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One of the key actions in our Local Housing Strategy is to bring empty properties in �鶹���� and Bute back into use. With limited resources for new development, our Empty Homes Officer Kelly Ferns works hard to make the most effective use of existing stock. Not only does this help address housing need and demand, it also helps to regenerate and support sustainable communities. Kelly’s commitment and dedication to her work has seen her win an accolade of awards, most recently being named Outstanding Individual at the Howdens Scottish Empty Homes Champions of the Year Awards.

Did you know that �鶹���� and Bute Council’s website not only contains lots of useful information for residents, businesses and visitors; it also offers a huge range of online services that make connecting with the council quick and convenient. By logging on to the website you can now make secure online payments at any time of the day or night using the online “Pay It” service for:  Council Tax School meals Parking tickets

What location on Bute best promotes the island as a great place to live and work? �鶹���� and Bute Council is planning to commission photos to promote Bute and is asking local people for their views on which locations best represent the island. The photos form one element of the ‘Choose Bute, Love Bute’ campaign, due to be launched in August. The campaign is part of the council’s work to address �鶹���� and Bute’s falling population, by showcasing the area as a great place to live and work.

The council’s Growing Our Own scheme is all about providing opportunities for people to build rewarding careers with �鶹���� and Bute Council, and for young people to see the council as a future employer. Since 2014, the council’s Growing Our Own scheme has employed over 50 Modern Apprentices. This has provided young people with the opportunity to earn while they learn, kick starting their career by providing an opportunity to benefit from paid work experience and gain an industry recognised qualification.

Employers across �鶹���� and Bute are being reminded that a work permit is required for all young people aged between 14 and 16 who work part-time whilst still at school. �鶹���� and Bute Council is committed to the protection of children in employment, and has a number of byelaws which state the rules and regulations governing the employment of children – one of which is a valid work permit. The work permit is free of charge and must be signed by the head teacher from the young person’s school, as well as a parental guardian and employer.

Could you offer a child a home in a secure, loving environment? If so, �鶹���� and Bute Council is looking for you to come forward and apply to become a foster carer. There are always a number of young people looking for foster carers in �鶹���� and Bute, for a variety of reasons, either on a temporary basis while �鶹���� are made for their future, or for an extended period if they are unable to go back to their family.

We're now into the second week of our A to Z of council services. F is for Family Milestones Our registrars work hard to deliver a personal service. Responsible for registering births, deaths and marriages, their job can be emotional. “I really love my job,” said Registrar Shona Brechin, “No two days are ever the same and I like the fact that we get to help people at both the happiest and most difficult times of their life.” Since 2002 people have been able to get married anywhere.

The council has developed an Economic Strategy and associated Action Plan to focus its resources on economic development activities that will have the greatest benefit on the sustainable economic growth of its communities and Scotland as a whole. This new strategy demonstrates the council’s corporate priorities for developing the �鶹���� and Bute’s economy, thereby facilitating focus, effective resource planning and partnership working at local, national, European and international levels.

People living in �鶹���� and Bute are being given the opportunity to make their homes more energy efficient thanks to the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland: Area Based Scheme (HEEPS: ABS). The Scottish Government has awarded �鶹���� and Bute Council a grant of £1,745,908 to help residents make energy efficiency improvements to their properties. These include external/internal wall insulation, underfloor insulation, cavity wall insulation and loft insulation.

A total of 933 vessel berth nights were spent at �鶹���� and Bute Council’s North Pier Pontoons, Oban, during June 2019. That’s more than three times higher than the total number of berth nights clocked up at the pontoons during the same month in 2018. The leap in the number of visitors, spending time in shops and restaurants, is great news for the Oban economy and cements its place as a ‘must visit’ location for sailors.