251217 Council Minute
North Ayrshire Council · 11 February 2026
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 11 February 2026 and its agenda
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North Ayrshire Council 17 December 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, Anthea Dickson, Robert Foster, Scott Gallacher, Tony Gurney, Alan Hill, Cameron Inglis, Christina Larsen, Shaun Macaulay, Tom Marshall, Jean McClung, Matthew McLean, Donald Reid, Ronnie Stalker, Angela Stephen and John Sweeney. Present (Remote Electronic Participation) Nairn Angus-McDonald, Charles Currie, Todd Ferguson, Mary Hume, Margaret Johnson, Amanda Kerr, Davina McTiernan, Ian Murdoch and Donald L. Reid. In Attendance C. Hatton, Chief Executive; S. Anson, Executive Director (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); 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 Scott Davidson, Stewart Ferguson, Louise McLaughlan, Jim Montgomerie and Chloé Robertson. 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.
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4. Previous Minutes The accuracy of the Minutes of the Council held on 5 November 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 27 October 2025 to 7 December 2025. Noted. 6. Leader’s Report Submitted report by the Leader of the Council for the period for 27 October 2025 to 7 December 2025. Noted. 7. Council Minute Volume Submitted for noting the Minutes of meetings of committees of the Council held in the period 25 September 2025 to 2 December 2025. Noted. 8. Appointments to Outside Bodies The Council was invited to consider nominations received in respect of the North Ayrshire Leisure Limited Board and the Scottish Councils' Committee on Radioactive Substances. Councillor Cullinane, seconded by Councillor Bell, moved that Councillor Hume be appointed to serve on the Board as trustee of North Ayrshire Leisure Limited. There being no other nomination, Councillor Hume was duly appointed. Councillor Burns, seconded by Councillor Macaulay, moved that Councillor Collier be appointed to serve on the Scottish Councils' Committee on Radioactive Substances. There being no other nomination, Councillor Collier was duly appointed. Accordingly, the Council agreed to appoint (i) Councillor Hume to serve as trustee of North Ayrshire Leisure Limited; and (ii) Councillor Collier to serve on the Scottish Councils' Committee on Radioactive Substances.
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10. Best Value – Controller of Audit Report Submitted report by the Chief Executive on the findings of the recent Best Value Controller of Audit Report. The Best Value report was set out at Appendix 1 and the Accounts Commission expectations in terms of recommendations to take forward set out at Appendix 2 to the report. Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor McClung, moved the approval of the recommendations set out in the officer’s report. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed to (i) consider, note and accept the findings of the report; (ii) note the positive nature of the report and the good progress made since the last Best Value Audit in 2020; (iii) agree the proposed action plan in taking forward Best Value in the Council; and (iv) agree that further reports on progress will be presented to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee by way of Annual Audits and Council Plan Progress Reports to enable effective scrutiny. 11. Congratulatory Motion In terms of Standing Order 15.3, submitted the undernoted motion, duly proposed and seconded, which sought to congratulate, commend or recognise an individual or group in relation to their achievement or activities within North Ayrshire: “All the elected members of the Garnock Valley (Ward 2) wish to congratulate the working group with representatives from the 3 Community Councils of the Garnock Valley, Beith Community Development Trust, Dalry Community Sports Club, Dalry Community Development Hub & the Garnock Valley Youth Forum, supported by North Ayrshire Council’s Locality Partnership team and Nick Wright Planning, for the preparation and completion of the Garnock Valley Place Plan - a plan that won the Judges' Special Award at the 2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards for its unique, collaborative approach to the towns of Beith, Dalry, and Kilbirnie, and sets out clearly the aspirations for the Garnock Valley Locality through the collective working of community groups, the third sector, businesses, local and national governments, to enhance the sense of place and improve its economy”. There being no dissent, the congratulatory motion was declared carried. 12. Questions In terms of Standing Order 14, submitted: (1) a question by Councillor Angus-McDonald to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: “At the end of November, a child was nearly hit by a car outside West Kilbride Primary School – on the road where the administration cut the school crossing patroller. Through luck, a serious accident was narrowly avoided on this occasion, but it highlights the folly of the administration risking children’s safety with their cuts.
