Council Budget 2026-27 Engagement Findings
North Ayrshire Council · 11 February 2026
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 11 February 2026 and its agenda
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 11 February 2026 Council Title: Council Budget 2026-27 Engagement Findings Purpose: To consider the findings from recent Budget Engagement to inform decisions on the 2026-27 Council Budget. Recommendation: Council agrees: (i) To consider the findings from recent budget engagement to inform the 2026-27 budget. 1 Executive Summary 1.1 North Ayrshire Council is due to consider budget proposals for 2026-27 on 25 February 2026. We have statutory duties under legislation to consider the impact of proposed decisions on people who use our services. In addition, engagement supports Our Council Plan 2023-28 priorities “Wellbeing” “Communities and Local Democracy” and “A Sustainable Council” through involving our residents early in decision making processes. 1.2 An extensive programme of engagement took place between 6 November and 19 December 2025 including surveys across two main themes as well as through focus groups. The approach was designed to support our residents to contribute their views, make the surveys more accessible and avoid digital exclusion. 1.3 The two main themes each included a number of proposals and are: • Children and Young People • Other Council Services 1.4 This has resulted in 1,225 responses across the two themes, detailed feedback on proposals and considerable engagement with community groups across North Ayrshire. 1.5 This information has been examined by Officers to develop proposals for consideration by Elected Members in setting the budget on 25 February. In parallel, it is used to inform the Equality and Children’s Rights Impact Assessments (ECRIAs) at each stage to ensure we fully consider the impact of proposals on our residents.
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2 Background 2.1 Engagement took place between 6 November and 19 December 2025. This approach enabled respondents to provide informed responses and gave greater opportunity for findings to be considered by Elected Members prior to Council considering its 2026-27 budget on 25 February 2026. 2.2 We have a statutory duty to consider the impact our policies, including budget proposals, may have on those with protected characteristics (Equality Act 2010), our island communities (Islands (Scotland) Act 2018) as well as the socio- economic impact on our residents (Fairer Scotland Duty (2018), the Consumer (Scotland) Act 2020) and the possible impact on the rights of children (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Scotland) Act 2024. 2.3 Following Council’s decision in December 2023 to treat care experienced as a protected characteristic in North Ayrshire Council, we also consider the potential impact on those who are care experienced. 2.4 These areas were included within the question set of both surveys and the responses given are being considered during the development of budget proposals. 2.5 Services from across our council contributed to the development of the approach. The engagement supports our Council Plan priorities of “Wellbeing”, “Communities and Local Democracy” and “A Sustainable Council”. 3 Approach 3.1 The aim of our approach was to ensure we gained a high number of informative responses from across our diverse communities in North Ayrshire. This was achieved through online and paper surveys and in person engagement with the option to join some forums online. Following an improved response to the engagement last year, we have continued to use a cross-service collaborative approach to develop the surveys and engage our communities. 3.2 The consultation was publicised through our website, press releases and on social media. There were 50 posts on social media, with 112,534 impressions, 216 reactions, 140 comments and 140 shares. 3.3 Posters were displayed in front facing locations such as libraries. These featured a QR code for residents with smart phones to scan with their camera in order to complete the survey. Paper copies of surveys were also made available. 3.4 In addition to community discussions, 1,225 responses were received, with 887 responses for “Schools and related services for children and young people” and 338 for “Other Council services”. 3.5 A more detailed overview of responses to each of the areas is included within the appendices. The numerical data was analysed using Power BI analytical software. Open field questions produced an extensive amount of information. To manage this level of data, this section only was examined using AI followed by a manual analysis to develop summaries for each question.
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3.6 Examples of responses are quoted for each question to ensure the voices of our communities are directly visible. It may have been necessary to partially redact some quotes to ensure personally identifiable information isn’t inadvertently shared, in line with data protection legislation. 3.7 Demographic information was captured including locality and equalities information. It is important to note that the 1,225 responses do not equate to the same number of respondents, as more than one survey is likely to have been completed by several individuals. 3.8 The surveys were divided into two themes to improve the quality and range of responses. Specifically, this was to: • Minimise survey fatigue as respondents could select the areas they wanted to respond to quickly. • Improve accessibility, as it was easier to support paper and telephone responses through our frontline services and Customer Contact Centre. • Ensure a more balanced range of responses across each survey and a higher completion rate. (A single survey may have led to the initial questions being answered fully with less detailed or partial responses for later questions.) 4 Community Groups 4.1 We consulted with a range of community groups across North Ayrshire, some on multiple occasions and at various locations. We reached as broad a range of communities as possible. Most of the community engagement was in person, however there were opportunities for video calling to ensure as many people as possible could contribute their views. The feedback from these groups is included under each theme in the appendices. 5 Children and Young People 5.1 A young person friendly version of the consultation questions was co-produced with young people. This version of the questions was used to carry out targeted consultation with children and young people at face-to-face engagement sessions with school pupils, young people with disabilities, at the North Coast Youth Forum, annual North Ayrshire Youth Conference, and North Ayrshire Joint Champions Board Conference. Feedback from these sessions is summarised in the Budget Engagement Findings reports under the “Engagement Group and Trade Union Feedback” sections. 6 Trade Union Feedback 6.1 Feedback from trade unions and external associations has been included in full. Rather than segment the feedback into the different areas, Appendix 1 cross references to the full responses as received to ensure context is maintained. 7 Results 7.1 Information gathered from the engagement process is available within the appendices, which includes information for each area consulted on as well as a
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broad selection of comments received. 7.2 Our approach to consultation continues to receive a high level of engagement. Ensuring specific options were consulted on, rather than generic areas, elicits a higher level of engagement from our communities. As a result, the information received is more targeted to the possible budget options and more informative. 7.3 The timing of this consultation has provided more time for Officers and Elected Members to: Consider and refine the budget proposals for consideration by Council on 25 February; Inform our ECRIA screenings and full assessments as required for each proposal; and inform future approaches to consultation to continually improve how we consult with all groups across North Ayrshire. As a result, we are confident the approach, analysis and use of this information ensure the views of our residents and visitors will inform our Council’s 2026-27 budget process. 8 Proposals 8.1 Council agrees: (i) To consider the findings from recent budget engagement to inform the 2026-2027 budget. 9 Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 9.1 The budget engagement with our communities informs the Council’s budget setting process for 2026-27. Human Resources 9.2 There are no human resource implications arising from this report. Legal 9.3 We have statutory duty to consider the impact our policies, including budget proposals, may have on those with protected characteristics (Equality Act 2010), our island communities (Islands (Scotland) Act 2018) as well as the socio- economic impact on our residents (Fairer Scotland Duty (2018) and Consumer (Scotland) Act 2020). 9.4 Assessing the impact of proposals on children’s rights helps to support good decision making and practice and ensure that decisions are necessary and proportionate when balanced against any impact on children’s rights. Equality/Socio-economic 9.5 The consultation takes account of our legal obligations stated under 9.3 and 9.4. Climate Change and Carbon 9.6 There are no climate change and carbon implications arising from this report.
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Key Priorities 9.7 The consultation supports the Council Plan priorities of “Wellbeing”, “Communities and Local Democracy” and “A Sustainable Council” in addition to the wider delivery of the Council Plan. Community Wealth Building 9.8 There are no Community Wealth Building implications arising from this report. Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) 9.9 The consultation takes account of our legal obligations stated under 9.3 and 9.4. United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 9.10 The consultation takes account of our legal obligations stated under 9.3 and 9.4. Consumer Duty 9.11 The consultation takes account of our legal obligations stated under 9.3 and 9.4. Consultation 9.12 Engagement undertaken with communities in North Ayrshire has informed this report and appendices. Mark Boyd Head of Service (Finance) For further information please contact Isla Cruickshanks, Senior Manager (Policy, Performance and Democracy), on 01294 324035 or email IslaCruickshanks@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 0 of 58 2026 to 2027 Budget Engagement Findings Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People 1
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 1 of 58 Contents 1 About this Document / Method ......................................................................................................................................................... 2 2 Demographic Breakdown of Respondents ......................................................................................................................................... 3 3 Survey Findings ............................................................................................................................................................................... 5 3.1 Proposal to realign the level of teaching resource across North Ayrshire schools ......................................................................... 5 3.1.1 Engagement Group and Trade Union Feedback ................................................................................................................................. 12 3.1.2 Equalities – Overview of Survey Responses by Protected Characteristic of Respondent ...................................................................... 27 3.2 Proposal to align Pupil Support Assistant hours to reflect reduced pupil rolls across mainstream schools ................................... 31 3.2.1 Engagement Group Feedback .......................................................................................................................................................... 38 3.2.2 Equalities – Overview of Survey Responses by Protected Characteristic of Respondent ...................................................................... 41 3.3 Proposal to increase charges at Arran Outdoor Education Centre .............................................................................................. 46 3.3.1 Engagement Group Feedback .......................................................................................................................................................... 52 3.3.2 Equalities – Overview of Survey Responses by Protected Characteristic of Respondent ...................................................................... 55
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 2 of 58 1 About this Document / Method This document contains the summarised feedback from the 2026 to 2027 Council Budget Engagement undertaken between 6th November and 19th December 2025. It contains survey findings, engagement group feedback and where relevant, comments from trade unions. Two surveys were issued in parallel: 1. Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People (887 responses) 2. Other Council Services (338 responses) Results of our Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People survey are contained within this report and included the following proposals: a) Realign the level of teaching resource across North Ayrshire Schools b) Reduce pupil support assistant hours to align with pupil rolls in mainstream schools c) Increase charges at Arran Outdoor Education Centre This consolidated approach to engagement and reporting is more comprehensive and enables quicker distribution to Elected Members and Officers for consideration. Please note: As proposals were divided by theme and issued in two surveys, if there is a need to combine findings across the engagement exercise (such as stating the total number of responses received across both surveys) caution should be used to ensure reference is made to the number of responses, rather than number of respondents. Though completely anonymous, individuals may have completed both surveys. Also note that respondents may not have completed all questions within the survey, therefore the total number of responses to each question may not equal the total number of responses to the survey. Open field questions produced an extensive amount of information. To manage this level of data, the Communications Team examined this section only initially using AI followed by a manual analysis to develop summaries for each question. As well as the summary, examples of responses are then quoted for each question to ensure the voices of our communities are directly visible. It may have been necessary to partially redact some quotes to ensure personally identifiable information isn’t inadvertently shared, in line with data protection legislation. Demographic information including equalities data has been provided by respondents. This is used to inform Equality and Children’s Rights Impact Assessments (ECRIAs) on proposals. Though not a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, North Ayrshire Council treats “care experienced” as a protected characteristic and includes it in these results. For further information contact the Corporate Policy and Performance Team via northayrshireperforms@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 3 of 58 2 Demographic Breakdown of Respondents 887 Responses
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 4 of 58
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 5 of 58 3 Survey Findings 3.1 Proposal to realign the level of teaching resource across North Ayrshire schools North Ayrshire’s pupil/teacher ratio in 2024 was 12.4 pupils to each teacher. This is close to our lowest level on record, and is significantly below the figure ten years ago, which was 13.7 pupils to each teacher. Our ratio is also significantly lower than the current national average pupil/teacher ratio of 13.3. The number of pupils across North Ayrshire over the last few years has been falling and is projected to fall further (both in absolute terms and relative to the position across many other parts of Scotland). This has impacted on North Ayrshire Council’s share of national funding through the annual revenue grant from Scottish Government. This proposal is to reduce the budget for teachers by 1% in 2026/27 and 1% in 2027/28. This is based on a projected 1% reduction in pupil roll in each academic session and the anticipated consequential reductions in Grant Aided Expenditure allocation from Scottish Government for financial years 2026/27 and 2027/28. The saving will be achieved through the realignment of teaching resource across the primary sector to reflect the pupil population distribution and through an amendment to the secondary sector staffing allocation formula. A 1% budget reduction equates to a reduction of 14 teaching posts in each year. Any reduction in posts would be achieved through normal workforce planning arrangements, including not filling vacancies. 1. Given the information above, what kind of impact do you think this proposal would have on your community?
