Agenda and minutes

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

The Chair advised that a two minute silence would be observed at 11.00am to mark Remembrance Day.  

Apologies for absence were intimated by:-

Dave Kent, South Knapdale Community Council

Iain Ritchie, North Knapdale Community Council

Petra Pearce, Third Sector and Volunteer Support, Islay and Jura

Dhonna McCallum, Argyll College

Darlene Russell, Argyll College

Simon Richmond, CalMac

Morag MacKay, Transport Scotland

Audrey Martin, Projects and Renewables Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

Paul Cairns, IT Production Manager, Argyll and Bute Council

Rona Gold, Community Planning Manager, 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 12 August 2015 was approved as a true record.

Councillor Currie enquired as to the order of attendance recorded at meetings of the Community Planning Group.  The Group agreed that going forward, attendance would be recorded as one body. 

The Area Governance Manager advised of correspondence she had received from Steve Byrne of Campbeltown Community Council in respect of an item of business recorded at the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Community Planning Group meeting on Wednesday 4^th March 2015.  She advised that in relation to Item 7(d) Community Transport, it had been recorded “that the Community Council had worked to change the scheme with charges thereafter being dropped” where in fact charges had been dropped after three individuals, Val Cannell, who took the lead with the Minister and the NHS; Cathie Duncan, whose sister was travelling back and forward to hospital for treatment, got the local press involved and Steve Byrne who dealt with Argyll and Bute Council, Councillors and the NHS and also got the national media interested.  After the matter was reported in the national press the charges were dropped.  The Group agreed to note the update from this item of business.   

The group agreed to note the Minute of the Mid Argyll Partnership (MAP) held on 28 October 2015. 

The group agreed to note the Minute of the meeting of the Kintyre Initiative Partnership (KIP) held on 2 October 2015.

The group agreed to note the minute of the Third Sector and Communities CPP Strategic Group held on 26 August 2015. 

Due to other commitments of officers, the Chair ruled and the Group agreed, to take the agenda items out of sequence.  The order in which business was conducted is as recorded  in this minute. 

Update by Business Improvement Manager, Community Services

The group were given a verbal update in relation to the Syrian Refugee Resettlement Programme by the Business Improvement Manager.  She advised that the UK Government had given a commitment to resettle 20,000 refugees over the course of the remaining term in Government, and that Scotland were due to receive 2,000 of these refugees over the same timeframe.  Ms Brown explained that Argyll and Bute Council had set up a Refugee Resettlement Group in September which was made up of representatives from local authorities such as Police Scotland, ACHA, Fyne Homes and the third sector.  She explained that the first phase of the programme was to settle 15 families in Bute before Christmas.  She outlined the need to consider implications for Education, Health and Social Care and advised that detailed plans were underway. 

Ms Brown advised that phase two of the programme was to settle more families into the Campbeltown area, she explained that preparations would begin after Christmas and that the Group would continue to work closely with COSLA and the Home Office.

Discussion took place in respect of the level of support offered both locally and at a national level with the Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface confirming that they are playing an important role in keeping communities involved.  Further discussion took place in respect of matching people to areas that are similar to that of rural Syria.  Ms Brown confirmed that families who come to Scotland will have access to full benefits but will also have the opportunity to work.    

The Chair thanked Ms Brown for the information provided. 

Report by Community Development Officer

The group considered a report which outlined the background and the difficulties previously faced in relation to the request for inclusion in the appendix of the SOA:Local for MAKI.  He group noted that the issues in relation to the ownership of Dalintober Pier were now resolved.  

Decision:

1.    The group agreed that the project be supported by MAKI ACPG for inclusion within the Community Led Initiatives appendix to the SOA:Local;

2.    That the project seeks support from the relevant outcome Lead for the SOA; and

3.    With the approval from both, the project is included in Community Led Initiatives appendix to the SOA:Local. 

(Ref: Report by Community Planning Manager, dated 11 November 2015, submitted.)

