The Stewartry Area Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss a range of issues, including the appointment of a chair and vice-chair, local place plan updates, and the allocation of tackling poverty and inequalities funding. The committee was also expected to review performance reports from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and various council directorates.

Chair and Vice Chair Appointments

The Stewartry Area Committee were to consider the appointment of a chair and a vice-chair for the committee. This followed a Full Council decision on 16 June 2025, which stated that these appointments would be determined by the area committee itself. The report before the committee outlined the responsibilities of the chair, including preserving order, ensuring fair hearings for members, and deciding on the inclusion of urgent items.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Performance Report

The committee was scheduled to review the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) performance report for the Stewartry area, covering 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The report focused on seven priority areas outlined in the Dumfries and Galloway SFRS Local Plan:

1. Domestic Fire Safety
2. Unintentional Harm and Injury
3. Road Safety
4. Deliberate Fire Setting
5. Non-Domestic Fire Safety
6. Unwanted Fire Alarms Signals
7. Operational Resilience and Preparedness

The report included trend data and benchmarking data. Station Commander Chris Ross from the SFRS was expected to be in attendance to present the report and answer questions.

Directorate Area Performance Reporting

The Stewartry Area Committee were scheduled to discuss new arrangements for performance management, including reports from the Social Work Services, Enabling and Customer Services, Economy and Infrastructure, and Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing directorates. The report pack included the directorates' service plans, listing success measures and projects. The committee was expected to select a small number of success measures and projects from each directorate for in-depth scrutiny and monitoring, with reports to be presented on a six-monthly basis.

Regional Parking Strategy - Delivery Plan

The committee was to consider the content of the Final Regional Parking Strategy – Delivery Plan (Stewartry) report for adoption. The Delivery Plan (Stewartry) set out key parking improvement measures for locations in the region. The report also provided an update on the Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) application for parking enforcement. The final DPE application was submitted to Transport Scotland on 5 June 2025, with a target programme date of Spring 2026.

Local Place Plan Update and Registrations

The committee was asked to note supporting statements and agree to register the Local Place Plans (LPP) for Borgue, Carsphairn and Gatehouse of Fleet. These plans were prepared by the respective community councils and set out their aspirations for future development and land use. The committee was also expected to note the progress of other community bodies in the Stewartry area who are preparing LPPs.

Disposal of Surplus Land and Buildings

The committee was asked to consider the disposal of two properties that have been declared surplus to requirements:

• Former Sea Angling Offices, Kirkcudbright: The committee was to note that the Former Sea Angling Offices had been declared surplus to council requirements, and to identify any local groups to be engaged with regarding the disposal.
• Land at Raeburn Cottage, Hardhills, Castle Douglas: The committee was to note that the land at Raeburn Cottage had been declared surplus to council requirements, and to identify any local groups to be engaged with regarding the disposal.

Stewartry Area Committee - Programme of Community Engagement 2025/26

The committee was asked to consider and agree on a programme of in-person community engagement sessions for the upcoming year. The report presented options and suggestions for the programme, including potential stakeholders, areas of work, and topics for the sessions.

Stewartry Area Committee Tackling Poverty and Inequalities Fund Allocations 2025/26

The committee was asked to consider the recommendations of the Scoring Panel and agree on allocations from the Stewartry Area Committee Tackling Poverty and Inequalities Fund for 2025/26. The report included application summaries and the panel's recommendations, and the committee was also expected to agree to carry forward any remaining budget and close the fund.

Outside Bodies - Stewartry Area Committee

The committee was asked to advise of any amendments to the current appointments to the following outside bodies:

• Dalbeattie Day Centre
• Dalbeattie Community Initiative
• Stewartry Educational Trust
• Stewartry Sports Council

The committee was also asked to note an update on the Mill on the Fleet, and to note that this outside body would be removed from the Council's Scheme of Representation on Outside Bodies.