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 6 of 58 2. Have you any additional comments you wish to make on the proposals to align the pupil-teacher ratio? Additional Support Needs (ASN): A dominant theme across the responses is that classroom needs – particularly around ASN - have grown significantly, even if pupil numbers are projected to fall. Many responses suggest there has been an increase in children with ASN, neurodivergence, behavioural challenges, trauma and mental-health needs - needs that require more adults in each classroom, not fewer. Respondents stress that the current ratio does not consider the reality of classrooms where teachers are managing several pupils requiring additional support. Reducing the number of staff, they argue, would make it impossible to “get it right for every child” and would disproportionately harm the most vulnerable. Demands on teachers and support staff: A number of comments describe school teams as already ‘struggling’ with teachers experiencing high stress, burnout, sickness absence and disruption due to insufficient staffing. Many responses from parents and school employees describe situations where classes run at or above maximum capacity. They say cover is inconsistent and behaviour issues are escalating. Reducing teacher numbers is seen as worsening an already fragile system, reducing time for quality teaching, increasing safety concerns and accelerating staff retention problems. “My son attends a Supported Learning base and I have witnessed the negative impact not filling vacancies has had. Children with additional support needs require consistency and familiarity. Placing a different supply teacher in his class each day has seriously unsettled him and resulted in aggressive behaviour towards the staff and other pupils. This is heart breaking to hear as a parent.” “This is not going to align the pupil teacher ratio as there are many, many children with ASN in mainstream schools who will no longer be supported. 14 teachers are required to support, getting rid of them will widen the attainment gap for all children in North Ayrshire.” “Given budget pressures and rising costs, the risk is that more disadvantaged groups may be disproportionately affected (for example, households struggling with cost of living, families of children requiring support, areas of higher deprivation). North Ayrshire has higher levels of child poverty in Scotland. Scottish Schools are benefiting from the national “Pupil Equity Funding” (PEF), which helps target support for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. In North Ayrshire, schools are required to work with their communities to decide how to spend this funding. Can this not be used to ensure adequate support?” “Within schools throughout the authority and Scotland the level of stress being felt by teaching staff is at an all time high due to the demands being placed on them due to various reasons, the last thing needed is to reduce any teaching or teaching support staff every member of staff is needed plus more.” “The ratio may be down per pupil to teacher but in mainstream there is increasingly more ASN pupils per classroom. The pupil role may be anticipated to drop slightly however the number of children requiring ASN and pastoral support is increasing. Therefore an INCREASE in teaching staff is actually required to meet learner needs and maintain education standards. “Whilst pupil numbers have been dropping, the rise in pupils with some form of additional need have increased significantly. Irvine Royal Academy has over 60% of pupils with some sort of additional need, it’s impossible for teachers to teach a class with this high a level of support required and not see attainment fall. As a parent of a pupil who is academic I have seen my child not reach their full potential because teachers cannot give the time needed to challenge them in class as they are so stretched meeting the needs of those who need support. So both academic and those who struggle needs are not being met.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 7 of 58 “Due to the inclusion policy where teachers are having to manage multiple levels of ability in one class the reduction in teaching assistants would make their job virtually impossible to provide a satisfactory level of learning to all children in the class.” “Many pupils are struggling with emotional regulation, with complex learning difficulties, with disabilities, with mental health. Teachers and PSAs are often the ones left to pick up those pieces - acting as corporate parents, social workers, nurses, trauma informed practitioners. It is not simply about the number of pupils in a classroom compared to the number of adults. It is about what the pupils need to succeed and thrive in an increasingly volatile, radicalised, isolated world.” 3. Do you think the proposal will have an impact on people with specific characteristics, including race, sex, gender, disabilities, care experienced, socio-economic factors, and others. (Answering 'yes' will allow you to choose groups you feel will be impacted).
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 8 of 58 4. Which groups below do you feel will be impacted.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 9 of 58 5. Please provide more information about how you feel these groups would be impacted. Respondents overwhelmingly say that reducing teacher numbers will disproportionately harm vulnerable groups—particularly children with disabilities, ASN, trauma, care-experience and those from low-income households. Many note that these pupils already rely heavily on individual support, stable relationships, small-group teaching and nurturing environments and say this could be undermined by larger classes and fewer adults. Any proposal to reduce teaching levels is considered to increase the possibly of behavioural issues, widening the attainment gap and limiting early intervention. A recurring theme is that schools are already stretched beyond capacity and any reductions in teaching resource could deepen existing inequalities and jeopardise pupils’ safety, wellbeing and long-term outcomes. “Kids with additional needs and are within a mainstream school are going to feel it hard. There is already a lack of resources and classroom assistants to give them the extra help that a teacher cannot do and to reduce this will heavily impact on children. Without access to proper ASN support, the kids will suffer.” “Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are already behind in development. Cutting funding for schools will only increase the gap. Teachers are already stretched without reducing it more and EVERY child is currently affected by this so reducing it further will stretch teachers further.” “Care experienced young people are statistically more likely to achieve less than their non care experienced friends. The reduction in teaching staff can only therefore have a negative impact on this.” “A reduction in the pupil-teacher ratio would have a particularly negative impact on children who are already vulnerable, such as those with care experience, disabilities, or from low-income families. These pupils often require additional attention, stability, and tailored support to thrive in school. Larger class sizes or fewer teachers would make it even harder to meet their individual needs and could widen existing inequalities. Maintaining or improving support levels is essential to ensure that every child has a fair chance to succeed.” “This cut to service will inevitably affect our most marginalised in society and create more disadvantage to those coming from lower SIMD areas. Children from these areas already have the lowest levels of attainment, engagement, attendance and support. Large class sizes also results in less time being spent with each pupil which doesn’t align with inclusion strategies and closing the attainment gap. How can we say we are following national guidance such as GIRFEC if we are cutting vital support for our young people.” “Children from low-income families will be the ones who suffer most from these cuts. In areas of high deprivation, pupils are already at a significant disadvantage before they even walk through the school doors. They rely more heavily on consistent teacher availability, smaller class sizes, and targeted support to help close the attainment gap. Reducing teaching posts in these communities will only widen that gap further.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 10 of 58 6. Do you think the proposal is likely to have an effect on any island communities which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities) in North Ayrshire? 7. Please provide more information about how this proposal may have an effect on island communities in North Ayrshire. Respondents living on our island communities of Arran and Cumbrae fear a disproportionately negative impact due to what is perceived as an already fragile education infrastructure. Respondents highlight challenges in recruiting and retaining staff, worsened by ferry disruptions, housing shortages and higher living costs. With small school rolls and multi-stage composite classes, even a single lost post can impact subject choices or increase workload on teaching staff. The responses suggest that islands also have limited access to specialist services and supply cover, meaning reduced staffing heightens risks of school closures, inconsistent teaching and unmet ASN needs. Many emphasise that reductions in resource could accelerate depopulation, undermine community sustainability and widen inequality between our island and mainland schools. “Island communities already have challenges in terms of accessing services across a range of sectors. There is less ability to compensate for losses and therefore smaller changes often causes a larger effect.” “Islands struggle as it is and taking away/reducing staff will have a knock on effect to the island, community and the local community. These families don't want to be travelling to the mainland for education as this will be the death to Island communities if there is no education on the island and will move away.” “Families move to our islands in order to experience lower teacher/pupil ratios. Island schools tend to have multi-stage composite making teaching more challenging. Teachers living on the island will have to move off it meaning families removing further children off the island which in turn leads to less footfall for businesses.” “It is already difficult to recruit staff to Arran. We need to hold onto them, support the current staff/pupils and recruit more to improve the chances of our children to further their goals.” “Island communities already work with small numbers of staff. Reducing these further will have a negative impact on class sizes, the attention a teacher is able to give each student along with the extra planning required to support young people fully. We are already struggling with staffing, given the issues with ferries and staff being unable to get in. Further cuts to staffing will simply mean we are unable to cover some classes, resulting in pupils being sent home and the school being closed.” “Island schools such as those on Arran and Cumbrae already operate with small rolls, limited staffing flexibility and challenges linked to recruitment, retention, and travel. A reduction in the overall teacher
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 11 of 58 budget could place additional pressure on these schools if posts are not carefully protected. Even small staffing changes can have a much bigger impact on islands, where a single teacher may cover multiple subjects or stages and where replacement staff are harder to source.” “A loss of teaching posts at Arran High equates to a loss of departments and therefore a loss of subject choices for young people. In primary schools, children who are already in multi year classes would be forced to have higher numbers of pupils in their classes meaning it is even more challenging to meet the needs of ASN pupils. Families who live here have no choice but to send their children to Arran schools, as attending mainland schools is impractical. Arran children would therefore be impacted more and are left significantly disadvantaged.” 8. In relation to the previous question, does your answer relate to:
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 12 of 58 3.1.1 Engagement Group and Trade Union Feedback Harbourside Men’s Shed • Participants did not agree with this, they stated that having a smaller ratio of children to teachers is a great position and should be encouraged to allow teachers more time to support each child. • The lower birth-rate does not necessarily mean fewer children will be registered in schools in the coming months/years due to resettlement programmes for refugees and asylum seekers. If teacher numbers are reduced now, this would have a negative impact on teachers and learners in the future when numbers of children increase. • “Do not think this is a good idea.” 13 people were in attendance, 77% believed this proposal would have a high impact and 23% were unsure. Newtown Men’s Shed • “This is a terrible idea.” • “Whilst this may be the case at present in terms of falling pupil numbers, what happens if there is a spike in births and more teachers are required? What if there aren’t teachers available to fill these posts?” • “What about people coming into Scotland who may not have been born here? Low birth rate doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t be school places needed, even at short notice?” • “We don’t believe this is a good idea.” 10 people were in attendance. All attendees believed this proposal would have a high impact. Kilwinning Discovery Award • “Looking at ratio is only one part/aspect of what goes on in schools. Needs of children are higher so more staff are needed to support the demand.” • “More support needed not taken away.” • “Young people have come from special education and are now in mainstream school making teachers/resources overstretched.” 14 people were in attendance. 71% believed this proposal would have a high impact and 29% thought it would have a low impact. Dreghorn Community Council Nine people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a high impact. Friends of Redburn 14 people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a high impact. Introduction to Watercolour • Two participants felt no impact due to the numbers in classes being a lot lower than they were years ago. • Seven participants felt the level of teaching is low enough as it is and fewer teachers would make things worse. In total, nine people were in attendance. 78% believed this proposal would have a high impact and 22% believed it would have no impact. Irvine Participatory Budgeting Four people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a high impact. Lanfine Age Concern • “Staff having to retire due to anxiety – not enough staff in relation to class sizes and undiagnosed needs.” • “Pupils not feeling safe due to class sizes.” 27 people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a high impact.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 13 of 58 Redburn Grove Tenants Group • “Teachers are always being robbed.” • “Small classrooms mean children get the support they need.” • “Kids depend on their teachers’ support.” Four people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a high impact. Saltcoats High Flats Tenants Group • Big impacts. 11 people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a high impact. Parent Council Chairs’ Meeting Participants pointed out that although the current ratio is favourable compared to other areas on paper, the significant levels of deprivation and the increasing additional support needs make it more important now than ever to retain as many teachers as possible in the system. Reducing the number of teachers could lead to larger class sizes, making it more difficult for teachers to provide individual attention to pupils. There was a significant concern around effectively supporting additional support needs with reduced staffing levels and a suggestion that more of council teaching staff should be deployed to supporting needs than at present. Parents expressed strong sentiments that any reduction in teaching staff would adversely affect the quality of education. They highlighted that effective teaching depends on having sufficient staff available to cater for diverse learning needs, especially in classrooms that include pupils with additional support needs. There was a consensus that the needs of pupils today are increasingly complex. Parents noted that schools are tasked with supporting children with various challenges, including additional support needs, behavioural issues and emotional difficulties. Reductions in teaching staff would hinder the school’s capacity to adequately support these pupils, potentially leaving them without the necessary resources to achieve their potential. Many parents voiced a strong need to advocate against reductions in teaching staff. There was a sense of urgency to communicate the importance of preserving the current levels of staffing to ensure that the needs of young people are met effectively. Participants expressed a determination to ensure safeguarding of the educational experience for all learners, emphasising that any budget reductions should strive to have as little impact as possible on pupils’ learning. If approved, they state this proposed saving would have an adverse impact on a significant number of children. If we need to raise attainment, they highlighted we should not be reducing teachers. Overall, the discussion around reductions to teachers reflected deep concerns about maintaining educational standards and support systems for children, especially in areas facing socioeconomic challenges. Eight people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a high impact. Pupils • “We need the teachers and although there are less kids they still need support and there needs to be a variety of different teachers.” (St Winning’s PS) • “It is better there are more teachers as people in school need extra support and this would not be good for those with additional support needs.” (Beith PS) • “I think that we need more teachers as class is not the only thing that they do, like site projects like the wildlife project.” (Beith PS) • “If teachers are cut people who need help are not supported.” (Lawthorn PS) • “We would have more support if we have more teachers.” (Lawthorn PS)