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What will it take for the Council Leader to accept they’ve made the wrong decision and reverse it?” The Leader of the Council thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “I am aware of what happened in West Kilbride and I believe there’s been some correspondence around issues like parked cars so I’m not going to comment on that specific incident. What I will make clear is how seriously I, and probably every other member in this chamber, take road safety, particularly in relation to children and young people. I’m sure many of us have had scares in the past. On a personal level, I have collected a friend’s son when he was hit by a car after walking on to the road looking at his phone. That incident was in Irvine. Fortunately he wasn’t seriously hurt as the car was moving very slowly. Another incidence in Saltcoats when a young relative was playing tig with his friends and ran on to the road. Again the car was moving slowly and he wasn’t seriously hurt. I’ve also had experience as a driver, sometimes just a child looking out between parked cars but the worst being a full on emergency stop when a child ran in front of me chasing a ball. My point is, that road accidents and near misses can happen any time and anywhere, that’s why it’s really important that we work with our children and young people to make sure they understand the danger and that they know how, where and when to cross a road safely. That applies whether they are going to and from school or whether they are out with friends and family. That’s why we have started a comprehensive refresh of our road safety strategy, work that is currently underway as I clarified at the last council meeting so I won’t repeat the list of actions that I provided at that meeting. It’s also important that drivers are part of this and we can see the beginning of the roll out of the 20mph speed limit, crucial in keeping our young people safe. All of these actions will form part of the refreshed road safety strategy which will come to the Policy Advisory Panel sometime in the new year.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Angus-McDonald asked how many near- misses, terrified parents and headlines would it take for the Administration to admit it was a reckless cut and to reinstate the school crossing patrollers? The Provost invited the Councillor Angus-McDonald to apologise for any insinuation which had been made during the supplementary question. Councillor Angus- McDonald duly withdrew his comment. The Leader of the Council advised that she had set out a comprehensive strategy that was crucial in keeping our children safe and advised that accidents and near misses could happen anytime and anywhere.
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(2) a question by Councillor Inglis to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: "The High Flats in Saltcoats have two large recycling bins, one blue and one purple. The residents have continually asked for these bins to be taken away as they are not being picked up regularly due to contamination. The waste awareness team has been out twice to meet tenants, however the contamination continues and the bins are not being picked up. Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “Recycling is extremely important, contributes to a circular economy and plays an important role in responding to the climate emergency. For this reason, I can confirm the recycling facilities will not be taken away from the residents at the Saltcoats High Flats. Waste Awareness Officers have been engaging with the residents of the high flats at O’Connor Court and Lambie Court in Saltcoats for several years to encourage the correct use of their communal recycling bins to try and avoid contamination and to deter fly tipping at the bin store area. This has included attending the Tenants and Residents Association meetings, providing ‘Right Stuff Right Bin’ leaflets to residents and hosting a staffed pop-up information table within the lobby of both flats to speak to residents about recycling. Blue bags for helping residents to separate and carry recyclables down to their recycling point were also provided. Despite the support provided to residents, there are still regular reports of contamination within the recycling bins received, which impacts on the ability of the service to empty the recycling bins. It is important that we all play our part in recycling and in order to support and encourage the residents at the High Flats in Saltcoats, the Waste Awareness Team will continue to work with the Tenants and Residents Association, owner/occupiers and Housing to identify workable solutions.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Inglis asked if the Cabinet Member would meet with Ward Members and the tenants association to discuss alternative solutions? Councillor Gurney advised he would be happy to meet with Ward Members but given diary commitments he could not commit to meeting with tenants but would do his best. (3) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: “Can the Cabinet Member please provide detailed examples of how the Ayrshire Growth Deal has benefited my Ward, Ward 1, North Coast and the rest of North Ayrshire?”
