251105 Council Minute
North Ayrshire Council · 17 December 2025
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 17 December 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
North Ayrshire Council 5 November 2025 At a Meeting of North Ayrshire Council at 2.00 p.m. involving a combination of participation by remote electronic means and physical attendance within the Council Chambers, Irvine. Present (Physical Participation) John Bell, Marie Burns, Eleanor Collier, Joe Cullinane, Scott Davidson, Anthea Dickson, Stewart Ferguson, Todd Ferguson, Robert Foster, Scott Gallacher, Mary Hume, Cameron Inglis, Margaret Johnson, Christina Larsen, Shaun Macaulay, Tom Marshall, Jean McClung, Louise McLaughlan, Matthew McLean, Davina McTiernan, Donald L. Reid, Chloé Robertson, Ronnie Stalker and John Sweeney. Present (Remote Electronic Participation) Nairn Angus-McDonald, Charles Currie, Tony Gurney, Alan Hill, Ian Murdoch, Jim Montgomerie, Amanda Kerr and Angela Stephen. In Attendance C. Hatton, Chief Executive; A. McClelland, Head of Service (Education); C. Cameron, Director (Health and Social Care Partnership); D. Hammond, Executive Director (Communities and Housing); R. McCutcheon, Executive Director (Place); M. Boyd, Head of Service (Finance); F. Walker, Head of Service (People and ICT); A. Craig, Head of Service (Democratic), R. Lynch, Senior Manager (Legal Services); M. McColm, Senior Manager (Communications), C. Stewart and S. Wilson, Committee Services Officers, and H. Young, Senior Committee Services Officer (Democratic) (Corporate Services). Chair Provost Dickson in the Chair. Apologies Donald Reid 1. Provost's Remarks The Provost welcomed those present to the meeting and dealt with preliminary matters, including intimation that the meeting, which was taking place on a hybrid basis, was being recorded. 2. Apologies The Provost invited intimation of apologies for absence, which were recorded. 3. Declarations of Interest There were no declarations of interest in terms of Standing Order 11 and Section 5 of the Councillors' Code of Conduct. There were no declarations of the Party Whip.
Page 2
4. Previous Minutes The accuracy of the Minutes of the Ordinary and Special Meetings of the Council held on 17 September 2025 were confirmed and the Minutes signed in accordance with Paragraph 7(1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 5. Provost’s Report Submitted report by the Provost for the period from 8 September 2025 to 26 October 2025. Noted. 6. Leader’s Report Submitted report by the Leader of the Council for the period for 18 September 2025 to 26 October 2025. Noted. 7. Council Minute Volume Submitted for noting the Minutes of meetings of committees of the Council held in the period 2 September 2025 to 9 October 2025. Noted. 8. Appointments to Committee The Council was invited to note that, in terms of the Scheme of Administration, Councillor Hill as the relevant Portfolio Holder on Cabinet, was appointed as Chair of the Local Development Plan Committee. 9. Community Planning Partnership Board: Minutes of Meeting held in September 2025 Submitted report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) on the overview of the meetings of the North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Board held on 11 September 2025 and the Community Planning Annual performance report. Noted.
Page 3
10. Boundaries Scotland: Second Review of Scottish Parliamentary Boundaries – Conclusion of Review Submitted report by the Head of Service (Democratic Services) on the conclusion of Boundaries Scotland’s Second Review of Scottish Parliamentary Boundaries. The new Cunninghame South Constituency was set out at Appendix 1, the Cunninghame North Constituency set out at Appendix 2 and the new West Scotland Region set out at Appendix 3 to the report. The Council agreed to note (i) the conclusion of the Review of Scottish Parliamentary Constituencies and Regions, including the impact on the North Ayrshire Area; (ii) that the new boundaries will take effect at the next Scottish Parliamentary Election scheduled for Thursday 7 May 2026; and (iii) that the Electoral Registration Officer will make any necessary amendments to the Register of Electors. 11. Medium-Term Financial Outlook and Approach 2026/27 to 2028/29 Submitted report by the Head of Service (Finance) on the financial challenges facing the Council, the likely financial position of the Council’s General Fund in the medium- term, the progress made in addressing the challenges and to commence a programme of engagement with communities. Members asked questions and were provided with further information in relation to: • The current financial position of the HSCP, levels of funding provided by the Council and whether there was a significant risk to the financial sustainability of the Council should the HSCP default on any repayment plan; • the potential of relaxed flexibility around ringfenced funding; • current wait time for care at home packages; • the potential for financial risk to the Council given the recent reports of NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s financial challenges; and • representations through COSLA on funding provision for Health and Social Care. At the invitation of the Provost, the Chief Executive provided clarification that the Council, directly and via COSLA and other forums of which the Council forms part, continues to make representations to the Scottish Government for more funding. Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor McClung, moved the approval of the recommendations set out in the officer’s report. Accordingly, the Council agreed to (i) consider the Medium-Term Financial Outlook 2026/27 to 2028/29; (ii) note the scale of the financial challenges facing the Council over this period, the range of areas being progressed including the planned programme of engagement with communities; (iii) following the period of engagement, consider the feedback from communities; and (iv) bring forward proposals to set a balanced budget for 2026/27.
