We Asked, You Said, We Did

Below are some of the topics we have recently consulted on and their outcomes.

We asked

We asked the Invergowrie community about:

  • the flood risk in Invergowrie
  • the findings of the study
  • other actions to raise awareness and improve community flood resilience

 

You said

Comments were received regarding:

  • the assessment of flood risk (flood maps) and their impact on property insurance
  • how options were assessed, including economic appraisal
  • issues associated with drainage systems

We did

A Question and Answer report was produced and issued to the local community. The flood study has been finalised and the findings will now be reported at the next Climate Change & Sustainability Committee (16 November 2022).

We asked

Following an onsite consultation in autumn 2021 at Victory Park in Bridge of Earn, we produced a concept masterplan for the site including the play facilities.  We then ran a further consultation from June to July 2022 asking for your views on the design.

You said

We received 60 responses through the consultation hub with a small number of others providing feedback through other means.

The responses were very largely positive with a number ideas for us to consider as we continue to develop the project further in discussion with the Victory Park Development Group and Bridge of Earn AFC.

Concerns raised include flooding and drainage which have been in our thoughts throughout.  Respondents also had concerns about the management of long grass areas, and about litter and dog fouling.

We did

Since the consultation finished we have held further meetings with the Victory Park Development Group and other stakeholders. Discussions are ongoing with Bridge of Earn AFC as the additional play equipment we plan to include will impact on an area they use for training off of the football pitch itself.

The concept masterplan proposes to raise the level of the ground where the play facilities are located but we have undertaken further flood investigation works very recently to see what else can be done. It is recognised that due to the flat, low-lying nature of the site and the underlying geology the Park will continue to flood after prolonged wet weather.  The masterplan will be available on this page once completed.

We asked

For your priorities about how the Council's Housing Service should spend your rent money during the year 2023/24.

You said

The full results can be viewed below.

We did

The results were fed back to tenants at the Tenant Summer Conference which was held on June 22nd 2022.

The results will now be considered and further consultation will be held with tenants before several options are put together for 2023/24 rent levels, based on what tenants have told us.

These options will be presented to our tenants in autumn 2022 and they will be asked to vote for their preferred rent level option for 2023/24.

 

We asked

We sought participation in our online survey on the Birks of Aberfeldy Management Plan so as to implement improvement projects and upgrades, as a working partnership with the community over the next 5 years, while seek funding for others.  We also welcomed any other comments, impressions, and suggestions.

You said

After an initial consultation with key stakeholders including the Birks of Aberfeldy Community Group and Nature Scot we received a small number of further responses to this public consultation. Some of this will help inform the implementation of the Plan.

We did

We have begun to implement the items on the actions list featured in the action plan and are applying for funding where possible to supplement insufficient council resources and budgets. Simultaneously we continue with the programming and implementation of larger projects into 2023/24 and beyond, pending budgets.

We asked

We asked for your thoughts and preferences on the free period products initiative in Perth and Kinross; what kind of products you would like to be able to access, what kind of venues you would like to access them from, and where within these venues you would like to be able to access products.

You said

The current provision and arrangements on offer in Perth and Kinross meet preferences relatively closely, however more work needs to be done on raising awareness of the scheme and its offer to everyone. 

We did

The results were used to determine how we can improve the quality, usefulness and reach of the Free Period Products initiative in Perth and Kinross. A Statement of Intent has been published, which outlines how we will take forward the scheme in community, school and council premises settings in Perth and Kinross. For more information on the scheme, please visit: Free period products in Perth and Kinross - Perth & Kinross Council (pkc.gov.uk).

We asked

We asked for your views on local housing need in Perth and Kinross as we begin the process of producing a new Local Housing Strategy for 2022-27.

You said

An overview of the responses, as well as the full detailed results, are available in the results section of the consultation.

We did

All of the responses gathered will be analysed and will help to inform the creation of a new Local Housing Strategy for the next five years.

We asked

Whether you are satisfied with the proposed changes to the Loch Leven Special Protection Area and Ramsar Site Guidance. 

You said

Responses from statutory agencies were of a technical nature. There were no responses from the general public.

We did

The suggested amendments made in the first consultation were adopted into draft guidance. Further minor technical changes outside of the consultation period were requested by SEPA leading to a further consultation and minor technical wording changes requested. These changes were incorporated into the final adopted guidance.