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Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “To date the Growth Deal has delivered a range of benefits across North Ayrshire. In relation to the regional revenue projects: The £3million investment in the regional Community Wealth Building programme supported 112 businesses with specialist consultancy and 83 businesses with grants across North Ayrshire. Specifically for the North Coast, the Fund supported 18 businesses with specialist consultancy support and 10 businesses with grants to help grow their business. The CWB Programme included Fair Work Ayrshire to support businesses to create Fair Work Action Plans. Across Ayrshire 270 businesses, including 203 North Ayrshire and 23 North Coast businesses, were supported to create and implement fair work practices. Working for a Healthy Economy programme provides clinical support for people seeking employment and people in employment, at risk of unemployment across Ayrshire. To date this project has supported 2,290 Ayrshire residents including 878 North Ayrshire residents. This aligns with supported delivered by Employability services and has supported 60 people in 2203/24, 117 in 2024/25 and from April to December 2025. 47 people from the North Coast area have been supported. The Ayrshire Skills Investment Fund supports training interventions aligned with priority skills areas of engineering, clean growth, digital and the visitor economy for unemployed and employed people across Ayrshire. This investment commenced in October 2023 and has supported 475 employees and 150 unemployed people across Ayrshire of which 33 were North Ayrshire businesses and 239 were North Ayrshire employees. This has included 8 employees and 2 employers in the North Coast Ward to date. A rolling programme of requests for support continues. In relation to the capital projects, noting that a number of these are in development, the following provides a summary of the benefits and opportunities achieved to date. The first phase of the i3 Flexible Space project has delivered flexible advanced manufacturing space for businesses in an area where there is market failure but low vacancies, aging commercial premises and where public sector intervention is required. The project is located at i3 Business Park in Irvine as it is a key strategic site for business and industry for North Ayrshire. The benefits for businesses and/or residents located in Ward 1 and the wider North Ayrshire area include potential contract opportunities for local suppliers and contractors, increased availability of modern premises for local business expansion within North Ayrshire and employment and training opportunities for communities emerging from construction contracts, business growth and inward investment. Digital Process Manufacturing Centre is partnership with the National Manufacturing Centre (NMIS) and Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) to operate a facility providing digital demonstrations for businesses seeking to improve their manufacturing
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processes. The project is located at i3 Business Park in Irvine as it is a key strategic site for business and industry for North Ayrshire. Potential benefits for businesses and/or residents located in Ward 1 and the wider North Ayrshire area include opportunities for businesses to test and improve their manufacturing processes, opportunities to engage through links to the school / college / university curriculum around digital and the creation of an industrial cluster with the Flexible Space programme. Furthermore the project has resulted in enhanced links with the University of Strathclyde as an anchor organisation in the region. The Great Harbour project is regenerating Irvine Harbourside and Beach Park with three planned phases of works. Phase 1 (Coastal Hub, including the Beach Park, Phase 2 (Maritime Mile – main route from station to coast), and Phase 3 with the Scottish Maritime Museum. The project will improve Irvine Harbourside as a regional tourist destination within improved facilities for all North Ayrshire residents to benefit from, especially the enhancement of outdoor, inclusive spaces. There will also be opportunities for North Ayrshire businesses to benefit from in terms of contract opportunities. Local harbourside businesses will benefit from increased footfall. The Marine Tourism programme is focussing on securing infrastructure that supports key components such as sailing and boating, marine leisure, and recreation including in Cumbrae. This seeks to secure the development of the Marine Tourism industry in North Ayrshire with the aim of boosting coastal economies, jobs and visitor experiences through new facilities and sustainable blue economy initiatives. The investment will showcase the potential of the Clyde coast region as an inclusive and accessible place for active leisure. The International Marine Science & Environmental (IMSE) project will develop and capture innovation in marine sciences, marine spatial planning and marine technology and ensure that the Firth of Clyde is recognised as an exemplar in marine sustainability. The project is currently being developed with partners, the Field Studies Council (Millport), COAST (Arran) and Universities across Scotland. IMSE will open the region up to opportunities which advance discovery and develop marine education and training, alongside with focussing on the regeneration of marine environments. As a supplementary question, Councillor Murdoch asked if the Cabinet Member thought that North Ayrshire Council could do better regarding the investment of the Ayrshire Growth Deal, taking into consideration the use of the Growth Deal funding in East and South Ayrshire, as very little had progressed with the Irvine Harbourside proposal and Hunterston proposal? Councillor Gurney advised the Irvine Harbourside project was currently in progress and for commercial reasons he would not be able to discuss the Hunterston project within the meeting but would be happy to meet with members to discuss progress on the project.