Report by Community Planning 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 August 2015.  The report provided further information on the commitments of the CPP Management Committee in relation to attendance at meetings; the presentation of information in reports to the CPG’s; the scheduling of two Area CPG’s on the same day; communicating and advertising meetings and how CPG’s and local communities can become involved in influencing the Strategic Housing Investment Plan.  The Area Governance Manager agreed to circulate an update provided by the Housing Services Manager, to Partners by email.  Partners noted that the CPP has a forum called the Full Partnership which meet annually, to reflect on progress and issues relevant to Community Planning in Argyll and Bute. 

Discussion took place in respect of the EKOS report, which the Community Planning Officer confirmed was now publicly available via the Council’s website.  Further discussion in relation to setting agendas for future ACPG meetings was had, with the Area Governance Manager outlining the procedures and timescales involved in the process.  

Decision:

The group agreed to:-

1.    note the response set out in section 4.2 of the report, to issues raised by the Area Community Planning Groups;

2.    request that the Area Governance Manager take any further comment to the CPP’s Management Committee meeting on 18 December 2015; and

3.    distribute the attached highlights of the CPP Full Partnership meeting to interested and relevant persons and community groups.

(Ref:  Report by the Community Planning Manager, dated 11 November 2015, submitted.)

Presentation by Community Planning Manager

The group considered a presentation by the Community Planning Officer outlining the six development plans of the Single Outcome Agreement.  She outlined the monitoring process of each development plan, explaining how cross partner outcome leads are selected, how key contacts and data suppliers are identified and how local actions are extracted to form the SOA:Locals.  Mrs Quarton further advised of the review of the delivery plans and outlined the timescale for the production of new delivery plans and the plans to review the SOA:Locals. 

Discussion in relation to the timescales of the review at a time where the Council is looking to cut services was had, with the Community Planning Officer advising that the Management Committee had considered the timescales but feel that the delivery plans may assist in identifying what services are important within communities, with it being recognised that the Single Outcome Agreement is a document that all local authorities are looking to achieve. 

Further discussion was had with regard to the diverse geography of Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands, with Partners noting that the Council have requested that both the UK and Scottish Government ensure that islands get an equal service to the mainland.  The Area Governance Manager agreed to take this issue to the next CPG Management Committee meeting in December 2015. 

Decision:

The group agreed to note the presentation. 

(Ref:  Presentation by Community Planning Manager, dated 11 November 2015, submitted.)

The group considered a report outlining issues relating to the commercial air service operated by Logan Air.  It outlined the European Regulation which sets out the economic framework for air transport in the community and advised that the air service operated by Logan Air between Islay and Glasgow is a commercial air service and therefore cannot be subsidised by a national or local authority as a Public Service Obligation. 

Discussion took place in respect of the discounted rate given to residents in Islay, the annual travel costs incurred by the NHS; capacity issues and the disruption of services to and from Islay and the review of the Highlands and Islands Patient Travel Scheme.  The Area Governance Manager agreed to address these matters with the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services with a view to the Special Islands Task Force lobbying the operator regarding capacity issues and also to ensure effective links between the Transport Forum and the Community Planning Group. 

The Chair thanked Mr Bogle for the information provided. 

Decision:

The group agreed:

1.    to note the contents of the report; and

2.    requested that Logan Air be invited to the ACPG meeting in February 2016 to facilitate further discussion on air fares and service issues.

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director, Development and Infrastructure Services, dated 11 November 2015, submitted.)

A two minute silence to commemorate Remembrance Day took place at 11.00am, during discussion of this item. 

Discussion of this item was recorded under item 8(a) Public Service Obligations.

Report by Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services

The group considered an update by the Strategic Transportation Manager in relation to the Ardrossan to Campbeltown Ferry Service.  Ms Ingram advised that the final year of a pilot service had now ended and outlined the key benefits that the service had brought to the Kintyre area.  She further advised that a decision on whether the service would be made permanent was expected before Christmas. 

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the update. 