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 14 of 58 • “Teachers help with more than class, like they help us in the playground, they help us to show respect in the playground.” (Corsehill PS) • “We need to keep all the teachers as there are a lot of people in school and we also need more class helpers.” (Largs PS) 12 of our young people took part in this discussion. All believed that the proposal would have a high impact. North Coast Youth Forum 10 of our young people took part in this discussion. All believed this proposal would have a high impact. GV Voices of Pride Six people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a high impact. One to one discussions with young people with Additional Support Needs Five of our young people with ASN were consulted on a one to one basis. All believed this proposal would have a high impact. North Ayrshire Youth Conference and North Ayrshire Joint Champions Board Conference • “Already hard enough to get teachers to Arran.” • “This may be fine around mainland North Ayrshire, but Arran struggles enough to fill teaching posts.” • “This means some pupils will be missing out on learning certain subjects.” • “Some pupils will miss out on vital learning.” • “Reducing the teacher budget sounds like a bad idea.” • “Teachers’ workload already too much, council asking for more and giving less.” • “It’s unfair to increase the workload on staff by removing staff, give them a raise for the extra work.” • “Reduce options of subjects that pupils could take. Could also affect the level, e.g. highers and advanced highers. SWEC could also fill the gap but depends on what teachers are kept but also that is limited spaces across four council areas.” • “There are lots of probationary teachers out there but if posts are not being filled they won’t have the opportunity to teach. Classes on Arran sometimes only have one teacher so might have a huge impact on the running of a number of classes.” • “The needs of young people [are] getting higher. Teachers already don’t have enough time to dedicate to pupils.” • “29-30 pupils to teachers.” • “We need teachers, the reason we go to school is we need an education.” 110 of our young people were in attendance across both events (86 attended the North Ayrshire Youth Conference and 24 young people attended the North Ayrshire Joint Champions Board Conference). 46% believed the proposal would have a high impact, 32% a low impact, 5% no impact and 17% were unsure.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 15 of 58 3.1.1.1 Response from The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) North Ayrshire Local Association North Ayrshire EIS Response to Budget Proposals 2026-27 and 2027-28 Budget Proposals – Education 2026-27 and 2027-28 The EIS is deeply disappointed to hear that once again a reduction in education staff has been included in the budget proposals not only for 2026/27 but for 2027/28 as well. This is despite the commitment from Scottish Government and COSLA to honour their promise to reduce class contact time for all of Scotland’s teachers to begin to help reduce chronic levels of workload in the profession. An issue on which teachers’ trades unions are currently balloting their members. If implemented, these budget saving measures will only serve to increase the pressures currently faced in North Ayrshire’s schools by staff and pupils alike. Proposed reductions to teaching posts would disproportionately affect women’s employment opportunities, given that teaching remains a predominantly female profession. Staffing cuts increase pressure on the remaining workforce and fall hardest on those with caregiving responsibilities- again, largely women. Excessive workloads and insufficient investment in the profession create significant barriers to women entering, remaining in, and progressing within teaching. In addition, reductions in teaching posts have a particularly detrimental impact on pupils with Additional Support Needs (ASN). The EIS is deeply concerned about the equality implications of these proposals for young people with disabilities. North Ayrshire already experiences some of the highest levels of socio-economic deprivation in Scotland, and from an equality standpoint, these cuts would disproportionately harm disadvantaged communities. The EIS therefore requests that all budget proposals undergo a full Equality Impact Assessment and a Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA). We maintain that the decisions currently being proposed run counter to the Scottish Government’s stated commitment to closing the poverty- related attainment gap. Realign the level of teaching resource across North Ayrshire schools: North Ayrshire’s pupil : teacher ratio in 2024 was 12.4 pupils to each teacher. This is close to our lowest level on record, and is significantly below the figure ten years ago of 13.7. Our ratio is also significantly lower than the current national average pupil : teacher ratio of 13.3. The number of pupils across North Ayrshire over the last few years has been falling and is projected to fall further (both in absolute terms and relative to the position in other parts of Scotland). This has impacted on North Ayrshire’s share of national funding through the annual revenue grant from Scottish Government. This proposal is to reduce the budget for teachers by 1% in 26/27 and 1% in 27/28. This is based on a projected 1% reduction in pupil roll in each academic session and the anticipated consequential reductions in Grant Aided Expenditure allocation from Scottish Government for financial years 2026/27 and 27.28.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 16 of 58 The saving will be achieved through the realignment of teaching resource across the primary sector to reflect the pupil population distribution and through an amendment to the secondary sector staffing allocation formula. A 1% budget reduction equates to a reduction of 14 teaching posts in each year. The reduction in posts would be achieved through normal workforce planning arrangements, including not filling vacancies. • We recognise that there is a falling pupil roll in schools but with the presumption to mainstreaming of ASN pupils, the needs of pupils in our schools are rising and becoming increasingly complex. ASN pupils often require further interventions and support. It is not always possible for the class teacher to provide such support whilst meeting the needs of all other learners in the class. In 2007 5.3% of the pupil roll had ASN, by 2015, ten years ago, that figure had risen to over 20% and now currently it sits at a record high of 43%. This equates to 2 in every 5 pupils having an identified additional support need. As well as planning for their classes, teachers supporting ASN learners must complete an ever-increasing volume of documentation and attend regular meetings which impacts greatly on workload. ASN related work is a huge part of the unsustainable workload problem, there is not enough staff, professional support, resources or time to respond to the complexity of need in our schools. In our 2024 Workload survey, almost 57% of EIS members in North Ayrshire said that they rarely have sufficient time in a typical working week to do everything required to support pupils with Additional Support Needs. • Teacher workload is already a significant issue and if the teaching workforce is reduced; more work will fall to those who are left. Nationally, independent research commissioned by the EIS shows that on average teachers already work more than 11 hours beyond their contracted hours every week. That’s 11 hours of work that the council get free of charge for every teacher. A reduction of 14 FTE will result in an increase in what is already an intolerable workload burden being experienced by teachers. The impact of such a situation will be significant in terms of the wellbeing of the teaching workforce. • On paper NAC may have one of the lowest pupil-teacher ratios, but we feel that the figures presented of 12.4 pupils to 1 teacher in 2024 does not give a true reflection of classes sizes across the authority. The ratios are undoubtedly skewed because of specialist provisions such as Lockhart Campus, SSRs, ESRs and ENRs. There are also teachers who do not hold responsibility for a class such as those who are centrally employed or those who hold promoted posts with no class teaching commitment. • The average class size across Scotland in 2024 was 23.3 which lags behind the OECD and EU22 average. North Ayrshire’s teachers deserve parity with OECD counterparts and so do North Ayrshire’s learners. It is essential that the current average class size is across all schools in NAC is made clear. Evidence clearly indicates that smaller classes have a positive impact on the quality of the learning experience; a narrow focus on pupil teacher ratios runs contrary to this wealth of educational research that has been conducted over many years. • Furthermore, using the pupil-teacher ratio as the main measure for ‘realigning’ the level of teaching resource disregards the needs of pupils and also the level of deprivation in our local authority. 45% of children in North Ayrshire live in postcodes in the most deprived areas of Scotland according to SIMD, 24% are living in relative poverty. This proposal risks the widening of the poverty-related attainment gap if there are fewer teachers and increased class sizes. • Many violent and aggressive incidents are as a result of pupil behaviour towards staff. Some pupil behaviours issues are related to unmet Additional Support Needs. The number of incidents reported in Quarter 2 this year was significantly higher than the number in the same period last
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 17 of 58 year. There is already no flexibility within the service to support pupils and staff following a violent incident. The impact of violent and aggressive incidents is a risk to both educational outcomes and the health, safety and wellbeing of all. • Staff absence has a major impact in schools and cover budgets are already under extreme pressure. The EIS requests (as we did this time last year too) detailed information on how many absences are as a result of work-related stress or as a result of a physical or psychological injury following a violent and aggressive incident. Maintain alignment of Pupil Support Assistant hours to reduced pupil rolls across mainstream schools: This proposal is to reduce the budget for Pupil Support Assistants (PSA’s) by 1% in 26/27 and 1% in 27/28. This is based on a projected 1% reduction in pupil roll in each academic session. A 1% budget reduction equates to approximately 135 hours per week PSA support in each year. The reduction in time would be achieved through normal workforce planning arrangements, including not filling vacancies. Primary and secondary schools receive an allocation of Pupil Support Assistants, with the distribution of available budget based on school roll and level of social deprivation. Pupil Support Assistants provide a range of support to children and young people to enable them to participate in education and learning. This includes supporting their emotional and behavioural needs, literacy and numeracy development and health/disability needs. The use of PSA’s acts as a preventative measure and can remove pressure not only from internal specialist provision, but also from external day education placements, both of which are significantly more expensive alternative models of service provision. • The budget proposal document states that the allocation of PSAs is based on the distribution of available budget across schools based on their school roll and level of social deprivation. The allocation formula negates to consider pupil need - even though it seems clear that this group of staff are highly valued in the work that they do with learners who have ASN. This proposal risks creating an inequity in accessing support across different areas. • If PSAs are seen as a way of preventing the need to move pupils either to specialist provision or external placements, then surely the proposal to reduce PSA hours is counterproductive.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 18 of 58 3.1.1.2 Response from The Association of Headteachers and Deputes in Scotland (AHDS) PO Box 18532 Inverurie AB51 0WS 11th December 2025 North Ayrshire Councillors, Budget setting in Education: School leaders express considerable concern The Association of Headteachers and Deputes in Scotland (AHDS) is Scotland’s sole union devoted to the advocacy and support of school leaders within Primary, Early Years, and ASN sectors. We are proud to represent 102 Headteachers, Deputes, and Principal Teachers across North Ayrshire and over 2800 nationwide. I write on behalf of North Ayrshire members. We are acutely aware of the challenging decisions demanded by the present financial climate and do not underestimate the gravity of your responsibilities. Nevertheless, we believe it is imperative that you are equipped with the perspective of your school leaders as you consider potential budget changes. Having consulted with our members locally, I am writing to you to set out their views on the proposal to reduce the number of teachers in North Ayrshire over the coming two years. We do not support this proposal. As is set out in the following response, North Ayrshire faces what can only be described as a crisis in the recruitment of school leaders. Returns to our 2025 workload survey saw only 16% of Deputes and no Principal Teacher express any aspiration to pursue a Headteacher role. There are many factors contributing to this but at the core of it, there are two elements: − Resources to support pupils with ASN are insufficient to meet demand, resulting in pressure for class teachers which impacts on school leader workloads. − Deputes and PTs seeing their HTs working the longest hours in any local authority in Scotland in an effort to support their teams and pupils. This proposed cut would exacerbate the current situation when what is needed is an investment in staff numbers to better support North Ayrshire’s children. The focus of that investment needs to be in ASN which will, in turn, improve the quality of provision for all pupils. Best regards, Greg Dempster AHDS General Secretary
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 19 of 58 The budget proposal: “Schools and related services for Children and Young People North Ayrshire Council Realign the level of teaching resource across North Ayrshire schools: This proposal is to reduce the budget for teachers by 1% in 26/27 and 1% in 27/28. This is based on a projected 1% reduction in pupil roll in each academic session and the anticipated consequential reductions in Grant Aided Expenditure allocation from Scottish Government for financial years 2026/27 and 27/28. The saving will be achieved through the realignment of teaching resource across the primary sector to reflect the pupil population distribution and through an amendment to the secondary sector staffing allocation formula. A 1% budget reduction equates to a reduction of 14 teaching posts in each year. Any reduction in posts would be achieved through normal workforce planning arrangements, including not filling vacancies.” AHDS cannot support this proposal for the following reasons: • While pupil numbers in schools are declining, the presumption of mainstreaming for ASN (Additional Support Needs) pupils means that the complexity and intensity of learners’ needs are increasing. Many ASN pupils require additional interventions and targeted support, which cannot always be delivered by the class teacher alongside meeting the needs of all other learners. The support often falls to the SLT, particularly in managing distressed/violent behaviour. In 2007, 5.3% of the pupil population had ASN; by 2024, this had risen to 39.4%. ASN coordinators are responsible for reviewing and completing STINT documentation, arranging and attending regular meetings, taking a note of the meetings, liaising with other agencies, completing requests for assistance to other agencies which with growing numbers of ASN pupils is significantly adding to their workload and tasks cannot be completed within the working hours. The following chart is drawn from the AHDS workload survey report for North Ayrshire and shows the growing challenge faced by schools seeking to support their pupils with ASN. • The 2025 AHDS workload survey shows North Ayrshire AHDS members working significantly beyond contracted hours: Head Teachers average 57.6 hours per week, Depute Head Teachers 54.7 hours, and Principal Teachers 47 hours. For HTs, this represents 22.6 hours of unpaid overtime weekly—over 65% beyond contracted hours—and the highest reported workload in Scotland. This pattern has been consistent across AHDS surveys, with North Ayrshire HTs regularly reporting the longest hours nationally. Reducing PSA and teacher numbers by 1% over the next two years would exacerbate these pressures, further displacing leadership capacity and compromising the ability to meet pupils’ needs effectively. It seems entirely probable that this would further worsen the desirability of Headteacher roles in North
