, representative of the Campbeltown Community Council and the Tenants and Residents Association, Campbeltown.  Further discussion took place in respect of the provision for two units on Jura, with the Housing Services Manager agreeing to discuss the matter further with Mr Darroch of Jura Community Council, independently of the meeting. 

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the report. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community and Culture, dated 12 August 2015, submitted.)

Report by Clinical Service Manager, NHS Highland

The group gave consideration to the Policy of Financial Assistance to support travel to and from hospital.  The Clinical Services Manager advised the group of the timescales involved in the implementation of the Policy and explained that this was important for those in remote areas, and in particular for those on the islands of Islay and Jura.  She explained that the Policy was as a result of the relocation of government budgets in June to localities.  Ms Guest explained that the relocation of funding offered an opportunity to alter the way in which services are administered, for example the implementation of telecare and tele-medication.  Discussion took place in respect of air travel, with this being identified as one of the main issues in Islay.  The group noted that the cost of a flight almost doubles when it involves Islay as opposed to somewhere like Campbeltown.  The group noted that this was as a result of a Public Service Obligation (PSO) as opposed to being a commercially viable flight.  

Decision:

The group:-

1.    agreed to note the Patient Transport Policy; and

2.    requested that the Area Governance Manager invite the Council’s Strategic Transportation Manager and the Chief Executive of Logan Air to the next meeting of the ACPG, to report on public service obligations with a view to the inclusion of flights from Islay in this service. 

(Ref:  Policy of Financial Assistance to support travel to and from hospital by NHS Highland, submitted.)

Report by Head of Education

The group gave consideration to a report highlighting the major achievements made within Education in relation to the actions outlined in the Education Action Plan for 2013/14.  Discussion took place in relation to the overall progress of Argyll and Bute schools across all course levels and in particular the trends of Intermediate 1 and 2 figures for years between 10/11 and 13/14.  The Area Education Officer agreed to clarify this information with the Head of Service and feedback to Councillor Taylor by email. 

Decision:

1.    The group agreed to note the continuing progress made in relation to Education within Argyll and Bute; and

2.    Note the commitment of staff and the success and achievements of our children and young people. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Community Services, dated 12 August 2015, submitted.)

Report by Head of Education

The group gave consideration to a report providing an update on the progress made in relation to Outcome 4 of the SOA.  The report outlined the performance measures at the end of FQ4 of 2014/15 and the successes, key achievements and key issues in relation to Outcome 4 over the past year.  Discussion took place in relation to the inclusion of bi-lingual classes.  The Area Governance Manager agreed to seek clarification as to the timescales for the bi-lingual programme and feedback to Councillor Currie by email. 

Decision:

1.    The group agreed to note the progress made in the delivery of Outcome 4 over the past year; and

2.    Note the planned review of the performance indicators set within Outcome 4 to develop increasingly meaningful performance indicators to measure performance for the year ahead. 

(Ref:  Report by Head of Education, dated 12 August 2015, submitted.)

Report by the, Third Sector Interface

The group gave consideration to a report outlining the representation routes for third sector organisations in Argyll and Bute in relation to the Area Community Planning Group. 

The group also considered a report providing an update on matters within the third sector since the last meeting of the group.

Discussion in relation to the amalgamation of  the Islay and Jura CVS and Argyll Voluntary Action took place, with Members noting that the service would now be known as Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface.   

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of both reports.

(Ref:  Report by Chief Executive Officer, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface, dated 12 August 2015, submitted.)

Report by Area Governance Manager

The group considered a report which outlined a project being run by Campbeltown Sailing Club, which the Kintyre Initiative Partnership had voted, should be included within the appendix of the SOA:Local for MAKI.  Discussion on whether the project was developed enough to meet all the criteria required for inclusion within the appendix of the SOA:Local was had, with the group agreeing that further information on the project was required. 

Decision:

The group requested that a report be brought to the next meeting of the ACPG providing further information on the project to enable an informed decision to be reached. 

(Ref:  Report by Area Governance Manager, dated 12 August 2015, submitted.)

Report by Area Governance Manager

The group considered a report providing an update in terms of the position relating to the Chair and Vice-Chair of the MAKI Area CPG. 

Decision:

1.    The group agreed to note the contents of the report; and

2.    Agreed to postpone the election of a Chair and Vice-Chair until the next meeting of the ACPG in November 2015. 

(Ref:  Report by Area Governance Manager, dated 12 August 2015, submitted.)

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

Outcomes to be discussed:-

Outcome 2  - We have infrastructure that supports growth

Outcome 6 -  People live in safer and stronger communities

The Area Governance Manager advised that at the next meeting of the group, discussion on Outcome 2:  We have infrastructure that supports growth and Outcome 6:  People live in safer and stronger communities would be had.  She invited Partners to submit areas for discussion under these outcomes.

Partners noted that the next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands CPG will take place on Wednesday 11 November 2015 at 10.00am within the Council Chambers, Kilmory, Lochgilphead.