NLP Board Minutes 21 December 2005 (1)

Cllr Smith welcomed all to the meeting, particularly Jim Dickie, who as key officer leading the Community Plan's Health, Wellbeing and Care theme, was attending to deliver a presentation on progress to date. Gus Ferguson, Sandra Mackay, (Social Work), Melanie Menzies (Community Services) and Stuart Hamilton (Health & Safety section) were also in attendance.

Apologies were noted from Councillor McCabe, Ken Corsar and Tim Davison, NHS Lanarkshire, Nicky Munro, Scottish Executive, and David Collie, Jobcentre Plus.

These were agreed as an accurate record.

Antisocial Behaviour Outcome Agreement - M Castles advised that verbal approval had now been received from the Scottish Executive to the latest Antisocial Behaviour Outcome Agreement submission.

Cumbernauld Town Centre regeneration – G Whitefield advised the meeting that an evening seminar had taken place on 13 December. The seminar was to update on the current position and future regeneration of the town centre. Invited to this meeting were representatives from the Association of Community Councils and Cumbernauld Community Forum. Overall, the seminar proved successful and a follow-up meeting will be held with a sub-group of the Community Forum in January to address issues which were raised at the seminar. The write-up will be circulated to the NLP partners in due course.

Jim Dickie gave a presentation (copy attached) to the Board on progress with this theme. He summarised the key areas of the theme including fuel poverty, food and nutrition, physical activity and tobacco issues. Gus Ferguson and Melanie Menzies provided additional detail on issues relating to some of these priorities.

Chief Superintendent McGuire asked about alcohol misuse. Jim outlined developments with the Alcohol and Drug Action Team but confirmed that there is still a great deal to be done. Schools are currently targeted as part of a programme addressing drugs and alcohol.

Community Cafes are also being targeted to promote healthy eating. Community Regeneration funding is available to support these venues in order to change menus and equipment. However, there is still a long way to go to try to change people's attitudes towards healthy eating.

The Chair thanked Jim and his colleagues for their contribution.

M Castles summarised the paper which had been distributed. The key areas where progress has been made are – the establishment of Local Area Partnerships; development of local area teams; and initial work on the production of Neighbourhood Improvement Plans all of which are crucial to the success of local community planning. Membership of the Local Area Partnerships and Area Team membership has been agreed which includes elected members, departmental staff and representatives from NHS, SEL, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, Jobcentre Plus and Communities Scotland.

B Lister requested that a list of schools within each Area Committee area be made available.

The Board noted progress in developing local Community Planning.

S Mackay advised the Board that there is still no clear way forward with a single CVS. Two business plans have been received to date with one of the CVSs withdrawing from discussions. A meeting is being arranged with SCVO and the chairs of the 3 CVSs in January 06 to review options. If this does not prove successful in implementing a single CVS, then further consideration is needed on how services will be delivered. The 3 CVSs will continue providing services to the end of this financial year. A report giving options for future service provision will be made to the Board for a decision at the February 06 meeting.

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