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 20 of 58 Ayrshire. The following chart shows the latest AHDS information about the desirability of Headship in North Ayrshire: • The workload survey findings reveal severe pressures on leadership time. Beyond providing 1:1 support for pupils, unplanned class cover consumes an average of 1.2 hours per week for Head Teachers and 3.8 hours for Depute Heads. When combined with other non-core tasks, this equates to 8.4 hours weekly for HTs, 12.2 hours for DHTs, and 5 hours for PTs—almost half a pupil week for DHTs. These demands displace essential leadership responsibilities and significantly extend working hours, with members reporting they rarely manage an uninterrupted 20-minute break during the school day. Reducing teacher and PSA numbers by 1% over the next two years will intensify these challenges, as SLT will increasingly be required to step in when pupils with ASN need support, further eroding leadership capacity and compromising the quality of provision for all learners. • While North Ayrshire appears to have one of the lowest pupil–teacher ratios, the reported figure of 12.4 pupils per teacher in 2024 does not provide an accurate picture of actual class sizes across the authority. These ratios are skewed by the inclusion of smaller schools such as Cumbrae, Gateside, the Arran primaries, Arran High, and specialist provisions including Lockhart Campus, Extended Outreach, Early Years Inclusion Service, EAL, ESRs, and SSRs. Furthermore, the calculation includes teachers who are not class-based, such as those in specialist or centrally deployed roles, which further inflates the apparent staffing levels and masks the reality of larger class sizes in mainstream settings. • Reducing teacher and PSA numbers by 1% over the next two years would have serious consequences for pupils, staff, and overall school performance. Relying on the pupil–teacher ratio as the primary measure for ‘realigning’ teaching resources fails to account for the complexity of pupil needs and the high levels of deprivation within North Ayrshire. Such an approach risks widening the poverty-related attainment gap, as fewer teachers and larger class sizes inevitably reduce the capacity for targeted support and high-quality learning experiences. There is a high concentration of children who experience social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. We have seen the benefit to learners when we have been able to create smaller class sizes. Retaining staff numbers when school roll drops would play a significant role in our school to help address inequalities.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 21 of 58 3.1.1.3 Violent and aggressive incidents—many involving pupils with ASN—are already a significant and increasing challenge in primary schools. Currently, there is no flexibility within the system to provide adequate support for pupils or staff following such incidents. This not only jeopardizes educational outcomes but also poses a serious risk to the health, safety, and wellbeing of all involved. Reducing staffing levels will intensify these risks, leaving schools even less equipped to respond effectively. Additional PSAs are already being topped up in many schools using PEF budget, schools are already allocating PSAs 1-1 due to the nature of needs ASN and SEBN cuts here would impact both education and safety. • Staff absence is another critical pressure point, with cover budgets already stretched to breaking point. Absences caused by work-related stress or injuries following violent incidents, highlights the link between inadequate support and staff wellbeing. Cutting teacher and PSA numbers will compound these issues, increasing stress, reducing resilience, and ultimately undermining the stability and effectiveness of our schools. It is already challenging to cover staff absence with a further reduction in staffing there will be very little scope to cover classes over the initial 9-day absence period impacting children’ education and progress. • This is especially concerning given the current state of Scottish education. The latest national data shows ASN numbers at record levels, with around 43% of pupils now identified as having additional needs, most of them within mainstream settings. Inclusion only works when staffing keeps pace with need, and organisations across Scotland have already warned that this gap is becoming unsustainable. PSAs are central to making inclusion safe and meaningful, and reducing their hours shifts high-level need directly onto class teachers and ultimately onto school leaders, increasing risk, workload and crisis management. • Cuts to teaching and support staff also undermine national ambitions around raising attainment, attendance and wellbeing. Every reduction in staffing removes capacity for targeted interventions, behaviour support, planning, and the stability that vulnerable children rely on. When numbers drop, it is school leaders who absorb the impact – covering classes, managing escalating behaviours, addressing parental concerns and trying to maintain staff morale under growing pressure. This also limits the capacity to keep DHTs out of class, despite their essential role in responding to needs across the school. We cannot drive forward improvement with DHTs in class 0.5, and PTs only receiving 0.1 management time this currently needs review. • The proposed 1% reduction in teachers and PSAs coincides with the planned introduction of additional NCCT (non-class contact time) requirements, which will significantly increase pressure on staffing and leadership teams. Meeting these new NCCT obligations will require more class cover, and with fewer teachers and PSAs available, this responsibility will fall disproportionately on SLT. This not only adds to their already unsustainable workload but also disrupts continuity for learners, as pupils experience more frequent changes in teaching staff. Implementing both the staffing cuts and NCCT changes simultaneously risks undermining the quality of learning and leadership capacity across our schools. END.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 22 of 58 3.1.1.4 Response from School Leaders Scotland Extraordinary LNCT 16.12.25 SLS Response to Budget Proposals School Leaders Scotland is concerned by the proposed reduction in teacher numbers and the cut to Pupil Support Assistant hours in the North Ayrshire budget. Our members cannot support measures that will inevitably undermine the safety, wellbeing and learning of young people. Schools across North Ayrshire are already experiencing rising levels of incidents of aggression and violence, placing increasing pressure on staff and demanding greater—not fewer—resources to maintain safe environments. Attendance continues to decline, requiring sustained relationships, targeted interventions and consistent pastoral support. At the same time, the number of pupils with additional support needs is increasing, with many requiring intensive and specialist assistance that schools are already struggling to meet. Reducing staffing at this critical time will exacerbate these challenges and place both young people and staff at greater risk. We urge decision-makers to reconsider these proposals and prioritise investment in the people who support our learners every day. 3.1.1.5 Response from Unison Unison Response to budget proposals affecting Education and Facilities Management in 2026-27 Further to being notified of a proposed reduction of 1% from Pupil Support within mainstream schools in North Ayrshire, we would raise concerns that this reduction though small, will negatively impact the children and young people in our schools. Recent Scottish Government statistics show that 43% of children in mainstream schools have an additional support need. That’s potentially almost half of the school roll with children requiring additional supports. Taking away even an hour a week from a school will result in all children, not just those with additional support needs, left unsupported in an area where there is already a pressure of increased incidents of violence and aggression, high levels of sickness absence, burnout and high levels of poor mental health. Removing 1% of support puts further pressure on existing staff and could lead to higher levels of sickness absence. Any cuts in staffing hours will adversely affect a predominantly female, part-time workforce in a demographic area which is already one of the most deprived in Scotland.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 23 of 58 3.1.1.6 Response from the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) Medium-Term Financial Outlook and Approach 2026/27 to 2028/29 Local Authority Assumptions “A particular focus within Education Services is the alignment of learning resources against a backdrop of a reducing pupil roll demographic in North Ayrshire” “The reduction in pupil roll will continue to impact the Council’s grant aided expenditure levels, with a reduced relative share of funding coming through to North Ayrshire. To add further context, the current pupil: teacher ratio in North Ayrshire remains one of the lowest in the country”. “Realign the level of teaching resource across North Ayrshire schools: North Ayrshire’s pupil: teacher ratio in 2024 was 12.4 pupils to each teacher. This is close to our lowest level on record and is significantly below the figure ten years ago of 13.7. Our ratio is also significantly lower than the current national average pupil: teacher ratio of 13.3. The number of pupils across North Ayrshire over the last few years has been falling and is projected to fall further (both in absolute terms and relative to the position across many other parts of Scotland). This has impacted on North Ayrshire Council’s share of national funding through the annual revenue grant from Scottish Government”. Local Authority Proposal “Community Impact: Green Savings 26/27 £590,000 27/28 £959,000 Total £1,549,000. This proposal is to reduce the budget for teachers by 1% in 26/27 and 1% in 27/28. This is based on a projected 1% reduction in pupil roll in each academic session and the anticipated consequential reductions in Grant Aided Expenditure allocation from Scottish Government for financial years 2026/27 and 27/28. The saving will be achieved through the realignment of teaching resource across the primary sector to reflect the pupil population distribution and through an amendment to the secondary sector staffing allocation formula. A 1% budget reduction equates to a reduction of 14 teaching posts in each year. The reduction in posts would be achieved through normal workforce planning arrangements, including not filling vacancies”. SSTA Reply The numbers of pupils are projected to fall in this timeframe, is this considering factors that result from policy implementation and societal change? Are the demands being placed on the service now and in the future being fully considered? A significant quantity of large new build homes that have been built would suggest that this could increase, and this could happen more rapidly than expected. The authority seeks to attract employers to the area, if this is successful an increase in the workforce is likely, this would also to increase the number of children who need to be educated. Immigration continues to increase the population. Many immigrants bring their children, some immigrants are unaccompanied young people who need to access education services. Children who come from local authorities outside North Ayrshire and have SEBD and ASN needs also need to be accommodated in our establishments.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 24 of 58 There is a need to maintain the numbers of staff in schools and a reasonable argument can be made for the need to increase staffing and resourcing not cut these back. To laud the point that this local authority has a high ratio of teaching staff compared to others and then use this as a reason to cut numbers is regrettable. Mathematical models that have been used to estimate numbers may have been based on false assumptions. • Teacher workload is at unsustainable levels. • High-quality learning and teaching requires adequate professional time. The demands being placed on teachers that are employed in the authority is causing work related stress, reducing the numbers of teachers and specialist support staff will increase strain on staff. This proposal could lead to increased staff absence, additional costs for cover and a reduction in the ability of staff who remain to meet the vast range of needs that pupil are presenting. Alignment of resources also needs to be considered against a backdrop of rising need. The scale of need within mainstream classrooms has expanded far beyond the capacity of the current system to support it. The continued escalation in ASN identification, presents a serious challenge to the delivery of high-quality learning and teaching. Teachers are facing unprecedented pressures as they strive to address increasingly complex social, emotional, behavioural, and learning needs within environments that are insufficiently resourced to meet them. The national commitment to mainstreaming has not been matched with the investment required for practical implementation. An eight-fold increase in ASN since the introduction of the current statutory framework demands a reassessment of policy expectations, support structures, and staffing levels. The reality within schools is that specialist provision, nurture support, and targeted interventions are often unavailable, inconsistently delivered, or withdrawn due to local authority resource constraints. The consequences of unmet need are reflected in attendance patterns, pupil wellbeing concerns, and the rising incidence of distressed and dysregulated behaviour. • Meeting pupils’ needs, including those with additional support needs, depends on teachers having the capacity to respond effectively
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 25 of 58 Local Authority Assumptions “Maintain alignment of Pupil Support Assistant hours to reduced pupil rolls across mainstream schools: This proposal is to reduce the budget for Pupil Support Assistants (PSA’s) by 1% in 26/27 and 1% in 27/28. This is based on a projected 1% reduction in pupil roll in each academic session. A 1% budget reduction equates to approximately 135 hours per week PSA support in each year. The reduction in time would be achieved through normal workforce planning arrangements, including not filling vacancies. Primary and secondary schools receive an allocation of Pupil Support Assistants, with the distribution of available budget based on school roll and level of social deprivation. Pupil Support Assistants provide a range of support to children and young people to enable them to participate in education and learning. This includes supporting their emotional and behavioural needs, literacy and numeracy development and health/disability needs. Local Authority Proposal Community Impact Green Savings: 2025/26 £48,000, 2026/27 £77,000 Total £125,000 The use of PSA’s acts as a preventative measure and can remove pressure not only from internal specialist provision, but also from external day education placements, both of which are significantly more expensive alternative models of service provision”. SSTA Reply Teachers cannot deliver the inclusive education North Ayrshire aspires to without the tools, time, and personnel necessary to do so safely and effectively. Secondary class contact time remains among the highest in Europe, and specialist ASN staffing continues to decline. At the same time, classroom teachers are expected to manage escalating complexity with limited professional learning opportunities and insufficient numbers of support staff. We urge the local authority to commit to a long-term programme of investment that enables schools to deliver meaningful intervention, early support, and consistent pathways for children and young people who require additional help. Teachers in North Ayrshire are committed to inclusive education, but inclusion cannot be achieved through aspiration alone. It requires resources and a system designed to meet the needs of every learner. Local Authority Proposals in Context of Industrial Relations Dispute The SSTA note that North Ayrshire is working through the lens of COSLA’s recognition of the importance of reducing class contact time (RCCT) and its commitment to continued engagement through the SNCT. We must be clear that RCCT is a national commitment made by the Scottish Government and fully endorsed through the national negotiating machinery. Teachers should not be placed in the middle of disagreements about funding or responsibility between national and local government.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 26 of 58 The financial pressures facing local authorities are real, but these proposals could stall or dilute a commitment that is essential to protect time for preparation and planning of high-quality lessons, maintain the health & wellbeing of teaching staff and improve support for children and young people. RCCT is not an optional policy; it is a contractual requirement in development, and one that must be properly resourced. The SSTA therefore supports North Ayrshire in pressing the Scottish Government to provide the funding necessary to bring about RCCT but equally stresses that the local authority has a duty to participate constructively in planning for implementation rather than presenting obstacles like those proposed in this budget
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 27 of 58 3.1.2 Equalities – Overview of Survey Responses by Protected Characteristic of Respondent This section explores the views of respondents who completed the equality information in the survey. It is a method of comparing responses of those with and without particular protected characteristics. Though quantitative rather than qualitative, this information is a partial insight into real lived experience and is one of many sources which inform our Equality and Childrens Rights Impact Assessments (ECRIAs). For example, in the Disability chart below, 587 respondents stated they did not have a disability (pink) and believed the proposal was high impact to their community. 102 respondents with a disability (blue) also said it was high impact to their community and this ratio of pink and blue is repeated across the other answers. Had the proportion of blue been significantly higher in one answer, that would suggest an area that needed further investigation and would be highlighted through ECRIAs. What kind of impact do you think realigning the level of teaching resource across North Ayrshire schools would have on your community?