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(4) a question by Councillor Currie to the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care in the following terms: “An application to review the Island Communities Impact Assessment in relation to cuts to Montrose House has been submitted. Can the Cabinet Member confirm how many written representations were received in respect of the review application by the notice deadline of 3rd December? And can the Cabinet Member outline the process that will now be followed in responding to the review application?” Councillor Macaulay, on behalf of Councillor Robertson, thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “Following the IJB decision in August 2025 around the provision at Montrose House Care Home on Arran, on 11th November the IJB formally received an application for a review of the Island Communities Impact Assessment which accompanied the report. A total of 89 written representations were received by the deadline of 3rd December. A summary of the process for handling the written representations and next steps is noted below :- • Copies of all representations must be sent to the applicant in full to allow them to respond and comment, given the festive break the applicant will have until Monday 13th January 2026 to respond. • Redacted copies of representations will be published on the HSCP website. • Any further comments from the applicant will also be published in redacted form. • After the applicant’s comment deadline of 13th January we may either: Proceed to determine the review if sufficient information is available, or Issue a Regulation 12 notice requesting further information/representations. Copies must be sent to all relevant parties, with deadlines specified. If multiple parties are involved, submissions must be shared with both the IJB and the other parties. A further 10 working days is then allowed for comments on each other’s submissions. Once there is sufficient information to enable a decision to be made, the matter will be brought to the IJB for determination. The Decision Notice requires to be issued within 6 months of the validation date – in this case by 11th May 2026.” (5) a question by Councillor Stalker to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: " Can I ask the cabinet member for an update on the B777 Kilbirnie to Beith Road? Work is due to start early in 2026 but I have been contacted by some landowners saying they have been informed of delays?”
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Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “North Ayrshire Council’s Roads Services do not currently have any programmed works scheduled for the B777 Kilbirnie to Beith Road.” (6) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: “Can the Cabinet Member please provide details of how Community Wealth Building has made significant savings to North Ayrshire Council and the methods used to do this?” Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “The core aim of Community Wealth Building (CWB) is not about making savings for North Ayrshire Council. At the centre of North Ayrshire’s Community Wealth Building approach there are five delivery pillars. These are: 1. Procurement 2. Employment (Fair Work) 3. Land and Assets (for community use) 4. Financial Power - by harnessing the wealth that exists locally. 5. Plural Ownership models such as Cooperatives, mutually owned businesses, SMEs and municipally owned companies which enable the wealth generated in a community to stay in that locality. Community Wealth Building is a community-centred economic approach to create resilient local economies by keeping wealth in communities, focusing on local ownership, fair work, local spending, and community control of assets like land and property.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Murdoch asked if the Cabinet Member and North Ayrshire Council would take note of the example set by West Kilbride Community Council who saved around £20,000 on local contacts and suppliers regarding solar powered street lighting to be installed in the Glen in west Kilbride? Councillor Gurney advised that solar was not reliable enough for statutory lighting at the moment and would be the first to promote it when he could ensure that was the case. Councillor Gurney also advised in terms of using local suppliers, he would agree with Councillor Murdoch and that 27% of our expenditure was with local suppliers, an increase of £9million since last year. Councillor Gurney intimated that he would encourage local suppliers to get in touch to enquire about the process for supplying the Council and that there were information sessions run to explain the process. He further indicated that he would be pleased for local suppliers to take on work for the Council.