Report by North Regional Community Team Manager

Having noted that there was neither an update report nor attendance from a representative of Scottish Water, the Chair requested that the Area Governance Manager feed the disappointment of the group to the CPP Management Committee in the hope of improving attendance at future meetings. 

Report by Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator

The group considered a report providing information on the progress towards establishing a new community safety partnership structure and the rationale for its undertaking.  Partners noted that the new Community Safety Partnership aligns community safety within the community planning framework which will sharpen scrutiny and accountability and, in turn, drive forward community safety work streams and actions for outcome 6 of the Single Outcome Agreement.

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the report. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 11 November 2015, submitted.) 

Report by Police Scotland

The group considered a report which provided details of the Argyll and Bute Multi Agency Road Safety Group, and the initiatives being carried out, which included the National Road Safety Week from 23 to 30 November 2015 and the Festive Drink and Drug Driving Campaign.  The report also provided information in relation to speed limits outside schools in the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands area and in particular to issues outside Southend Primary School, and the recent initiative at Carradale Primary School which was to be rolled out to all 80 schools throughout Argyll and Bute.   The disappointment of the group at delays in rolling out this initiative was noted.  Discussion in relation to the reasons for the hold up was had with the Area Governance Officer agreeing to discuss the matter with the Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services. 

Further information in relation to training in respect of the Appropriate Adult initiative and the Argyll and Bute Alcohol and Drugs Partnership was provided.  Sgt Stewart further advised of the work being undertaken by the Safer Communities Officers, providing education in schools in relation to hate crime, bullying/cyber bullying and being a bystander.  She further advised of the ongoing partnership work with Argyll and Bute Council’s Trading Standards with regards to combating people who are believed to be getting targeted and falling victims to scams.

Decision:

The group agreed to note the update. 

(Ref:  Update report by Police Scotland, dated 11 November 2015, submitted.)

Copy of Report submitted to meeting of Argyll and Bute Council on 22 October 2015. 

The group were given a presentation by the Council’s Head of Improvement and HR Services in relation to the Planning our Future strategy.  She advised that Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy and Resources Committee agreed this strategy to meet the financial challenges ahead.  She further advised that savings options are identified by considering what the Council has a duty to deliver and what is being done that is additional to that and that  the Council are currently looking at different ways in which to make savings.  She outlined the public consultation exercise and the importance of ensuring that all communities have an opportunity to input into decisions going forward.  Discussion was had in relation to the difficulties of rural communities gaining access to the document, as completing it in libraries, customer service points or online is not always an option.  The Convenor of West Kintyre Community Council suggested that placing hard copies in village shops may be useful.  Further discussion in relation to ease of use was had with Partners advising that it is not the easiest site to navigate.  Ms Fowler advised that it is not necessary to complete all sections in the document and that you can opt to complete only the sections that are of interest.   The Area Governance Manager agreed that she would ask the Community Council Liasion Officer to notify all Community Councils that hard copies of the consultation document can be made available if required. 

Decision:

The group agreed:

1.    to note the contents of the report; and

2.    to pass the details of the consultation to relevant, interested parties. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 22 October 2015, submitted.)

Report by Head of Strategic Planning and Performance, Argyll and Bute HSCP

The group considered a report providing an update on progress on the actions undertaken to establish the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care partnership since its last meeting. The report highlighted the operating arrangements of the Integration Joint Board until 1 April 2016; the various management appointments to date; the consultation on the Strategic Plan 2016-2019 together with an indicative timetable; the ways in which staff and public could become involved and the contribution this has to the objectives of the Partnership.  Partners noted the governance implications and the need to have a full communication and engagement strategy in place by 1 April 2016. 

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the report. 

(Ref:  Report by Head of Strategic Planning and Performance, dated 4 November 2015, submitted.)