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 28 of 58
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 29 of 58
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 30 of 58 0 200 400 600 800
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 31 of 58 3.2 Proposal to align Pupil Support Assistant hours to reflect reduced pupil rolls across mainstream schools This proposal is to reduce the budget for Pupil Support Assistants (PSAs) by 1% in 2026/27 and 1% in 2027/28. This is based on a projected 1% reduction in pupil roll in each academic session. A 1% budget reduction equates to approximately 135 hours per week PSA support annually. The reduction in time would be achieved through normal workforce planning arrangements, including not filling vacancies. Primary and secondary schools receive an allocation of Pupil Support Assistants, with the distribution of available budget based on school roll and level of social deprivation. The role of Pupil Support Assistants is to provide a range of support to children and young people to enable them to participate in education and learning. This includes supporting their emotional and behavioural needs, literacy and numeracy development and health/disability needs. 1. Given the information above, what kind of impact do you think this proposal would have on your community? 2. Have you any additional comments you wish to make on the proposed 1% reduction in the budget for Pupil Support Assistants to reflect the reduction in pupil roll?F COMMENTS: Rising ASN Needs – A significant number of responses expressed the view that the number of children with Additional Support Needs (ASN) is increasing. Respondents state that classrooms now contain more pupils requiring one-to-one or intensive support, often with complex behavioural, communication or emotional needs. Many emphasise that Pupil Support Assistants (PSAs) are already stretched beyond capacity and any reduction would leave vulnerable children unable to cope, access learning or remain safely included in mainstream settings. Impact on Learning - Participants describe PSA support as essential to maintaining safe, calm and productive classrooms. Without enough PSAs, teachers must manage a wide range of classroom issues which can often disrupt learning for all pupils. Many warn of increased accidents, escalations of violence, reduced supervision and less time for interventions such as literacy and numeracy. Many comments suggest that any possible reduction in PSA hours could undermine inclusion, wellbeing and attainment.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 32 of 58 Pressure on Teachers - Another major theme emerging from the comments is the workload teachers already face, particularly in large, high-need classes. Respondents state that PSAs are vital partners who enable teachers to teach, regulate pupils and meet diverse needs. Reducing PSA hours may, in turn, increase teacher burnout, sickness absence and reliance on costly supply cover - ultimately costing more than is saved. Many describe schools as “struggling” with staff “at breaking point,” warning that decreasing PSAs could destabilise an already fragile system. "As a parent of a child with autism who attends a mainstream school, I am deeply concerned about the proposed reduction in Pupil Support Assistant (PSA) hours. While pupil rolls may be decreasing overall, this does not reflect the reality within classrooms. The number of children with Additional Support Needs in mainstream education is increasing, and their needs are often complex and require consistent, skilled support throughout the school day.” “My son is an emerging but inconsistent speaker who also struggles with emotional regulation and focus. He relies on his PSA not just for learning support, but for help with communication, emotional regulation, and personal care. The PSA’s presence enables him to access education in a meaningful way and ensures he can remain included and safe in a mainstream environment.” “Pupil support is key to supporting children in education settings. Are we not seeing more children requiring supports within North Ayrshire? A teacher simply cannot give proper 1-1 support to all the kids within the class.” “The reduction of support will directly affect those who need the support. North Ayrshire really need to look at the needs in each school and understand the increased strain/pressure that is on teaching staff and support staff to get it right for every child in their class. Teachers need more and more support to deal with the needs of children.” “As a teacher I have varied needs within my class. If I did not have a PSA for one child in particular I would be unable to teach the rest of the class due to their disruptive and sometimes violent behaviour. Last year, I spent a lot of time radioing for a PSA to come and change a child and deal with their toileting needs as he had no dedicated PSA time. The amount of teaching time wasted on this was significant.” “Pupil Support Assistants are the backbone of schools. They are already severely underpaid for the incredible service they offer to Scotland's children. Schools would crumble without them. Schools, their staff and the pupils will suffer if staffing numbers are reduced … Attainment gaps are widening. Reducing the number of support staff will only exacerbate these issues.” “PSAs provide both educational and emotional support. They are people that children and young people trust and with teaching staff, allow children to feel they are in a safe space and ready to learn. Most of the children they support have additional support needs and/or come from disadvantaged backgrounds. These are the children’s safe people, not to give them that support would be detrimental to their wellbeing.” “In high-deprivation communities like ours, families cannot replace this support privately. Cutting PSA hours will therefore widen inequalities, increase behavioural and emotional incidents in schools, reduce attainment, and place additional pressure on teachers and school staff. The proposal is based on roll numbers rather than actual support needs, and will have significant negative consequences for pupils and the wider community." “The PSA's in my school are invaluable and are at the heart of what makes our school operate successfully for the best interests of all the children. They are now a direct link between learning, teaching and raising attainment.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 33 of 58 3. Do you think the proposal will have an impact on people with specific characteristics, including race, sex, gender, disabilities, care experienced, socio-economic factors, and others. (Answering 'yes' will allow you to choose groups you feel will be impacted).
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 34 of 58 4. Which groups below do you feel will be impacted.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 35 of 58 5. Please provide more information about how you feel these groups would be impacted. The comments show concern that reducing Pupil Support Assistant hours would disproportionately harm pupils with disabilities, additional support needs, care-experienced young people and those from low-income backgrounds. Respondents highlight that these young people rely on PSAs for essential support with learning, behaviour, wellbeing, communication and personal care. Many responses fear any reduction in hours could widen attainment gaps, reduce inclusion, increase disruption in classrooms and place greater pressure on teachers. Comments also emphasise safeguarding risks, as well as the importance of trusted relationships PSAs build with vulnerable children. “For many children with additional needs, consistent PSA support is not an optional extra — it is the reasonable adjustment that allows them to learn, engage, and be included safely in a mainstream setting." “Many children who are care experienced or have a disability often require one to one support from a PSA. If there is no PSA, how can those that require personal care attend school as teachers should be teaching all children in class and not providing personal care. If PSA numbers are reduced who will provide personal care for the many children that require it?” “Young people from SIMD 1 & 2 are at an already significant academic disadvantage. This would put them further back and increase the gap between them and their peers not from this background.” “ASN pupils and care experienced pupils require connections and this is achieved by having enough staff to build these relationships. Pupils are no longer getting access to CAMHS and the role of education staff is now the only support open to ASN and care experienced pupils. PSA can give pupils time as most Class Teachers are committed to the learning and teaching role. PSA connect with pupils on a 1-1 or small groups. It is essential that we retain and increase PSA support.” “For children with disabilities, the impact of any further cuts would be particularly serious. These pupils often rely on consistent, one-to-one or small-group support to access learning, communicate effectively, and feel safe and included in school life.” “Schools with higher deprivation receive proportionally more PSA resource because pupils facing poverty-related challenges often require increased support with learning, wellbeing, and behaviour. A reduction in available PSA hours could limit targeted interventions that help close the attainment gap and reduce the ability of schools in deprived areas to respond flexibly to need." “Increasing pupil-teacher ratios and reducing support is likely to disproportionately impact children with protected or vulnerable characteristics. Learners with disabilities or additional support needs may receive less targeted help, widening attainment and wellbeing gaps. Care-experienced pupils and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds often rely more heavily on strong relationships and consistent adult support, which larger classes make harder to maintain. Reducing capacity also risks limiting early intervention, which is crucial for pupils who already face barriers linked to race, gender, or other characteristics. These proposals therefore carry a significant risk of deepening existing inequalities.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 36 of 58 6. Do you think the proposal is likely to have an effect on any island communities which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities) in North Ayrshire? 7. Please provide more information about how this proposal may have an effect on island communities in North Ayrshire. Responses regarding the impact on island communities suggest that any reduction in PSA hours will be felt keenly on Arran and Cumbrae. This is mainly due to already limited staffing, recruitment challenges and fewer alternative services. Respondents emphasise that island schools often have high proportions of pupils with additional support needs, but far fewer resources or specialist provisions compared with the mainland. It was felt that small schools are vulnerable to losing whole posts through minor reductions, worsening pressure on teachers and composite classes. Travel and ferry issues make staffing fragile and families rely heavily on PSAs for learning, wellbeing, medication and personal care. Overall, any reduction in service - no matter how small - is seen as disproportionately harmful to island communities. “Arran is attractive to parents due to its safe nature but this has increased the number of students with additional needs. Whether these are ADHD, dyslexia, medical or other needs, the young people need support to be able to access the work but also the right support to be able to give medication as teaching staff are not able to do this.” “For smaller schools on Arran and Cumbrae, even a minor reduction in hours can mean the loss of one part-time PSA post, which has a bigger proportional impact due to small staff teams." “We are restricted with staffing due to the disruption caused by ferries, so more cuts would simply make the matter worse.” “Island schools already operate with limited staffing flexibility and challenges in recruitment and cover. Even a small reduction in PSA hours can create more pronounced difficulties, as PSAs often provide wide-ranging, multi-role support within small school environments. Reduced PSA time could impact the ability to support pupils with additional needs, manage composite classes, and maintain inclusive learning. Given their geographical isolation and limited alternative services, island communities may feel a greater relative impact unless staffing models protect essential support roles.” “Island communities already face unique challenges such as limited staffing flexibility, travel constraints, and smaller school rolls. Reducing support or adjusting ratios may have a greater impact in these settings because replacing staff, sharing resources, or accessing specialist support is far more difficult than on the mainland. Even small changes could significantly affect the stability and quality of education in island schools.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 37 of 58 “Arran does not have the same access to resources for children with ASN due to being an island community. Every school on the island has increasing numbers of pupils with ASN and any reduction in PSA numbers would have a significant impact due to no alternative support or educational provision available on a day to day basis. Falling school roles is irrelevant if additional support needs are increasing and in small island schools, many with multilevel classes, PSAs are essential to ensure all pupils needs are met.” “PSAs are vital to ensure cover at beginning and end of day. Many island children travel on buses and assistance is required when waiting for buses to arrive at end of day and they can often be late as our service buses are not dedicated school buses. Other children travel by taxi or minibus and again PSA are there to assist. PSA are often the First Aider and if not in school then there is no support. They may be required to support medication, hygiene, toileting or accidents.” 8. In relation to the previous question, does your answer relate to:
