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The council has published an update on its preparations to meet an estimated funding gap of more than £6 million next year. Reports that will be considered at next week’s Policy and Resources Committee set out progress in identifying options for cutting costs, making savings and raising income. Councillor Gary Mulvaney, Policy Lead for Financial Services, explained the particular funding challenges facing Argyll and Bute:

The council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee has endorsed Zero Waste Scotland’s Household Recycling Charter and its Code of Practice. This reinforces the council’s commitment to reducing its carbon emissions and tackling climate change. Argyll and Bute already complies with the majority of the essential requirements outlined in the charter’s Code of Practice. However, that Code of Practice is coming under review in the light of new legislation, including the Deposit Return Scheme and the Landfill Ban.

The council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee approved a new approach to encourage and support the use of electric vehicles throughout Argyll and Bute. This will help tackle climate change. The council will develop its network of electric vehicle charging points. It will seek government funding and introduce fees for the electricity used to make sure that the programme is sustainable.

Ongoing investment in Argyll and Bute’s roads continues to show some improvements in the overall network condition. As a result, Argyll and Bute remains in the top five fastest improving Scottish Local Authorities in terms of road condition. The council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee endorsed the Annual Status and Options Report (ASOR) this week. The ASOR summarises the council’s road assets as at April 2020 and sets out future investment options to be considered.

A £2.7 million project to regenerate Rothesay’s historic buildings and assist the growth of the local economy continues to deliver strong results.   The Rothesay Townscape Heritage programme is funded by National Heritage Lottery Fund (NHLF), Historic Environment Scotland (HES), Argyll and Bute Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), LEADER, and through Smarter Choices Smarter Places. Two million pounds from the total fund is being made available to property owners through the offer of grant support.                           

A £1.9 million project to regenerate Dunoon town centre, restore its historic buildings and celebrate its culture and history has made strong progress over the past year.  The Dunoon Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (Dunoon CARS) works with property owners, providing grants to support building repairs with the aim of safeguarding historic properties and enhancing the town’s visual appearance via the use of traditional construction materials and techniques.  

Hermitage Primary School in Helensburgh is the first school in Argyll and Bute to be awarded Gold by Unicef UK’s Rights Respecting School programme.

“At a time of unprecedented challenge, Argyll and Bute’s economic recovery demands action – now.” These were the words of Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, following cross-party agreement at last week’s Council meeting, to raise the need for urgent action on the A83 with the First Minister. This follows weeks of sporadic closure of both the A83 and the Old Military Road diversion. Councillor Currie continued:

The council’s Supporting Communities Fund will open on 11 January next year, with improvements designed to benefit applicants and communities. The Supporting Communities Fund (SCF) provides grants of potentially up to £2,500 for the voluntary sector, community councils and parent councils. The council sought feedback from previous years’ applicants, to improve the fund’s impact for local communities and the process for organisations. As a result, at its meeting today, Council agreed a number of key changes.

Argyll and Bute’s council has adopted a Decarbonisation Plan that explains how council services will focus on being environmentally responsible in their day to day work. While no single organisation can tackle climate change in isolation, the Decarbonisation Plan sets out the council’s intention to lead the way in Argyll and Bute. The plan sets out its achievements to date and its intentions for the future.