Page 4
12. Questions In terms of Standing Order 14, submitted: (1) a question by Councillor Sweeney to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: “The Ardrossan Campus is to include a range of community facilities, including a public swimming pool. Can you the Cabinet Member provide the current specifications for the proposed swimming pool?” Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “There will be a main swimming pool, 25 metres in length, 12 metres in width and marked out with 6 swimming lanes. To ensure the optimal efficiency of the space the main pool will be 290 millimetres shorter and 460 millimetres narrower than the existing pool, however, KA leisure have been involved throughout the design development process of the project and have confirmed that this will satisfy their needs in terms of leisure swimming, fun swims, community competitions, and galas. There will also be a learner pool which will be 9m by 9m. Again, to make the most efficient use of space, this pool is in a square configuration, rather than the existing rectangular shape. There is a dedicated changing village with full height cubicles to ensure user privacy, with a range of different sizes to meet individual, family, and accessibility needs. Seating is also provided for 60 spectators. Similar to the rest of the building, the pool has also been designed to be very energy efficient for this kind of facility. Finishes will be very high quality including a fully tiled pool-tank and pool-surround, appropriate for the wet and humid conditions experienced within a swimming venue.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Sweeney asked if the Cabinet Member agreed that the people of the Three Towns had been let down as the proposed swimming pool at the new Ardrossan Campus was smaller than the current swimming pool at Auchenharvie? Councillor Gurney advised he did not agree that people had been let down and that the Council were extremely careful when designing the swimming pool. KA Leisure were fully involved throughout the process and had confirmed the design would satisfy their needs.
Page 5
(2) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing in the following terms: "What definition and guidance was the public or tenants panels or tenant and resident groups given regarding choice based letting as part of the recent housing allocation system consultation and what was their feedback?” Councillor Hill thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “The consultation on the North Ayrshire Housing Register carried out from 11 December 2023 – 21 January 2024 did not include specific information regarding a choice based letting (CBL) system. However, as a key part of the consultation programme, a stakeholder event comprising tenants, housing applicants, other North Ayrshire Housing Register partners, officers and elected members was held on 19th January 2024. This included discussion around a CBL system being used for housing allocations. It was subsequently agreed that a scoping paper regarding CBL would be prepared and presented to a future meeting of the Council’s Policy Advisory Panel. This paper was considered at a Policy Advisory Panel held on 9 April 2024. Research carried out by the NAHR working group to compare CBL policies used by other social landlords informed the report. The report also covered the advantages and disadvantages of a CBL system. It was noted that should a decision be made at any point to change the NAHR allocation policy to a CBL model, the following would be required: • A new system/software at a cost to the Council and NAHR landlord partners (agreement would be needed by all partner landlords, not just the Council alone) • Re-training of staff across NAHR landlord partners • Re-registration of our current housing register applicants • Consideration of how concerns would be addressed in relation to, for example, the potential for digital exclusion and impact on re-letting timescales The report noted that in light of the above considerations, further work would be best taken forward as part of the next agreed allocation policy review scheduled for 2028/29. This position was restated in the report to Cabinet regarding the allocations policy on 30th September 2025.” (3) a question by Councillor Todd Ferguson to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: “Can the Cabinet Member confirm what discussions have taken place with the Scottish Government regarding funding for any changes to the provision of school toilets and changing facilities?”
