Minute of the Community Car Association Meeting

16^th April 2008

Venue: The Board Room, Pullar House, Perth.

Present:

Apologies:

1.      Welcome and Apologies

The Chairman welcomed those present and apologies submitted.

2.      Minute of previous meeting on 27^th February 2008

The minute did not reflect the presence of Jane Laahs. This was noted with changes made.

The minute was approved. Proposed by JL, Seconded by MC.

3.      Matters Arising:

          a) Leaflets

The draft leaflet was presented and suggested changes recorded.

Action:        CDW to incorporate changes and arrange for printing.

          b) Application Form

The application form has been circulated although NA did not receive a copy.

Action:        CDW to post out copy to NA

It was agreed to remove the question regarding journeys out with Scotland from the questionnaire.

The definition of a “journey” was discussed with the example: Kinross to Perth = 1 journey. Return Perth to Kinross = 2^nd journey. The acknowledgement letter has now been refined and will be distributed to those who join the CCA with the voluntary questionnaire.

JB emphasised the importance of common record keeping. Quantifying the number of people service providers help, and how often the service is used, are excellent tools to help funding applications and to demonstrate the value of CT.

          c) Membership 

Five groups have now joined the CCA and WRVS have confirmed their support and intention to join.  The letter to Practice Managers has successfully increased awareness of the CCA. AM stated the letter had caused confusion. NDJ confirmed he was aware of this. It was decided to re-approach GP Surgeries offering to visit and present the powerpoint presentation to GP’s and their staff (see 5. below).

          c) Funding

JG described the current financial situation: PKCTG and the CCA are running on minimal funds with expenditure being examined. The JIT money was not received until 26^th March 2008. Had this money not been received the year end account balance would have been £19. The sum of £6,000 is expected from P&K Council in the next few weeks as per the previous three year agreement. On this basis, PKCTG should be able to continue operations at the current level for the next 6 months. JB confirmed the importance of the CCA to the Council and that P&K Council are hopeful to supply additional funding to take operations to financial year end. PKCTG should hear more in the next few weeks. JG asked that thanks be recorded to the Council for the rooms that the CCA use, free of charge.

          d) Insurance

NDJ raised the double indemnity issue with Ian Golding at the Transport with Care meeting on 15^th April. He confirmed the SAS underwriters insurance would insure clients carried by Voluntary Car Schemes, providing the SAS ask the Voluntary Car Schemes to transport the client. Ian Golding confirmed he would put this in writing. JB stated that the SAS wish to concentrate on those requiring PTS. NA would be surprised if the SAS are able to obtain blanket insurance as the SAS underwriters insurance would not guarantee the quality of the service i.e. whether drivers have had disclosures etc.

Other matters arising:

AM asked whether the CDW/PKCTG will be registering as the intermediary body with CRBS? KVGROS have just been informed that PKAVS will be charging for the CRBS checks. The cost will be £20 for the group to register and £5 for every disclosure.

JB stated it would be ideal for the CDW to register and this service be offered through the CCA.

Action:        CDW to contact CRBS and start the procedure.

4.      Resource Pack

The contents of the resource pack although still evolving, are now available for comment and feedback.

Action:        CDW to distribute contents of the resource pack

5.      Visitation Programme

The projector to be used in the visitation programme is to be purchased 16^th April. Prices for desk top display boards have been obtained. Prices are around £160.

Action:        CDW and Chair to obtain display board prices from other suppliers.

Funding is now in place to underpin PKCTG/CCA activities. Those present were in favour of a joint CCA launch and AGM, closely followed by the visitation programme. The event itself will be held in Perth (with The Gallery PKAVS, the most favoured venue) with visible council presence and hopefully John Swinney MSP.

The powerpoint presentation is reasonably refined. It was agreed to write to Practice Managers offering the presentation to staff or car groups within the practice area.

Action:        CDW and NDJ to draft letter to Practice Managers. JL to be consulted prior to circulation.

6.      Training

There is a need to identify training needs for CCA members, with the intention to address these needs within the next 6 to 12 months. AM stated her preference would be for her to receive training, which she would cascade down to volunteers, rather than the CCA train the volunteers direct. Those present were in favour of AM’s preference, suggesting meetings or awareness training meetings for organisers.

7.      AOCB

Hospital Parking Charges

A discursive document has been received by PKCTG stating each hospital will identify their individual policy on hospital parking. JB and MC identified parking issues at PRI and Ninewells and both sites are looking for solutions. JB suggested the CCA use this issue to negotiate with hospitals; perhaps to obtain dispensation for CCA members displaying the CCA Car Badge

Action:        CDW/AM to meet to prepare a letter to hospitals.

New Blue Badge Arrangements

AM reported that KVGROS have been informed their Blue Badge allocation has been reduced from 8 to 4. Blue Badge administration has been transferred from Social Care to Parking Services, Roads and Transport, within P&K Council. This is to encourage individuals to apply for their own badges. MC highlighted the issues of badges being left in relatives’ cars, clients not being able to find their badge and the problems this can cause.

Action:        CDW/AM to draft a letter to Jim Irons regarding the impact this change has on the service voluntary car schemes provide.

8.      Date of next meeting

The next meeting will be the AGM and CCA Launch date. This date as yet is undecided as we await a response from John Swinney.

Action:        CDW to update members, press, publications and the website when the date is agreed.