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(7) a question by Councillor D. Reid to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: “Can the Cabinet Member provide clarification on the extent of the implementation of the introduction of the 20 mph speed limit in residential areas in North Ayrshire?” On a point of order, the Monitoring Officer provided clarification in terms of Standing Order 14.4, that no further preamble would be permitted and the Member may read out the question with the contextual preamble tabled. Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “The introduction of 20mph limits has been progressed in accordance with Transport Scotland guidance. This involved a review being carried out in 2023/24 to identify the roads that would be suitable to change to 20mph within urban areas. This included the review of over 2000 roads and resulted in the creation of overview plans with proposals for each town. This was presented to the Policy Advisory Panel on 13 May 2025 and, following some refinements, to Cabinet on 3 June 2025. Several factors require to be considered when making the assessment which include matters such as, is the road near an educational setting, a community centre, place of worship, health care setting and other key buildings which attract members of the public. Consideration is also given to the number of residential and/or retail premises fronting the road. In general, a road suitable to remain at 30 mph will typically be an A or B Class Road with little frontage activity and where people walking, wheeling, and cycling do not need to share space with motor traffic. Officers have recently re-assessed some locations prior to the Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders being promoted which has resulted in a small number of locations being added to the 20mph list. An elected members Briefing Note was issued on 12 December 2025 with further information on this, including the estimated implementation date by town.” Councillor Reid thanked the team for taking on feedback from Elected Members, parents and residents. Councillor Gurney further added that officers are happy to receive feedback on the success or otherwise of the temporary traffic restrictions to inform the position going forward. (8) a question by Councillor Inglis to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms:
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“As the council gets ready to implement 20mph speed limits upon residents of North Ayrshire, can the Cabinet Member tell the council why there was no local consultation to this policy before it was introduced?” Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “Transport Scotland produced a guidance document recommending that the implementation of the reduced speed limit is undertaken using Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTRO) in the first instance. This will allow for progress to be made with implementation and gives the community time to experience the change. It also allows for the lower speed limit to be monitored and evaluated for a period. During this period, decisions can then be made as to whether the 20mph speed limit can be refined or modified before a final Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is made. It is widely accepted that the best outcomes from consultation and engagement are achieved from informed and experience-based responses. It is anticipated the time afforded local communities to experience and understand the impacts of the 20mph speed limits during the Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders process will provide this enhanced feedback. Following the evaluation period, permanent TROs will be promoted for roads that are appropriate. A public consultation period of 21 days must be provided prior to any permanent TRO being established. This process was detailed in the Cabinet report of 3 June 2025 and the Briefing Note issued to the Audit & Scrutiny committee on 19 June 2025.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Inglis asked if the Cabinet Member would agree that the policy should stop being implemented and that a local consultation should take place with residents to decide the roads they believe should become 20mph? Councillor Gurney advised he did not agree with Councillor Inglis and that some communities had requested 20mph zones in some areas, such as Fergushill Road and Lochlibo Road and it was not being forced upon communities. Councillor Gurney referred to the original Cabinet paper and subsequent call-in which highlighted the statistic that people were seven times more likely to die if they were hit by a car travelling at 30mph than at 20mph. Councillor Gurney further advised he believed this was a huge move forward for road safety and that he would have difficulty not implementing the 20mph speed limit when we had the opportunity to do something that would save lives. (9) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: “Can the Leader of the Council please provide examples of how North Ayrshire Council are working to preserve the history of Sir Thomas Makdougal Brisbane, his
