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More vulnerable people have been able to remain independently in their homes, and much-needed improvements have been made to existing private housing stock, thanks to the council-managed Private Sector Housing Grant (PSHG). Around 70% of £421,000 allocated this year was used on adaptations that helped people with a disability remain at home safely. These changes were made whether the homes were privately owned or rented.

Supporting tenancies, making houses more homely and providing immediate help in emergencies were just some of the real benefits that Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP) funding offered people in vulnerable situations in 2020/21. Councillor Robin Currie, Policy Lead for Economy and Rural Growth, said: “This is a great example of what our housing team has done with money allocated by the Scottish Government. Despite the challenges of covid, we’ve taken forward three key projects that have helped people through really difficult times.

Keeping people safe during the cold, dark winter nights and mornings starts with preparation in early autumn and a budget of more than £2.2m. Members of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee, on Thursday 2 September, approved the 2021-22 Winter Service Policy, which prioritises how Argyll and Bute’s roads will be treated ahead of winter hazards. These winter stand-by arrangements operate from Friday 29 October 2021 until Friday 15 April 2022.

The £10m investment in Argyll and Bute’s roads for 2021/22 is on track to see 229 km of road improved, just over 10% of the road network, by the end of the financial year. On top of that, the council has secured a further £1.249m, through the Scottish Timber Transport Scheme, towards repairing roads used to haul forestry timber. And further investment of £900,000, which includes £400,000 of funding for green transport and travel, will be used to improve footways throughout Argyll and Bute.

Issued by icecream architecture Back in May of 2021, the public were asked to take part in a survey to help a team of designers identify a new and improved walking, cycling and wheeling route from Helensburgh to Garelochhead. The team has now collated the responses and used these to inform the initial design proposals. Now the public can visit helensburgh-garelochhead.info to find out more; view the designs; and submit comments and questions.

  Visitors to Bute will soon be able to send digital postcards across the world to help promote the island and attract more people to the area.    A new bespoke sculptural welcome sign is to be located in the winter gardens with visitors encouraged to share the Bute welcome to the rest of the world.

Kintyre residents can look out for new blue recycling bins arriving in September, in preparation for a new bin collection service starting in October. The new service is designed to make it more convenient for people in Kintyre to recycle their domestic waste. It means that the majority of Kintyre residents will receive the same recycling service as the rest of mainland Argyll and Bute. Councillor Rory Colville, Policy Lead for Roads and Infrastructure Services, said:

Helensburgh’s state-of-the art leisure centre is on track to open in 2022, despite the construction challenges brought by the global pandemic. One year after construction began, the main building is structurally complete, with the external Lomond stone blockwork and glazing installed, there are new flood defences for the town and landscaping is well underway. When it’s complete the council’s £22 million development will provide residents and visitors with new swimming and studio pools, and a gym and café with stunning views of the Clyde.

Businesses who continue to face challenges from the impact of Covid will benefit from a new Hardship Fund. Online applications open at 10am on 9 September 2021 and will close on Wednesday 15 September 2021 with funds allocated on a first come, first served basis. Prepare to applyThe fund is open to businesses facing financial challenges in 2021-22, due to the impact of Covid on the business in 2020-21.

Help is available for people across Argyll and Bute who are struggling to access food and heat their homes. The Flexible Food Fund has helped 550 households access £760,000 of benefit income fuel debt relief since January 2021, with an average financial gain of £1,385 per household. Funded by the Scottish Government, the project allows the Council’s benefit team to work with third sector partners including Bute Advice Centre, ALIenergy and foodbanks, to support people who are struggling for money to cover food and fuel costs.