Page 6
Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “No discussions have taken place to date between Council officers and Scottish Government regarding funding. At this stage our focus is on understanding what adaptations might be required to the school estate. However, we will engage with the Scottish Government as necessary should any funding opportunities arise.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Todd Ferguson asked if the Cabinet Member agreed that the Scottish Government should be proactively offering funding to Councils rather than waiting for us to go looking for opportunities that may never arise? Councillor Macaulay advised that the present focus was understanding what the implications may be for North Ayrshire. Once complete, the Council will cross- reference all the information along with any guidance published and consider if funding is required with appropriate discussions taking place at that point. To date there had been no discussions on funding. (4) a question by Councillor Hume to the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing in the following terms: “What implications does the Scottish Government's decision to grant planning consent for new homes at Nethermains, Kilwinning have for the determination of future planning applications in North Ayrshire, given that our planning committee rejected the application on the grounds of flood risks?” Councillor Hill thanked the Member for her question and responded in the following terms: “In January 2025, planning permission was refused by the Council’s Planning Committee for a residential development of 115 houses on land to the south of Nethermains Community Centre in Kilwinning (planning ref. 23/00061/PPM) due to concerns over flood risk and biodiversity of the site. The Scottish Government appointed a Reporter to determine an appeal by the applicant against the refusal of planning permission. The Reporter concluded that they are “content that the site would remain safe and operational during any flood event.” Appeal decisions are a ‘material consideration’ in the assessment of any future relevant planning applications. Officers will continue to balance consideration of national planning policy, the Local Development Plan, and material planning considerations in the assessment of future development proposals.”
Page 7
(5) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing in the following terms: "What would it take for you to say that the housing system as currently constituted isn't working?” Councillor Hill thanked the Member for his question and advised there were approximately 17,800 social rented houses in North Ayrshire that represent 27% of all homes and the Council was the majority landlord with around 75%. In terms of housing allocation, 442 houses were allocated in the first six months of 2025/26. In terms of housing demand, there were currently 6302 applicants on the Housing Register, as at June 2025, with 57% assessed as having a housing need. Councillor Hill advised that officers were currently exploring a new transfer led approach to housing allocations that would hopefully create more movement across the housing stock and seek to better match tenants’ homes to the preferred house type, location and size. With regard to voids, the Council stock turnover had reduced by 24% over the last 10 years meaning more tenants were choosing to stay in their current homes. Turnaround times with voids were excellent with North Ayrshire continually regarded as a high performer. Councill Hill further advised in terms of housing supply, the current SHIP 2026 – 2031 was approved at Cabinet on 28 October 2025 and that both the Council and RSL partners had delivered 1888 new homes since 2013.The new SHIP commits to a further 1031 new homes by 2031, an increase of 6% on current housing stock. The Council had already delivered 996 new homes with a further 710 still to be completed, bringing the total to 1666, or a net stock increase of 10% since 2013. In terms of tenant satisfaction, a recent survey showed overall tenant satisfaction increasing from 88% in 2021 to 92% this year. Homeless presentations were 520 in the first six months of 2025, representing a 13% reduction over the same period in 2024/25. (6) a question by Councillor Angus-McDonald to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: “Following the review of the school library service, can the Cabinet Member outline how the service at Greenwood Academy is accessed by pupils?” Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “As part of the revised delivery model approved by full Council, a School Library Assistant will be in Greenwood Academy two days per week through the term and the space will be fully accessible to pupils and staff during that time. The staff member will work 8.00am – 4.00pm to ensure access before, during and after school hours. Naturally, there will be times the space will be used for specific classes to visit or for events.”
Page 8
As a supplementary question, Councillor Angus-McDonald referred to quotes by young people impacted by the change and asked if the Cabinet Member would take responsibility for having pushed through cuts to school librarian services and apologise to the young people who have seen their wonderful library reduced to a single locked room? Councillor Macaulay advised it was important to note that the changes to the librarian service and access to the physical space were separate. How the physical space was used was for the school to determine and if there were challenges then Councillor Macaulay asked Councillor Angus-McDonald to get in touch with him and the Education Service so that a solution to maximise the space for pupils could be explored. Councillor Macaulay also advised if any member had a funding proposal to take forward an increase to library provision that was fully costed, he would be happy to read over this. (7) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing in the following terms: “What condition the Vineburgh Community Centre was left in after the previous tenants/operators left, (i) were there any outstanding bills, (ii) was a 'stock check' undertaken to ensure that all equipment was left behind?" (iii) and what was the reported 'utility issue' that prevented the building from opening until recently?” Councillor Hill thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: i) Outstanding bills paid by the Council to facilitate the reopening of the centre were: - Electricity bills including reconnection charge £5,094.68 - Scottish Water and drainage charge £1,213.23 - These outstanding sums were paid in order to facilitate reconnection of the utilities on the site to allow re-opening of the building. ii) All council owned equipment, including furniture etc, which was expected to be within the centre was present when the centre was returned to the Council. iii) The utility issues included waiting for a reconnection slot to be available on the utility providers list and ensuring all property safety checks had been completed satisfactorily to allow the centre to be opened for all users. As a supplementary question, Councillor McLean asked why the Council were required to take on the reconnection charges for the Vineburgh Community Centre and if there were any plans to recoup the charges from the previous tenant? Councillor Hill advised the costs were funded from underspend generated from non- payment of the service-level agreement with the centre over the period of its closure.