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connection to Largs, North Ayrshire and Brisbane in Australia and the last remaining artifacts in Largs?” Councillor Hill thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “Connected Communities are working with key stakeholders to support raising awareness of the work of Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane and his connection to Largs. Initial discussions have taken place with the Brisbane Observatory Trust as well as Largs Development Trust who received funding to consider art installations in the town. The Provost was contacted earlier this month, by the Chairperson of the Clem Jones Foundation in Brisbane, Australia, to explore areas of potential to further strengthen connections. The Olympic Games in Brisbane in 2032 provides an ideal catalyst for events to take place or physical works to happen on the existing artefacts that remain in the town. We are happy to work with any local elected members or organisations who may wish to get involved.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Murdoch asked if the Cabinet Member would support the proposal to build a replica of Brisbane observatory on Largs shorefront, possibly near the Brisbane Centre and Mackerson Bridge, and as a matter of urgency support the restoration of the three sisters landmark? Councillor Hill advised that officers would be happy to look at any proposals brought forward to support and recognise the work that Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane carried out over the years. Councillor Hill further advised that the intention was to organise a meeting with the appropriate groups on the restoration of the three sisters landmark early in the new year. (10) a question by Councillor Foster to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: “NHS Ayrshire and Arran is a health board without a permanent CEO and has received the highest level of financial bailout loans from the Scottish Government, totalling £130million. The impact of this crisis is felt by people across our region, with performances in areas such as A&E waiting times being well below the national average. As the Council’s representative on the board of NHS Ayrshire and Arran, is the Council Leader concerned by the assessment of Audit Scotland that there is “no evidence that NHS Ayrshire and Arran can achieve financial sustainability”?” The Leader of the Council thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms:
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“I am concerned about the funding gap as are all members of the health board. I don’t want to get into relative performance because it’s a complex issue where demographics and levels of deprivation can be contributing factors. I can assure Councillor Foster that health board officers take this very seriously and are working with the Scottish Government, looking at how that funding gap can be reduced without compromising the quality of patient care. It’s also worth mentioning the importance of early intervention and prevention, one of the reasons why I asked officers to bid to be a pilot area for the CHES work. Improving the health of our residents and communities is a priority for us as a council and for our community planning partners. It won’t make a significant impact on NHS performance in the short term but I think we all recognise it could make a difference in easing pressure on the NHS and care system in the longer term.” 13. Motions In terms of Standing Order 15, submitted: (1) a motion by Councillor Inglis, seconded by Councillor Stalker, in the following terms: Council notes the findings in the Scottish Fiscal Commission’s 2025 Fiscal Sustainability Report and subsequent national documents including the Medium- Term Financial Strategy and Social Work Scotland’s sector response. Council recognises that North Ayrshire HSCP faces challenges in delivering sustainable health and social care due to its island geography and demographic change. Council believes that urgent, coordinated action is required to safeguard the wellbeing of our communities and ensure equitable access to social care. Council therefore resolves to: 1) Call on the Scottish Government to urgently ensure that an increase in sustainable funding is made available to local authorities for HSCPs to deliver integrated social care, deliver improved recruitment, training and retention of key workers, and support investment in early invention, family support, and community- led services to reduce demand on crisis care to prevent a Health and Social Care emergency being called in North Ayrshire. 2) Instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care to convey this motion and request a meeting between the Cabinet Secretary, the Leader of the Council and the leaders of the political parties at North Ayrshire Council to set out how it proposes to address the issues identified in the 2025 Fiscal Sustainability Report and ensure a sustainable future for the health and social care sector. There being no amendment the motion was declared carried.
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(2) a motion by Councillor Angus-McDonald, seconded by Councillor Cullinane, in the following terms: “Council believes that everyone should be able be spent their final days, weeks and months of their life making memories with their loved ones but for too many terminally ill, the cost-of-living makes those final days unimaginably difficult. Council agrees that, where possible, the financial burden on people living with terminal illness should be eased. Council acknowledges that a number of local authorities in England have exempted people with terminal illness from Council Tax for a period of up to 12 months, but we also acknowledge that local authorities in Scotland do not have the delegated powers to do so. This council therefore resolves to lobby the Scottish Government for these powers, either through a change to the Local Government Finance Act 1992 or new council tax exemption regulations. The Council agrees that the Chief Executive shall write to the Scottish Government to seek such powers and thereafter asks officers to bring a report to Council outlining options for implementing an exemption”. Members asked questions of clarification of the movers of the motion. The Monitoring Officer provided clarification on the competency of the motion. As an amendment Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor Hill, proposed the following: “Council believes that everyone should be able be to spend their final days, weeks and