We asked

We asked all 7,760 of our tenant households to choose from three rent level increase options for 2022/23. The three options we put forward were based on what tenants told us their investment priorities were during engagement with them throughout the previous 12 months.

Our Rent Level voting form sent to all tenants explained what investment in Housing Services would be possible under all three of the options: 

  • A 3% increase
  • A 3.5% increase
  • A 4% increase

 

You said

A total of 2,177 tenants responded to the consultation – almost 30% of our tenants. This was the biggest ever response to our annual rent level survey, and compares to 1,282 responses last year.

Over half of tenants said they preferred the option of a 3% increase: 

  • A 3% increase (54% of tenants chose this)
  • A 3.5% increase (29%)
  • A 4% increase (17%)

We did

A report went to Housing and Commuinities Committee on January 24th 2022 recommending a 3% increase in rent levels for 2022/23, in line with the views of tenants, 

This was approved by elected members on the committee.

The 3% increase will allow us to make new and increased investment in:

  • Resources to help us achieve a net-zero carbon emissions housing stock (£133,000).
  • Our Tenancy Sustainment Fund, which supports tenants who are suffering financial hardship and struggling to pay their rent. This will rise by £50,000 to £200,000. 
  • Buying back ex-Council properties to increase our housing stock. An additional £15 million will be invested over the next over five years.
  • Covering increasing costs of buying stock for repairs and improvements (£220,000). 
  • Electrical Inspection Condition Reports (EICR). We are now legally required to ensure all tenants’ homes have an EICR to confirm they meet electrical standards. We must test all of our properties every 5 years which will involve additional costs of £185,000.

Elected members also decided to invest an additional £38,000 in preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour.

The rent increase takes effect on Monday 4th April 2022. 

We asked

For comments and suggestions on the guidance and in particular on the enhancement requirements for new development that have been set out.

You said

A number of good suggestions were made, particularly around the strength of wording and in the context of the climate and biodiversity crises and the implementation of a biodiversity net gain approach.

We did

Your comments were taken on board and where relevant incorporated into the guidance which was adopted in April 2022. The final adopted guidance is available here.  A full account of comments and actions taken is available under results.

We asked

We asked for your views on Short Breaks and if you were entitled, how you would like these provided.

You said

That it was important that Short Breaks were delivered flexibly.  You also told us that weekend overnight care, away from home was your preferred pattern for a Short Break.

We did

Your responses have been shared with the Improvement Officers and Project Team who are reviewing the Short Break services. Once the review is complete we will share more information.

We asked

We asked the Invergowrie community about:

  • the flood risk in Blackford
  • the findings of the Blackford flood study
  • other actions to raise awareness and improve community flood resilience

You said

In general, the majority of the comments received were in regard to the assessment of flood risk in Blackford (flood maps). This included questions about how the flood maps were developed, queries about the predicted flood extents and about the impacts of the maps on property owners. Some comments were received on the recommended flood scheme option.

We did

The recommended option has been submitted to SEPA for prioritisation and will hopefully be included within the national priority list of flood schemes. The scheme has now been included within the next Forth Flood Risk Management Strategy and Local Flood Risk Management Plan (covering the period from 2022 to 2028).

We asked

We consulted on this draft non-statutory guidance to allow key stakeholders including the public the opportunity to help shape the Development Brief. 

You said

The consultation ran for 6 weeks from 14 June to 26 July 2021. Your comments were valuable and have been used to shape the final version of the guidance.

We did

Following this consultation, responses were analysed to inform revised guidance which was adopted at the Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources 1st September committee. There were 27 responses to the consultation, 21 of which were from members of the public, including a mixture of supportive comments and concerns. We prepared a report when preparing and finalising the guidance.

We asked

We asked you what your priorities were for spending your rent money on Housing Services for 2022/23

You said

What you told us about your priorities for Housing Services was included in this presentation which was given to the Summer Tenant Conference on June 17th 2021. 

We did

We will use the feedback you gave us to formulate rent level options for 2022/23 that will enable us to deliver on your spending priorities.

Each tenant will be given the opportunity to vote on these options later this year.

Thank you to every tenant who took part in the consultation. 

We asked

The views of parents/carers and the wider community who will be impacted as a result of the formation of a new catchment area for the new school at Bertha Park and the future of Ruthvenfield Primary School.