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 38 of 58 3.2.1 Engagement Group Feedback Harbourside Men’s Shed • “This does not make sense, especially if you are lowering the number of teachers.” • “They aren’t paid much and do a great job.” • “Employ more to support the teachers who are struggling to get through the work they have.” • “Would be best to leave Education alone. Surely there are other places money could be taken from?” 13 people were in attendance. 77% believed the proposal would have a high impact and 23% were unsure. Newtown Men’s Shed • “Makes no sense!” • “Pupil support assistants are invaluable.” • “Low paid so cutting numbers won’t hugely impact the budget.” • “Behaviour in schools is getting worse, pupils with additional needs. How can they be supported if there are less teachers and less assistants?” 10 people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Kilwinning Discovery Award • “What we have in schools now isn’t enough to support the children. Further cuts will affect children’s education.” • “PSA - Remit has changed. PSA are expected to do regular personal care. Adds ultimate pressure. Without them how will support be given to young people in need?” • “Needs are so great there needs to be more support.” 14 people were in attendance. 79% believed the proposal would have a high impact and 21% were unsure. Dreghorn Community Council Nine people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a low impact. Friends of Redburn 14 people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Introduction to Watercolour Nine people were in attendance. 78% believed the proposal would have a high impact, however 11% believed it would have no impact and similarly 11% believed it would have low impact. Irvine Participatory Budgeting Four people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Lanfine Age Concern 27 people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Redburn Grove Tenants Group Four people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Saltcoats High Flats Tenants Group 11 people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Parent Council Chairs’ Meeting Eight people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Pupils 12 pupils took part in this discussion and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. North Coast Youth Forum 10 of our young people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. GV Voices of Pride Six people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 39 of 58 One to one discussions with young people with Additional Support Needs Five of our young people with ASN were consulted on a one to one basis. All believed the proposal would have a high impact. North Ayrshire Youth Conference and North Ayrshire Joint Champions Board Conference • “Pupil Support are very important in my school.” • “It’s not fair on them.” • Result in teachers being hurt. • Result in stress at work which leads to absence. • Complaints from parents. • “Too much for teacher.” • ASN requires a lot of support. • Requires support throughout the full day. • Children will be very unsettled. • Children will miss out on school. • Toileting needs. • [Some children] need support to eat. • Support for learning. • Support to take medication. • “PSA makes me feel safe.” • Support for extracurricular activities • “With not enough provisions for young people with additional support needs this would only get worse.” • “The students will extend so we will probs need more of them.” • “Some students need more PSA than they would get with this cut.” • “Some pupils need additional support and they should be entitled to that.” • “That with the 1% reduction students with additional support needs have a hard time if PSAs weren't in as much.” • “More pupils emerging with ASN.” • “A lot of my peers rely on PSAs removing them is vile and cheap.” • “Don’t students of disabilities need their support.” • “Depends on the pupil they support/ don't support.” • “According to MSYP manifesto - young people with additional support needs are not receiving the support they require already, therefore the Scottish Government recommend local authorities spend more money to support them in school and other education settings. Already lost librarians in schools, now possibly teachers and pupil support, young people often struggle to get the support they require from schools already and this would only worsen the situation. There are so many different behaviours happening in school and it is often difficult for teachers to deal with this and continue to deliver classes, less support assistants would make this more difficult.” • “Please don’t. Just don’t. I don’t know how schools would survive without them.” • “Pupil support assistants are vital for supporting all young people. They are essential in schools and are not getting the wage they deserve.” • “Do more budgeting for pupil support assistant.” • “This is a silly idea.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 40 of 58 • “Cutting the MCR pathways.” • “Cutting MCR PATHWAYS STAFF” 110 of our young people were in attendance across both events (86 attended the North Ayrshire Youth Conference and 24 young people attended the North Ayrshire Joint Champions Board Conference). 60% believed this proposal would have a high impact, 23% low impact, 3% no impact and 15% were unsure. 3.2.1.1 Responses from Trade Unions See section 3.2.1.1 above.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 41 of 58 3.2.2 Equalities – Overview of Survey Responses by Protected Characteristic of Respondent This section explores the views of respondents who completed the equality information in the survey. It is a method of comparing responses of those with and without particular protected characteristics. Though quantitative rather than qualitative, this information is a partial insight into real lived experience and is one of many sources which inform our Equality and Childrens Rights Impact Assessments (ECRIAs). What kind of impact do you think aligning Pupil Support Assistant hours to reflect reduced pupil rolls across mainstream schools would have on your community?
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 46 of 58 3.3 Proposal to increase charges at Arran Outdoor Education Centre Arran Outdoor Education Centre (AOEC) delivers high-quality outdoor learning experiences to approximately 1,200 North Ayrshire pupils each year. Occupancy for 2025/26 is already at 90% during term time, showing strong and consistent demand. The cost of operating the centre is £298,000 greater than the income we receive. As part of a benchmarking exercise to review similar outdoor education facilities at a variety of locations in Scotland, it has been established that AOEC's offering is competitive. While North Ayrshire Council has a commitment to tackling child poverty, with several school catchment areas experiencing high levels of deprivation, there is scope to consider proportionate increases to current prices and still remain affordable. The proposal would keep the pricing structure of the centre in line with similar facilities, while still allowing for subsidised access for local schools at competitive rates. The proposal reflects a £4.00 per person, per night increase. 1. Given the information above, what kind of impact do you think this proposal would have on your community? 2. Have you any additional comments you wish to make on the proposed increase of charges at Arran Outdoor Education Centre? Affordability: A significant recurring concern among the responses was that even a relatively small fee increase would exclude children from low-income families, many of whom are already struggling with the cost of living. For these pupils, AOEC trips may be their only holiday or opportunity for outdoor learning. Respondents highlight that North Ayrshire has high levels of deprivation and any extra cost risks deepening inequality, increasing stigma and preventing the children who benefit most from attending. Development and Wellbeing: Many comments emphasise that AOEC provides life-changing experiences - building confidence, resilience, teamwork, independence and social skills. For some children who may rarely leave their local area, the residential trip is a milestone event that cannot be replicated in school. Respondents stress the importance of preserving access to outdoor learning due to its positive impact on mental health, wellbeing and inclusion. The centre is widely seen as a vital, unique resource that enriches education beyond the classroom.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 47 of 58 Financial Sustainability: There was recognition that AOEC must remain financially viable if it is to keep operating in future years. Some respondents accept that a modest increase is reasonable if it prevents closure and keeps the centre running. However, many urge the council to consider alternative funding models - such as fundraising, grants, corporate sponsorship, targeted subsidies, increased off-season use, or means-testing - to avoid placing the burden directly on families. The overall sentiment is that sustainability matters, but not at the expense of access for all, regardless of their financial background. “I would be happy to pay a bit more to ensure this facility stays and is able to keep running as they offer a very valuable experience to kids, perhaps the schools using the facilities could be more proactive in fund raising to reduce the cost to parents.” “Schools need to rely on more fundraising to support all families to afford this. Schools could seek external funding e.g. parent councils, grants etc to support this additional element. The centre is a highly valued experience amongst schools in North Ayrshire and a small price increase will not affect the demand for it. The centre provides everything for the week along with specialised kit and all food, so I think an increase is fair.” “If you increase the charges then children that are living in high level of poverty would not be able to access these experiences this would therefore increase feelings of exclusion and shame for children. This is an important milestone for children and the benefit of attending this at the end of p7 is life changing for some children who may never get the chance to participate in such opportunities in any other way other than at a reduced cost through the school.” “I think if the price has to be increased by £4, it is a small price to pay to keep the facility open.” “Less families will be able to attend this and currently many young people may only have this one experience in their school life as a holiday, a break away. One forever lifetime memorable experience which could be now outwith their reach altogether. By all means adopt other means to bring in revenue to keep the centre open. Open the building and charge commercial rates to visitors to the island.” “Arran Outdoor Education Centre is absolutely vital in providing outdoor learning and experiences for children whom may otherwise never experience this. It’s a reasonable price increase to keep the centre open but will still have a significant impact on schools/families especially low income families.” “Could the increase be applied in a means tested way or by using pupil decile information to protect our most vulnerable pupils from further financial pressure?” “Arran Outdoor Centre is a wonderful resource that has served the children of our area very well over the years. It would be a great shame to lose it. However, the price against the reduction in days and time spent at the centre for pupils is becoming a concern. Schools already cover the cost of deprived pupils, so this burden falls directly onto them, or onto the school community via fundraising endeavours.” "I have concerns regarding the proposed increase of charges at Arran Outdoor Education Centre. While I understand the need for financial sustainability, I worry about the potential impact on accessibility and equity for children across North Ayrshire.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 48 of 58 3. Do you think the proposal will have an impact on people with specific characteristics, including race, sex, gender, disabilities, care experienced, socio-economic factors, and others. (Answering 'yes' will allow you to choose groups you feel will be impacted).