months of their life making memories with their loved ones but for too many terminally ill, the cost-of-living makes those final days unimaginably difficult. Council agrees that, where possible, the financial burden on people living with terminal illness should be eased. Council acknowledges that a number of local authorities in England have exempted people with terminal illness from Council Tax for a period of up to 12 months while Scotland do not yet have the delegated powers to do so. The Council agrees that the Chief Executive shall write to the Scottish Government to ask them to consider if these powers can be delegated to Councils, either through a change to the Local Government Finance Act 1992 or new council tax exemption regulations, and for this work to be undertaken following their Future of Council Tax consultation.” Members asked questions of clarification of the movers of the amendment. There followed summing up. On a division and roll call vote, there voted for the amendment, Councillors Burns, Collier, Dickson, Gallacher, Gurney, Hill, Inglis, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, Marshall, McClung, McTiernan and Stephen (14) and for the motion, Councillors Angus-McDonald, Bell, Cullinane, Currie, T. Ferguson, Foster, Hume, Kerr, McLean, Murdoch, D. Reid, D. L Reid, Stalker and Sweeney (14). There being an equality of
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votes, the Provost exercised her casting vote in terms of Standing Order 19.6 in favour of the amendment, which was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed as follows: “Council believes that everyone should be able be to spend their final days, weeks and months of their life making memories with their loved ones but for too many terminally ill, the cost-of-living makes those final days unimaginably difficult. Council agrees that, where possible, the financial burden on people living with terminal illness should be eased. Council acknowledges that a number of local authorities in England have exempted people with terminal illness from Council Tax for a period of up to 12 months while Scotland do not yet have the delegated powers to do so. The Council agrees that the Chief Executive shall write to the Scottish Government to ask them to consider if these powers can be delegated to Councils, either through a change to the Local Government Finance Act 1992 or new council tax exemption regulations, and for this work to be undertaken following their Future of Council Tax consultation.” (3) a motion by Councillor D. Reid, seconded by Councillor Sweeney, in the following terms: “North Ayrshire Council agrees to admit the Royal Regiment of Scotland as an Honorary Freeman of North Ayrshire.” Members asked questions of clarification of the movers of the motion. At the invitation of the Provost, the Chief Executive provided clarification that there were no financial implications beyond awarding a certificate or a commemorative note. The Monitoring Officer provided clarification that the Freeman of North Ayrshire was Honorary position with no special privileges or rights to land. Following various points of order, the Monitoring Officer provided clarification on the motion to admit the Royal Regiment of Scotland as an Honorary Freeman of North Ayrshire and further advised there was provision within Standing Orders that the presentation of a certificate at a meeting of Council would be acceptable. Thereafter, Councillor T Ferguson, seconded by Councillor McLean, moved an amendment as follows: “North Ayrshire Council agrees to admit the Royal Regiment of Scotland as an Honorary Freeman of North Ayrshire and invite to a future Council meeting to be presented with a certificate.”
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Thereafter, Councillor Gurney, seconded by Councillor Larsen, moved an amendment to not proceed with the motion and request a report outlining the criteria for the Honorary Freeman of North Ayrshire award. At the invitation of the Provost, the Chief Executive provided clarification that officers work with members on the competency of motions only, which did not give approval or support to particular motions. In terms of Standing Order 16.5, and with the agreement of his seconder, Councillor Reid agreed to amend his motion in accordance with the first amendment which became the substantive motion. There followed debate and summing up. On a division and roll call vote, there voted for the amendment, Councillors Burns, Collier, Gurney, Hill, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, McClung and McTiernan (9) and for the motion, Councillors Angus-McDonald, Bell, Cullinane, Currie, T. Ferguson, Foster, Hume, Kerr, McLean, Murdoch, D. Reid, D. L Reid, Stalker and Sweeney (14), Councillors Dickson, Gallacher, Inglis, Marshall and Stephen abstaining The Monitoring Officer provided clarification that the threshold of two-thirds of members present and voting had not been met for Council to proceed with the motion. Accordingly, the Council agreed not to proceed with the motion. In terms of Standing Order 6.8, the Provost agreed that the meeting be adjourned at 4.09 p.m. for a short comfort break, reconvening at 4.25 p.m. with the same Members and officers present and in attendance, with the exception of Councillors Hume and Marshall. (4) a motion by Councillor D. Reid, seconded by Councillor Cullinane, in the following terms: “North Ayrshire Council agrees to admit Mr Steve Clarke of Saltcoats as an Honorary Freeman of North Ayrshire following his ongoing success as Scotland Manager”. In terms of Standing Orders 15.1 and 16.5, Councillor D. Reid, as the mover of the motion and with the agreement of his seconder, agreed to withdraw his motion to allow for further discussion on the process to admit an honorary freeman of North Ayrshire. The meeting ended at 4:35 p.m.