The views of the following groups were considered;

  • Parents/carers of all children living within the Ruthvenfield Primary School catchment area;
  • Parents/carers of those pupils attending Ruthvenfield Primary School as placing requests;
  • The wider community living in the Ruthvenfield Primary School catchment area; and
  • Parents/carers of all children living in the Tulloch Primary School and Luncarty Primary School catchment areas who would be impacted by the new catchments proposed in the options.

The options that were considered were as follows;

Option A

A new primary school will be built on a site adjacent to Bertha Park High School and a catchment area created for the new school. Ruthvenfield Primary School will continue to operate from its existing building with new catchment area created and the condition improved.

Option B

A new primary school will be built on a site adjacent to Bertha Park High School. This school will replace Ruthvenfield Primary School and pupils attending Ruthvenfield Primary School will be educated in the new building when it opens. The capacity of the new school will be larger as it will also accommodate pupils from a wider catchment area including a large part of the major housebuilding sites in the area. The current Ruthvenfield Primary School building would close

You said

There were 423 letters issued as part of the pre-consultation exercise. 40 responses were received, 34 from the Ruthvenfield Primary School catchment area and 6 from the Tulloch Primary School catchment area. This is an overall response rate of 9%. The response rate from Ruthvenfield Primary School parents/carers is 45%.

The majority of responses received from respondents associated with Ruthvenfield Primary School catchment area, during the pre-consultation exercise, favoured Option A.

Summary of Ruthvenfield Primary School catchment area responses

Respondents (Ruthvenfield Primary School (RPS) Catchment Area)

Total Responses

In favour of Option A

In favour of Option B

Parents/Carers of pupils living in the RPS catchment area

9

8

1

Parents/Carers of pupils attending RPS on placing requests

12

11

1

Parents/carers of under-fives living in the RPS catchment area

7

5

2

Wider community

6

5

1

Total

34

29

5

 

We did

On 25 August 2021 Lifelong Learning Committee considered the report Catchment for new primary school at Bertha Park and future of Ruthvenfield Primary School.

The decision of Lifelong Learning Committee was as follows;

  1. The outcome of the informal pre-consultation in respect of the catchment for the new Primary School at Bertha Park and future of Ruthvenfield Primary School be noted.
  2. The expenditure pressure of an additional £1,150,000 per annum in revenue costs from 2026/27, which will come forward as part of the Councils Revenue Budget setting process based on the recommendation of the options appraisal be noted.
  3. The recommendation of the options appraisal to proceed at this time with Option A, detailed in the options appraisal (Appendix A to Report 21/136); a new primary school will be built on a site adjacent to Bertha Park High School and a catchment area created for the new school. Ruthvenfield Primary School will continue to operate from its existing building with a new catchment area created and the condition of the building improved be approved.
  4. It be agreed that the Executive Director (Education and Children’s Services) commences statutory consultation in respect of the establishment of the new school and new catchment areas as detailed in Option A in the options appraisal (Appendix A to Report 21/136) and associated changes as required by the Schools Consultation (Scotland) Act 2010.

We asked

We sought the views of parents/carers of any child/children currently attending primary school and/or children under the age of five living in the catchment areas identified as part of the catchment review.

A questionnaire was issued with the purpose of gathering views on the proposed catchment review and the implementation of nursery provision.

You said

The committee report and appendix, which details the outcomes of the options appraisal, provide further information on the feedback received from parents/carers.

We did

The committee report was presented to Lifelong Learning Committee on 26 May 2021 which recommended that the school capacity of 44 pupils would be retained along with the existing catchment area and no nursery provision would be included within Abernyte Primary School.

The committee decision was as follows;

  1. It be noted that the school roll has risen recently and the projected school roll is due to rise again for session 2021/2022 at Abernyte Primary School. The school roll will be the highest it has been since 2010.
  2. The capacity of 44 pupils at Abernyte Primary School would remain and a statutory consultation on a proposal to amend the catchment area for Abernyte Primary School to include the area currently within the Inchture Primary School catchment area north of the A90 within the catchment of Abernyte Primary School is to be undertaken;
  3. It be noted that the introduction of nursery provision is not required at Abernyte Primary School at this time.

We asked

We asked for your feedback on the draft Food Growing Strategy to make sure that we are going in the right direction. We wanted to know whether we identified all the communities with demand for support and whether we selected the right actions to focus on.

You said

We received over 50 comments to our online survey and 50 attendees took part in our online workshops we held in February. We are currently in the process of analysing the representations and identifying where we can improve the draft strategy.