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 49 of 58 4. Which groups below do you feel will be impacted.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 50 of 58 5. Please provide more information about how you feel these groups would be impacted. Respondents consistently highlight that an increase in charges at AOEC fees could disproportionately affect low-income families, care-experienced young people, and pupils with additional support needs. Many fear that even small increases could make residential trips unaffordable, leading to some children missing out on what is often a unique, confidence-building and life-enhancing experience. The comments emphasise that pupils in areas of deprivation already face significant barriers to improving their wellbeing. Concerns also include widening inequalities, increased financial pressure on schools to subsidise places, and the loss of opportunities for children who benefit most from outdoor learning. “Greater costs would impact poorer families however the increase is minimal and it was already a huge cost so a little more shouldn’t make a huge difference. It is up to schools to help their poorest families and find ways to fundraise or subsidise costs in some way. Also making sure payment plans are available for families.” “Our most disadvantaged will be affected again as they have the least amount of money to pay for such experiences and services. They are also the least likely to experience these opportunities outwith education. Small businesses will also be affected with a reduction in visitor numbers, they are already suffering because of ferry disruptions etc. this will further compound the issues.” “Cost should not be a barrier to pupils enjoying a break away. I have been to the Arran Outdoor Education Centre myself when I was at school and I enjoy it a lot. Young people are suffering enough due to economic incompetence of certain people which they did not cause but are disproportionately, in my opinion paying a heavy price for. Young carers and care-experienced may need a break away and an outdoor experience to act as respite and enhance social inclusion. Some individuals within these categories may not have access to the income required to take part in these activities if a cost was attached.” “Those from low income families may find the extra costs too high and struggle to allow their children to attend the Outdoor Centre. These groups cannot afford this facility now. So any future changes will put this out of reach of people classed in that group.” “The proposed price increase at Arran Outdoor Education Centre is likely to primarily affect pupils from low-income or deprived families, as well as local schools with limited budgets, although subsidised rates should help maintain access. Pupils of all ages benefit from the centre, but younger students may feel the impact more if trips are reduced. Teachers and school staff may need to manage budgets more carefully.” “The proposed price increase at AOEC risks reducing access for the very children who benefit most from high-quality outdoor learning. Young children—especially those from low-income families—may miss out if schools or parents cannot absorb even small additional costs. Care-experienced pupils, who often rely on enriched experiences to build confidence, resilience, and relationships, may face fewer opportunities if budgets tighten. Children with disabilities, who often require additional support or resources to participate, are particularly vulnerable to cuts in school trip funding; any cost rise makes it more likely that schools reduce places or prioritise lower-cost activities. In a high-deprivation area like North Ayrshire, even modest increases can unintentionally deepen inequalities by limiting access to outdoor learning for the children who need it most.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 51 of 58 6. Do you think the proposal is likely to have an effect on any island communities which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities) in North Ayrshire? 7. Please provide more information about how this proposal may have an effect on island communities in North Ayrshire. The responses highlight that increased charges could significantly reduce school visits to Arran, potentially damaging the economic and social fabric of the island community. It was suggested that an increase in charges could lead to fewer bookings, putting the future of the centre at risk and potentially reducing income for local businesses. Many comments expressed the view that any decrease in usage at AOEC could jeopardise its long-term viability, removing a vital employer and an important educational resource for local pupils. Overall, increased fees were seen as potentially harmful to Arran’s economy, opportunities and community wellbeing, although many responses did indicate that a small increase would be justified to ensure the ongoing viability of the centre. "Arran’s economy depends heavily on tourism, hospitality and seasonal trade. Educational groups, like school trips, contribute to this ecosystem even though they’re not ‘traditional tourists’.” “If the cost is increased, some schools may not be able to attend the centre which will impact the foot fall in Arran and could lead to the closure of the centre which will have an even bigger impact on the island.” “While the impact is not expected to be prohibitive, island communities may experience a relatively greater financial and logistical burden compared with other parts of North Ayrshire.” “Arran has hidden poverty. There are families on Arran who could not afford a weeks' residential. Some of these families do not qualify for extra support in terms of school grants etc but face high costs of living on Arran (hidden costs such as an increase in price of food, public transport).” “If the price increases reduce the occupancy levels of the centre, it could then have an impact on the number of people employed there. Also reduced occupancy will mean less catering required from local suppliers.” “Living on an island means in some ways, especially related to funding and accessibility, that we are already at a disadvantage, so proposals like these only compound this situation.” “Arran primaries currently use the Outdoor Centre for teaching collaborations but also for their P7 annual residential trip. The schools and families already have additional costs due to living on an island, so may make this an unattainable resource.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 52 of 58 8. In relation to the previous question, does your answer relate to: 3.3.1 Engagement Group Feedback Harbourside Men’s Shed • “This would seem fair, especially if it helps the centre to stay open. Just concerned about parents/carers who might not be able to afford the extra cost.” • “On a side note, would it be possible (it may already exist?) to have a small fund available to cover the cost for young people who might not be able to afford to go. We have heard so many positive things about the experience young people get here and it would be sad to think anyone would miss out).” 13 people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a high impact. Newtown Men’s Shed • “£16 doesn’t sound like a lot, but for people in poverty, it could be the difference between their child being able to have a holiday or not.” • “Could those in work who can afford it pay the extra, and those on benefits not be expected to pay the extra?” • “NAC must find a way to keep this facility open. It is a great asset for young people in North Ayrshire.” 10 people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have no impact. Kilwinning Discovery Award • “Arran is a wonderful experience for young people. That may stop young people accessing/utilising the centre that is in their local authority.” • “Doesn’t support the cost of living.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 53 of 58 • “Is there a way for the centre to generate income through hiring it out or allowing families to book it?” 14 people attended. 57% believed this proposal would have a high impact, 29% low impact and 14% were unsure. Dreghorn Community Council Nine people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a low impact. Friends of Redburn 14 people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a low impact. Introduction to Watercolour Nine people were in attendance. 67% believed this proposal would have a high impact, 22% low impact and 11% no impact. Irvine Participatory Budgeting Four people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a low impact. Lanfine Age Concern 27 people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a high impact. Redburn Grove Tenants Group Four people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a low impact. Saltcoats High Flats Tenants Group 11 people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a high impact. Parent Council Chairs’ Meeting Eight people were in attendance and all were unsure if this would have an impact. Pupils 12 pupils took part in this discussion and all believed this proposal would have a high impact. North Coast Youth Forum 10 of our young people took part in this discussion and all believed it would have a low impact. GV Voices of Pride Six people attended. 67% believed this proposal would have a high impact and 33% felt it would have a low impact. One to one discussions with young people with Additional Support Needs Five of our young people with ASN were consulted on a one to one basis. 20% believed this proposal would have a high impact, 20% felt it would have a low impact and 60% were unsure. North Ayrshire Youth Conference and North Ayrshire Joint Champions Board Conference • “£4PPPN [per pupil per night] isn't exactly completely unaffordable for most families but the centre provides such a valuable experience.” • “It’s more money for less time.” • “The centre could sell snacks or souvenirs.” • “Still Fair.” • “Very fair, love the centre.” • “£4 isn’t a huge increase and would still be affordable for most people. Price increase would be preferred to losing the centre. Good that local schools will get support to keep costs low especially if they consider the families suffering most by the cost of living.” • “Maybe less regular.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 54 of 58 • “Do more activities and walking with the outdoor centre.” • “This widens the gap for those who cannot afford.” 110 of our young people were in attendance across both events (86 attended the North Ayrshire Youth Conference and 24 young people attended the North Ayrshire Joint Champions Board Conference). 48% believed this proposal would have a high impact, 23% low impact, 11% no impact and 18% were unsure.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings – Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People Page 55 of 58 3.3.2 Equalities – Overview of Survey Responses by Protected Characteristic of Respondent This section explores the views of respondents who completed the equality information in the survey. It is a method of comparing responses of those with and without particular protected characteristics. Though quantitative rather than qualitative, this information is a partial insight into real lived experience and is one of many sources which inform our Equality and Childrens Rights Impact Assessments (ECRIAs). What kind of impact do you think an increase to charges at Arran Outdoor Education Centre would have on your community?
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 0 of 52 2026 to 2027 Budget Engagement Findings Other Council Services
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 1 of 52 Contents 1 About this Document / Method ......................................................................................................................................................... 2 2 Demographic Breakdown of Respondents ......................................................................................................................................... 3 3 Survey Findings ............................................................................................................................................................................... 5 3.1 Proposal to Streamline the Participatory Budgeting (PB) Process ................................................................................................. 5 3.1.1 Engagement Group Feedback .......................................................................................................................................................... 10 3.1.2 Equalities – Overview of Survey Responses by Protected Characteristic of Respondent ...................................................................... 13 3.2 Proposal to Increase Temporary Accommodation Rents ........................................................................................................... 17 3.2.1 Engagement Group Feedback .......................................................................................................................................................... 22 3.2.2 Equalities – Overview of Survey Responses by Protected Characteristic ............................................................................................. 24 3.3 Proposal to Review the Waste Collection Frequency for Purple and Blue Bins on the Mainland and Cumbrae ............................... 28 3.3.1 Engagement Group Feedback .......................................................................................................................................................... 35 3.3.2 Equalities – Overview of Survey Responses by Protected Characteristic ............................................................................................. 37 3.4 Proposal Regarding Opportunities for Regional Collaboration ................................................................................................... 41 3.4.1 Engagement Group Feedback .......................................................................................................................................................... 47 3.4.2 Equalities – Overview of Survey Responses by Protected Characteristic of Respondent ...................................................................... 49
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 2 of 52 1 About this Document / Method This document contains the summarised feedback from the 2026 to 2027 Council Budget Engagement undertaken between 6th November and 19th December 2025. It contains survey findings, engagement group feedback and where relevant, comments from trade unions. Two surveys were issued in parallel: 1. Schools and Related Services for Children and Young People (887 responses) 2. Other Council Services (338 responses) Results of our Other Council Services survey are contained within this report and included the following proposals: a) Streamlining the participatory budgeting process b) Increasing temporary accommodation rents c) Review of the waste collection frequency for purple and blue on the mainland and Cumbrae This consolidated approach to engagement and reporting is more comprehensive and enables quicker distribution to Elected Members and Officers for consideration. Please note: As proposals were divided by theme and issued in two surveys, if there is a need to combine findings across the engagement exercise (such as stating the total number of responses received across both surveys) caution should be used to ensure reference is made to the number of responses, rather than number of respondents. Though completely anonymous, individuals may have completed both surveys. Also note that respondents may not have completed all questions within the survey, therefore the total number of responses to each question may not equal the total number of responses to the survey. Open field questions produced an extensive amount of information. To manage this level of data, the Communications Team examined this section only initially using AI followed by a manual analysis to develop summaries for each question. As well as the summary, examples of responses are then quoted for each question to ensure the voices of our communities are directly visible. It may have been necessary to partially redact some quotes to ensure personally identifiable information isn’t inadvertently shared, in line with data protection legislation. Demographic information including equalities data has been provided by respondents. This is used to inform Equality and Children’s Rights Impact Assessments (ECRIAs) on proposals. Though not a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, North Ayrshire Council treats “care experienced” as a protected characteristic and includes it in these results. For further information contact the Corporate Policy and Performance Team via northayrshireperforms@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 3 of 52 2 Demographic Breakdown of Respondents 338 Responses
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 5 of 52 3 Survey Findings 3.1 Proposal to Streamline the Participatory Budgeting (PB) Process We propose to streamline the Participatory Budgeting small community grants processes into one community process, creating a more engaging process for communities. Following any changes, there would still be a substantial amount available for distribution each year through the Participatory Budgeting voting process (around £90,000 per annum plus any additional funding which was identified year to year) as well as support to access other small grants programmes. At the same time, the changes will help us renew our focus on mainstreaming Participatory Budgeting as part of community participation in overall Council service design and delivery. Overall, the proposal would result in a reduction in small grants funding available for community groups. 1. Given the information above, what kind of impact do you think this proposal would have on your community? 2. Have you any additional comments you wish to make on the proposals to amend the participatory budgeting processes? Concern for small community groups: Many responses indicated a concern that a shift towards more competitive, vote-led PB could disadvantage small, local or specialist groups. Respondents worry that moving, for example, to a single annual process or reducing overall funds may threaten the survival of groups supporting older people, rural communities, or those living in smaller communities or in high-deprivation areas. Potential to favour better-known groups: In addition, there was concern that while smaller groups may lose out, some viewed PB as a “popularity contest” which could favour high-profile organisations with strong digital reach, larger memberships or better PR. Bringing all funding rounds together or increasing the reliance on community voting could intensify this. Groups lacking an online presence or supporting vulnerable people who cannot easily vote (e.g. older adults or rural residents) may be at a disadvantage. Respondents say funding should reflect need and impact, not campaigning ability. Concern at potential reduction in funding: There is support for streamlining, reducing administrative burden and simplifying application and voting processes, which some see as overly complex. However,
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 6 of 52 many object that the proposed streamlining is linked with a reduction in funding, which they feel undermines the purpose of PB. Other responses suggest the process needs more clarity, transparency and improved accessibility - especially online voting. “I'm not sure this is the fairest way - some projects are high profile and can mobilise support, while others quietly get on with things without all the PR and would be disadvantaged by this approach. Funding shouldn’t really be a popularity contest.” “This makes sense both for the council and for the groups seeking funding. As it is, groups have to make multiple applications to multiple funds and this takes up the time of the employed workers and the volunteers - time which would be better spent actually getting on with running the groups.” “Looking at this PB change, I think it's necessary, trading a small reduction in grant money for a much more efficient process is a smart financial move. I see the long-term benefit being the renewed focus on mainstreaming Participatory Budgeting—giving our communities a proper strategic voice in how council services are delivered and this I think is a bigger win than just securing small grants.” “Any action which results in a reduction in funding available to community groups is bad. Streamlining the process should result in efficiencies in administering the funds and identifying points where funding is duplicated or overallocated to one sector. Community groups as a whole provide learning, activities, support to specific varied demographic groups and are much used and enjoyed by their communities. They should be supported as much as possible to ensure they can be used by as many as possible with cost to access not being a factor.” “This may make it more difficult for smaller community groups to be sustainable in having to compete with the bigger more established groups.” “This will also weight the process quite strongly to better known organisations who have a bigger presence on social media etc which will make it harder for smaller ideas and groups to access any money. It will make it more like a popularity contest than it already is.” “Streamlining the process is positive and as long as there is clear concise and accurate information available to all relevant parties and communities, I think this is a good proposal.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 7 of 52 3. Do you think the proposal will have an impact on people with specific characteristics, including race, sex, gender, disabilities, care experienced, socio-economic factors and others. (Answering 'Yes' will allow you to choose groups you feel will be impacted).
