News from City of Dunfermline Area Committee

The City of Dunfermline Area Committee met this morning (Tuesday, 28 October 2025). Here's a summary of the discussion and decisions.

Dunfermline's Community Safety Partnership

Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue and the Council’s Safer Communities Team updated the area committee with their progress during 2024/25.

Activity highlights include:

  • Police in Dunfermline remain responsive to public concerns about antisocial behaviour (ASB), particularly in hotspot areas such as the City Centre, Bus Station, Pittencrieff Park and Calais Woods. Working closely with Stagecoach, officers regularly meet with bus station staff to monitor issues and have successfully collaborated with local schools to adjust problematic bus routes, resulting in improved youth behaviour and reduced vandalism. Daily police checks at the Bus Station are logged and during the last festive period, additional security funded by the Community Safety Partnership helped enhance public safety and reassurance in the area.

  • During 2024/25, Dunfermline recorded 181 deliberate fires, a significant increase from 124 incidents in 2023/24. The rise is largely driven by grassland and outdoor fires, which continue to grow in frequency as Scotland’s climate changes. In response, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has introduced a new Wildfire Strategy to address this emerging challenge.
  • The Safer Communities Team works closely with partners through monthly area hub meetings and weekly Incident Management Meetings (IMM). These forums bring together key services including Police, Fire, Housing, Fife Coast & Countryside Trust and, where relevant, organisations such as Clued-Up, Includem, Community Learning & Development and Education. 
    At IMM meetings, partner resources are coordinated ahead of weekends, using data and intelligence to identify ASB hotspots across Fife. This enables targeted staff deployment, focusing on early engagement with young people to prevent risk-taking and poor behaviour.

Welcoming the reports, Cllr James Calder said: “Tackling antisocial behaviour is a key priority for our communities, and I’m pleased to see the strong partnership working that’s helping make a real difference. By combining local knowledge, data and early engagement with young people, we’re seeing more targeted action and better outcomes for residents across Dunfermline.”

Dunfermline Housing Plan 2025/26

The Area Committee considered a revised Area Housing Plan for 2025/26. The plan outlines housing performance, service delivery and key issues.

Key highlights include:

  • 84% tenant satisfaction with housing services (up 4% from last year).
  • Continued investment in council homes through the Housing Investment Programme.
  • Plans to increase housing supply in high-demand areas.
  • Support for priority groups through fair and transfer-led allocations.
  • Major upgrades planned for Broomhead Drive multi-storey flats.
  • Ongoing tenant engagement through walkabouts and local tenant and resident associations.
  • Affordable Housing Programme: 
    • Blacklaw Road – 85 units, phased return from Sept 2025
    • Carnock Road – 12 units, completion by Nov 2026
    • Elgin Street – 44 units, completion by Jan 2027
    • Aberdour Road – 40 extra care units, completion by Nov 2027
    • Bellyoman Road – 45 units, completion by Sept 2027

Cllr James Calder said: “This report highlights the real progress we’re making in housing across Dunfermline. It shows how we’re listening to tenants, investing in homes and working with communities to improve services. I welcome the plan and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have.”

Dunfermline New City Assembly

The Area Committee heard a report on the Dunfermline New City Assembly, a collaborative initiative involving the Electoral Reform Society (ERS), Fife Council and the Scottish Government. The project is trialling engaging local people in shaping the future of Dunfermline through a Citizens’ Assembly model.

Key Points

  • A Citizens’ Assembly will be formed using a jury-style selection process to ensure broad representation.
  • In October, 9,000 invitations were sent to randomly selected households across Dunfermline.
  • Thirty-five participants will be selected to take part in one evening session in November and three weekend sessions in early 2026.
  • Participants will be compensated £500 for their time.
  • The Assembly will explore the question: We all want Dunfermline to be a great place to call home. As our city grows and develops, how do we continue to improve our community for today and tomorrow?
  • The Assembly will identify priority topics and develop recommendations for the Council.
  • ERS and Council officers have delivered 13 engagement events to raise awareness and gather input.
  • A website and social media campaign are supporting outreach efforts.
  • Final recommendations will be presented to the Area Committee for consideration and response.

Welcoming the update, Cllr James Calder said: “The New City Assembly is a bold and exciting step forward for local democracy in Dunfermline. It puts residents at the heart of decision-making and gives them a voice in shaping the future of our city.

“I fully support this approach and look forward to hearing the Assembly’s ideas.”

Committee papers