We did

In the coming months, we will finalise the Food Growing Strategy based on your comments and identify where we require additional resources to deliver the action plan. We will report our findings and the finalised strategy back to committee later in 2021.

We asked

Climate Change is having a significant and detrimental impact to our surrounding environment and nature. We must adapt our lifestyle and habits to see the benefits such as; an improvement in health, saving money on energy and carbon saving actions, and encouraging more biodiversity in our natural environment.

We asked what challenges you face in tackling Climate Change and how we can work together to become a climate resilient Perth and Kinross.

You said

We received comments and feedback across all five phases of the engagement, as well as online sessions hosted by PKC and Climate Cafés across the region, to highlight the key areas which you feel should be prioritised and what actions and next steps we should take. The following were some of the feedback and suggestions from phase 5;

  • Promotion of Green Tourism and supporting local businesses.
  • Encourage supermarkets to reduce food packaging and to source food locally.
  • More information and advice to be made available to businesses about waste management.
  • Better use of recycling centre facilities - e.g. facility for people to have their items repaired and a shop or unit(s) to obtain refurbished or 'like new' items.

We did

Along with the action points and next steps from the series of online sessions and Climate Cafés, the results of the engagement was presented to the Council in late summer 2021.The full analysis of the engagement process has contrinbuted towards the development of our Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

Our final Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan can be viewed on our dedicated Perth & Kinross Climate Action Website.

On the 15th of December 2021 Councillors unanimously backed the Draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, which sets out how Perth and Kinross will reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Our Draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan identifies eight thematic areas. Transport, Land Use, Energy & Buildings, Waste, Business & Industry, Resilience, Education and Engagement, and Governance.

The strategy also highlights how we will reduce the impact of climate change on communities and how residents and businesses are vital to creating a sustainable future. The Strategy is guided by the following principles:

  1. Achieving Net Zero aligned with the Paris Agreement and Scottish Government targets by 2045, if not before
  2. Building a more resilient Perth and Kinross
  3. Ensuring climate change action is fair and the transition to a green economy benefits all
  4. Enhancing biodiversity
  5. Engaging young people and empowering them to take action against climate change
  6. Empowering businesses and communities to take climate action in line with the Perth and Kinross Offer

The Strategy will be supported by the creation of a Perth and Kinross Climate Change Commission, which councillors approved earlier this year. This will bring together businesses, community groups, individuals and young people to scrutinise the strategy and support its implementation.

We asked

Climate Change is having a significant and detrimental impact to our surrounding environment and nature. We must adapt our lifestyle and habits to see the benefits such as; an improvement in health, saving money on energy and carbon saving actions, and encouraging more biodiversity in our natural environment.

We asked what challenges you face in tackling Climate Change and how we can work together to become a climate resilient Perth and Kinross.

You said

We received comments and feedback across all five phases of the engagement, as well as online sessions hosted by PKC and Climate Cafés across the region, to highlight the key areas which you feel should be prioritised and what actions and next steps we should take. The following were some of the feedback and suggestions from phase 4;
 

  • More segregated cycle paths and comprehensive routes.
  • Improve the public transport services and connections in more rural areas.
  • The introduction of more School Exclusion Zones.

We did

Along with the action points and next steps from the series of online sessions and Climate Cafés, the results of the engagement was presented to the Council in late summer 2021.The full analysis of the engagement process has contrinbuted towards the development of our Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

Our final Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan can be viewed on our dedicated Perth & Kinross Climate Action Website.

On the 15th of December 2021 Councillors unanimously backed the Draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, which sets out how Perth and Kinross will reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Our Draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan identifies eight thematic areas. Transport, Land Use, Energy & Buildings, Waste, Business & Industry, Resilience, Education and Engagement, and Governance.

The strategy also highlights how we will reduce the impact of climate change on communities and how residents and businesses are vital to creating a sustainable future. The Strategy is guided by the following principles:

  1. Achieving Net Zero aligned with the Paris Agreement and Scottish Government targets by 2045, if not before
  2. Building a more resilient Perth and Kinross
  3. Ensuring climate change action is fair and the transition to a green economy benefits all
  4. Enhancing biodiversity
  5. Engaging young people and empowering them to take action against climate change
  6. Empowering businesses and communities to take climate action in line with the Perth and Kinross Offer

The Strategy will be supported by the creation of a Perth and Kinross Climate Change Commission, which councillors approved earlier this year. This will bring together businesses, community groups, individuals and young people to scrutinise the strategy and support its implementation.