Presentation by Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Co-ordinator

The group considered a presentation by the Alcohol and Drug Partnership Coordinator.  The presentation outlined the part played by the Partnership in delivery of Outcomes 5 and 6 of the Single Outcome Agreement.  It outlined the Scottish Governments vision for how drug treatment services in Scotland should be delivered and highlighted the three principles that this vision is based on, with the most explicit aim of all being recovery.  She outlined the recovery oriented system of care which is lead by quality improvement principles.  Ms Muir spoke of the ADP priority themes for 2015/16 and how the Argyll and Bute Addiction Team (ABAT) support people affected by alcohol and drug related issues.  She outlined the key components of ABAT and partnership working of the service throughout Argyll and Bute.  Ms Muir further outlined the independent service Addaction.  She explained that the recovery service offers support to adults across Argyll and Bute who wish to address issues arising from alcohol, drug or other substance misuse, and outlined the aims, key components and partnership working of this service throughout Argyll and Bute.

The Chair thanked both Ms Muir and Ms McCluskie for the information provided.

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of the presentation.  

(Ref:  Presentation by the Alcohol and Drug Partnership Coordinator, dated 11 November 2015, submitted.)

Report by Area Governance Manager

The group considered a report, which included a guidance note setting out the purpose of community planning and how communities could engage in the community planning process and also providing an update in relation to work being undertaken by the Council’s Governance and Law Department to develop Community Council’s in an effort to better support their communities. 

Discussion in relation to the training opportunities of Community Councils was had with the group noting the commitment to provide training on the top four priorities as identified by the Community Councils.

Decision:

The group agreed:-

1.    to endorse the guidance note as attached in Appendix 1 of the report; and

2.    to note the action currently being taken forward in regard to supporting engagement with local communities. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 11 November 2015, submitted.)

Report by Executive Director of Customer Services

The group considered a report providing an update on the on-going monitoring of the Video Conferencing and Lync facilities in the Council Chambers, Kilmory and across the Council’s Wide Area Network available for use by the Council, Elected Members and Partner organisations.  Discussion took place in respect of the request by Jura Community Council to consider the poor provision of services from BT and Openreach; the lack of coverage and poor quality of mobile signal on Jura; the lack of capacity on the local grid network; the cost of applying for a grid connection; and the poor quality reception of radio systems which cause issues for emergency services.  The Area Governance Manager advised of a report on Digital Infrastructure that was being presented at the meeting of the Environmental, Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, she advised that she would circulate this to all partners by email.   Further discussion was had in relation to the closure of area offices for lunch regardless of what meetings are taking place.  Partners agreed that in situations where VC facilities are available the meeting should break for lunch at the same time to allow full participation in all items of business. 

Decision:

The group agreed to note the detail provided and the on-going improvement in the management of the performance of VC calls. 

(Ref:  Report by Executive Director of Customer Services, dated 11 November 2015, submitted.) 

Report by Argyll Third Sector Interface

The group gave consideration to reports from the Kintyre and Islay and Jura areas in relation to matters within the third sector since the last meeting of the group. 

Discussion took place in respect of presentations made by Zero Waste Heroes, which had been well received, and to the recent award won by Shopper-Aide.

Decision:

The group agreed to note the contents of both reports.

(Ref:  Reports by Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface, dated 11 November 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.  Discussion took place in respect of the success of other ACPG within Argyll and Bute where Community Councillors and members of third sector groups held the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair. 

Councillor MacMillan nominated Andy Buntin of Lochgilphead Community Council as Chair, this was seconded by Councillor Taylor.

Councillor Taylor nominated Councillor Colville as Vice-Chair, this was seconded by Councillor Currie.  

Decision:

The group agreed:

1.    to note the contents of the report; and

2.    unanimously agreed that Andy Buntin take up the role of Chair, and Councillor Colville take up the role of Vice-Chair.

(Ref:  Report by Area Governance Manager, dated 11 November 2015, submitted.)

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

Outcomes to be discussed – review of SOA: Local

Partners noted that the next meeting of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands CPG will take place on Wednesday 10 February 2016 at 10.00am within Room 2 of the Community Centre, Stewart Road, Campbeltown.