Page 9
Councillor Hill also advised if Councillor McLean had any further specific questions, to email them and officers would be happy to provide a response. (8) a question by Councillor Currie to the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care in the following terms: “Can the Cabinet Member advise the current number of residents at Montrose House?” Councillor Robertson thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “There are currently 12 permanent residents receiving care and support in Montrose House Care Home.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Currie asked how many outstanding applications for admissions to Montrose House there were currently? Councillor Robertson advised there was currently three people on the waiting list for Montrose House. (9) a question by Councillor McLaughlan to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: “Does the Cabinet Member think it is equitable there is a difference of over £100 in what families at two primary schools, situated within two miles of each other, each serving high SIMD datazones, are being charged for their children to visit Arran Outdoor Centre as part of their Primary 7 visit?” Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for her question and responded in the following terms: “The cost for any North Ayrshire school to visit the Arran Outdoor Education Centre (AOEC) during 2025/26 is the same, at £173 per pupil. A recent benchmarking exercise indicates that the cost to pupils and quality of the offer at the AOEC compares favourably to similar facilities elsewhere. Individual schools may choose to use funds from various sources to subsidise the cost to pupils. This is at their discretion, informed by their knowledge of local priorities and pupil needs.” As a supplementary question, Councillor McLaughlan asked if the Cabinet Member considered that it was acceptable that children who attend primary school in North Ayrshire do not all pay the same fee? Councillor Macaulay advised he would be happy to speak to Councillor McLaughlan privately regarding this matter and confirmed that it was the one rate charged by North Ayrshire and it was up to individual schools to fundraise to reduce the cost further. There was also discretion through pupil equity funding and individual head teachers had discretion on how this was used for their school.
Page 10
Councillor Macaulay also advised he would be happy to raise Council McLaughlan’s concerns further with officers. 13. Motions In terms of Standing Order 15, submitted: (1) a motion by Councillor Collier, seconded by Councillor McTiernan, in the following terms: Council notes that it has been reported in the press of a possible UK Labour Government proposal to introduce a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) on all taxi and private hire vehicle fares as part of its forthcoming Autumn Budget. Council further notes that this measure would: • Contravene the Government’s manifesto commitment not to increase taxes on working people; • Disproportionately impact low-income, elderly, and disabled residents who rely on taxis as a vital form of transport; • Threaten the livelihoods of independent and self-employed taxi drivers across North Ayrshire; • Risk a reduction in the availability of taxi services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Council therefore resolves to instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, outlining the serious consequences this proposed tax would have on the lives and livelihoods of people in North Ayrshire, and to request that this measure be excluded from the Autumn Budget scheduled for 26 November 2025. Members asked questions of clarification of the movers of the motion. As an amendment Councillor Foster, seconded by Councillor Hume, proposed the direct negative. There followed debate and summing up. On a division and roll call vote, there voted for the amendment, Councillors Angus- McDonald, Bell, Cullinane, Currie, Foster, Hume, Kerr, McLaughlan, Montgomerie, D.L Reid and Sweeney (11) and for the motion, Councillors Burns, Collier, Davidson, Dickson, S. Ferguson, T. Ferguson, Gallacher, Gurney, Hill, Inglis, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, Marshall, McClung, McLean, McTiernan, Murdoch, Robertson, Stalker and Stephen (21) and the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed as follows: Council notes that it has been reported in the press of a possible UK Labour Government proposal to introduce a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) on all taxi and private hire vehicle fares as part of its forthcoming Autumn Budget.
Page 11
Council further notes that this measure would: • Contravene the Government’s manifesto commitment not to increase taxes on working people; • Disproportionately impact low-income, elderly, and disabled residents who rely on taxis as a vital form of transport; • Threaten the livelihoods of independent and self-employed taxi drivers across North Ayrshire; • Risk a reduction in the availability of taxi services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Council therefore resolves to instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, outlining the serious consequences this proposed tax would have on the lives and livelihoods of people in North Ayrshire, and to request that this measure be excluded from the Autumn Budget scheduled for 26 November 2025. The meeting ended at 3:35 p.m.