We asked

Climate Change is having a significant and detrimental impact to our surrounding environment and nature. We must adapt our lifestyle and habits to see the benefits such as; an improvement in health, saving money on energy and carbon saving actions, and encouraging more biodiversity in our natural environment.

We asked what challenges you face in tackling Climate Change and how we can work together to become a climate resilient Perth and Kinross.

You said

We received comments and feedback across all five phases of the engagement, as well as online sessions hosted by PKC and Climate Cafés across the region, to highlight the key areas which you feel should be prioritised and what actions and next steps we should take. The following were some of the feedback and suggestions from phase 1;

 

  • Perth & Kinross Council should lead by example and set their own ambitious targets.
  • Suggestion of a Citizen Panel to be established.
  • More information and guidance is needed from the Council to help communities, businesses, and all other stakeholders with behavioural changes.

We did

Along with the action points and next steps from the series of online sessions and Climate Cafés, the results of the engagement was presented to the Council in late summer 2021.The full analysis of the engagement process has contrinbuted towards the development of our Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

Our final Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan can be viewed on our dedicated Perth & Kinross Climate Action Website.

On the 15th of December 2021 Councillors unanimously backed the Draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, which sets out how Perth and Kinross will reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Our Draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan identifies eight thematic areas. Transport, Land Use, Energy & Buildings, Waste, Business & Industry, Resilience, Education and Engagement, and Governance.

The strategy also highlights how we will reduce the impact of climate change on communities and how residents and businesses are vital to creating a sustainable future. The Strategy is guided by the following principles:

  1. Achieving Net Zero aligned with the Paris Agreement and Scottish Government targets by 2045, if not before
  2. Building a more resilient Perth and Kinross
  3. Ensuring climate change action is fair and the transition to a green economy benefits all
  4. Enhancing biodiversity
  5. Engaging young people and empowering them to take action against climate change
  6. Empowering businesses and communities to take climate action in line with the Perth and Kinross Offer

The Strategy will be supported by the creation of a Perth and Kinross Climate Change Commission, which councillors approved earlier this year. This will bring together businesses, community groups, individuals and young people to scrutinise the strategy and support its implementation.

We asked

Climate Change is having a significant and detrimental impact to our surrounding environment and nature. We must adapt our lifestyle and habits to see the benefits such as; an improvement in health, saving money on energy and carbon saving actions, and encouraging more biodiversity in our natural environment.

We asked what challenges you face in tackling Climate Change and how we can work together to become a climate resilient Perth and Kinross.

You said

We received comments and feedback across all five phases of the engagement, as well as online sessions hosted by PKC and Climate Cafés across the region, to highlight the key areas which you feel should be prioritised and what actions and next steps we should take. The following were some of the feedback and suggestions from phase 3;

  • Suggestion of Integrated River Catchment Management.
  • PKC should aim to reduce the use of fertilisers and pesticides.
  • Challenges to more sustainable practices in Agriculture are mainly associated with costs and knowledge.

We did

Along with the action points and next steps from the series of online sessions and Climate Cafés, the results of the engagement was presented to the Council in late summer 2021.The full analysis of the engagement process has contrinbuted towards the development of our Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

Our final Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan can be viewed on our dedicated Perth & Kinross Climate Action Website.

On the 15th of December 2021 Councillors unanimously backed the Draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, which sets out how Perth and Kinross will reach net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Our Draft Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan identifies eight thematic areas. Transport, Land Use, Energy & Buildings, Waste, Business & Industry, Resilience, Education and Engagement, and Governance.

The strategy also highlights how we will reduce the impact of climate change on communities and how residents and businesses are vital to creating a sustainable future. The Strategy is guided by the following principles:

  1. Achieving Net Zero aligned with the Paris Agreement and Scottish Government targets by 2045, if not before
  2. Building a more resilient Perth and Kinross
  3. Ensuring climate change action is fair and the transition to a green economy benefits all
  4. Enhancing biodiversity
  5. Engaging young people and empowering them to take action against climate change
  6. Empowering businesses and communities to take climate action in line with the Perth and Kinross Offer

The Strategy will be supported by the creation of a Perth and Kinross Climate Change Commission, which councillors approved earlier this year. This will bring together businesses, community groups, individuals and young people to scrutinise the strategy and support its implementation.