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 8 of 52 4. Which groups below do you feel will be impacted.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 9 of 52 5. Please provide more information about how you feel these groups would be impacted. Respondents fear that changes to PB could disadvantage people with disabilities, older adults and low-income families. Concerns centre on reduced access to funding, especially if the process becomes more digital and competitive. Many highlight that PB funding often sustains vital local services - social support, activities, mental-health support, disability groups - and losing it could increase isolation, stress and inequality. The comments indicate a fear that any changes may reduce fairness and transparency and risk the closure of small community groups relied upon by vulnerable residents. “Depending on the exact changes made, it has the potential to make it more difficult for elderly and disabled people to participate and also people experiencing deprivation might find it harder to participate if the new process is more digital-based or fewer physical meetings are harder to get to on public transport.” “This will make things EASIER for the groups seeking funding.” “Groups for socially isolated older people are less likely to receive funding through PB than through the existing system.” “Every group, club, cafe, centres etc has a direct positive impact on people from various groups who rely on support networks etc. Without funding they may be forced to close or withdraw from the local community. All sections of the community will be impacted as PB will not prescribe who can apply.” “Small charity groups in my community make good use of the annual PB funding to improve the welfare, particularly of elderly and disabled people. The services they provide support low income families and they organise activities for our young people who have very little access to NAC resources due to ferry time restrictions.” “This style of giving out budgets means that only the most popular or well known groups will be given funding, leaving those will [leave] less known marginalised groups without the funding they need.” 6. Do you think the proposal is likely to have an effect on any island communities which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities) in North Ayrshire? 7. Please provide more information about how this proposal may have an effect on island communities in North Ayrshire. A number of responses suggest that Arran and Cumbrae are more vulnerable to reductions or changes in participatory budgeting because they rely heavily on small, local groups to provide essential services and social activities. With smaller populations, island projects are seen as being disadvantaged in any voting-based system which could be dominated by larger mainland groups. Comments emphasise
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 10 of 52 limited access to council services, higher costs, unreliable transport, and digital exclusion, all of which make PB funding especially important. Some felt that altering PB could increase isolation – particularly in more isolated island communities – as well as weaken community resilience. “Islanders don’t have the same access to council funded activities, support or facilities. We depend on our own resilience and NAC can see from the history of strong successful PB applications from Cumbrae that local groups use the PB grants to improve the well-being of the community.” “There are limited new projects designed to aid island communities and any reduction will be noticed.” “Small island communities are obviously much more limited in what facilities/services they can offer from within the community so may have additional costs to bring expertise/volunteers from the mainland.” “The digitally excluded find it harder to access paper voting on island communities, where the distance to travel to the one paper voting centre can be 15 miles or more and the public transport from the more remote places is once every three hours.” “If [an] all-Ayrshire voting system is applied, care must be taken to ensure that groups on the islands are not disadvantaged versus those in denser populated localities." “Island communities may rely more on small local community groups.” 8. In relation to the previous question, does your answer relate to 3.1.1 Engagement Group Feedback Harbourside Men’s Shed • “Very good idea. Feel the current process is a bit confusing so anything to help with this would be very welcome.” 13 people were in attendance and all felt the proposal would have a high impact. Newton Men’s Shed • “It is quite complicated so any improvements to the process would be welcome.” 10 people were in attendance and all felt the proposal would have a high impact.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 11 of 52 Kilwinning Discovery Award • “We utilise this fund. It will have an impact on small grass root community groups.” • “Small groups may rely on the grant to run.” • “What would streamlining the fund look like, would it take away from community members being involved in the process?” 14 people were in attendance and all felt the proposal would have a high impact. Dreghorn Community Council • “PB make it an easy process” • “Inform library staff on voting process” • “PB amount being cut? – [Name removed] going to find out exactly how much/percentage is being cut.” Nine people were in attendance and all were unsure if the proposal would have an impact. Friends of Redburn • “In order to keep groups and encourage new groups. Reducing the funding and streamlining PB will affect the communities who throughout the year attend groups. Social isolation will rise due to the lack of free community groups and services.” 14 people were in attendance and all felt the proposal would have a high impact. Introduction to Watercolour • “Need more money for community groups not less, these groups are fabulous and very well attended showing there is a need in the community for them.” • “As a group we would be willing to pay each week or contribute to the costs of materials needed." Nine people were in attendance. 67% believed the proposal would have a high impact, 22% low impact and 11% were unsure. Irvine Participatory Budgeting • “Reducing and Streamlining PB will cause a reduction in community participation. Currently we have many groups across North Ayrshire benefiting from PB funding. The process allows many communities and individuals to get involved. Streamlining the process will reduce this and leave communities disengaged.” • “Community groups use PB for various provision that reduce our locality priorities. Examples of this could be free food provision (Lunch Clubs), free youth provision, free family trips and activities which allow families to attend with no cost. These free services provided by PB and community groups give outlets for people within our communities. Streamlining the PB fund would negatively affect all groups across North Ayrshire.” Four people attended and all believe the proposal would have a high impact. Lanfine Aged Concern • “Groups depend on PB funding, there will be a rise in groups folding as they will struggle to continue to provide necessary services to the community. Examples of this could be free food
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 12 of 52 provision, children’s groups, mental health groups. Reducing these free community services will create a rise in the localities priorities. Volunteer burnout will rise as they will feel fed up.” 27 people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Redburn Grove Tenants Group Four people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Saltcoats High Flats Tenants Group 11 people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Parent Council Chairs Meeting No feedback received. Pupils No feedback received. North Coast Youth Forum 10 of our young people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a high impact. GV Voices of Pride No feedback received. One to one discussions with young people with Additional Support Needs • “It’s not a very good idea for communities to be making these cuts when communities rely on the funding.” • “The youth community and people with additional support needs require funding opportunities. Reducing funding and bringing it all together could take away their safe space and opportunities.” Four of our young people responded to this question. 75% believed the proposal would have a high impact and 25% were unsure. North Ayrshire Youth Conference and North Ayrshire Joint Champions Board Conference • “Many local groups who receive money through PB may be affected by this, as older adults may not feel strongly or understand the impact youth groups have. They would be de- prioritised.” • “If the budget was cut this would mean the council won’t build a lot of stuff.” • “Because they'll be less money for local businesses.” • “Tell council its needed.” • “Good that there is more visibility.” • “No I think it’s good to make funding accessible.” • “One pot of funding will make the process and applications less confusing. It could make the PB vote process much bigger and encourage more community involvement.” 110 of our young people were in attendance across both events (86 attended the North Ayrshire Youth Conference and 24 young people attended the North Ayrshire Joint Champions Board Conference). 66% believed the proposal would have a high impact, 12% low impact, 2% no impact and 20% were unsure.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 13 of 52 3.1.2 Equalities – Overview of Survey Responses by Protected Characteristic of Respondent This section explores the views of respondents who completed the equality information in the survey. It is a method of comparing responses of those with and without particular protected characteristics. Though quantitative rather than qualitative, this information is a partial insight into real lived experience and is one of many sources which inform our Equality and Childrens Rights Impact Assessments (ECRIAs). For example, in the Disability chart below, 76 respondents stated they did not have a disability (pink) and believed the proposal was high impact to their community. 24 respondents with a disability (blue) also said it was high impact to their community and this ratio of blue to pink is slightly higher in the high impact responses given, suggesting this may have an impact on those with a disability and any issues alongside potential mitigations should be considered through ECRIAs. What kind of impact do you think Streamlining the participatory budgeting process would have on your community?
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 17 of 52 3.2 Proposal to Increase Temporary Accommodation Rents This is a proposal to increase Temporary Accommodation rents by 3.84% next year. Temporary accommodation is offered to anyone who has nowhere to live and is eligible to apply for homeless assistance. The proposed temporary accommodation increase of 3.84% on 2025/26 levels would come into effect on 1 April 2026 and would be applied to around 250 temporary accommodation properties. This rise would reflect the previously approved increase of 3.84% in council house rents for 2025/26. Separate engagement will be undertaken with tenants on rent levels for 2026/27. 1. Given the information above, what kind of impact do you think this proposal would have on your community? 2. Have you any additional comments you wish to make on the proposal to increase temporary accommodation rents by 3.84% annually? Impact on vulnerable households: A significant theme among the responses is the increase would further burden people already in crisis, such as those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or living on low incomes. Many comments highlight that temporary accommodation rents are already considered high and that raising them risks worsening debt and instability. Respondents said that people in temporary accommodation are at one of the most difficult times in their lives and should not face additional financial pressure. Benefits: A number of comments focus on whether the increase will be absorbed by benefits (Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit) directly to individuals. Some highlight that the rise will have no direct impact on some users of temporary accommodation as it may be covered by welfare payments. However, others stress that working households in temporary accommodation will be unlikely to qualify for full benefit support, meaning they face additional costs and could be penalised for being employed. Fairness: Many respondents question if the proposed increase is fair. Concerns include a perceived lack of clarity on why 3.84% was chosen and the principle of increasing costs for people in crisis. Some argue that rent rises should align with mainstream council rent policy, while others say temporary accommodation should cost less, not more. Several comments suggest that the council should find savings elsewhere rather than raising rents for vulnerable residents.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 18 of 52 “Temporary accommodation should be treated the same as any other Council property and rent raised in line with these properties.” “People seeking temporary accommodation are already facing hardship - asking for higher rent will further impact those seeking shelter.” “Where does the 3.84% increase number come from? What increased costs are needed to be offset by this increase in rent?” “The key factor is whether the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate or the housing element of Universal Credit (UC) paid to these tenants will rise by the same 3.84%.” “This would have far reaching consequences for people on low incomes, coupled with increased food costs gas and electricity costs and fuel costs. This could potentially put those living with a low income into a poverty situation.” “Care should be taken when applying rent increases, particularly to temporary accommodation. These rents are extremely high already. I know from my career in housing that homeless families not on benefits cannot afford to go into temporary accommodation due to the costs involved.” “It [the proposed increase] is fair and proportionate - if council house rents are to increase then temporary accommodation rents should do the same.” “It’s a smaller increase than many private tenants face. It’s a necessary evil I’m afraid.” “It would have a high impact on some of those residents in temporary accommodation, but many would be able to apply for benefits to help cover these costs … The only way council housing and temporary accommodation will survive is if money is ploughed back into them.” 3. Do you think the proposal will have an impact on people with specific characteristics, including race, sex, gender, disabilities, care experienced, socio-economic factors, and others. (Answering 'yes' will allow you to choose groups you feel will be impacted).
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 19 of 52 4. Which groups below do you feel will be impacted.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 20 of 52 5. Please provide more information about how you feel these groups would be impacted. Respondents emphasise that a rent increase may affect people already facing hardship - particularly low-income households, people with disabilities, older adults, people fleeing domestic abuse, and those with mental or physical health challenges. Many note that individuals in temporary accommodation may often be already financially insecure, with some unable to claim full benefits or earning just above eligibility thresholds. Concerns centre on increased financial strain, risk of deeper poverty, reduced ability to afford essentials, and potential barriers to moving on from homelessness. “People experiencing low income and deprivation are more likely to access temporary accommodation.” “Areas within North Ayrshire are already poorly deprived. This rise could potentially make it worse. People are struggling to put food on the table, this increase will be worse on them.” “We need to consider the demographic of those who find themselves in temporary accommodation. Are people with mental and physical health conditions overrepresented in temporary accommodation? Those in temporary accommodation who are in need of housing support and financial advice may be least equipped to deal with an increase. People with disabilities may already be disadvantaged by spending long periods in temporary accommodation while waiting for a suitable mainstream property.” “I don't think [the proposal] would affect those receiving housing benefit, however those working in lower income jobs may be disproportionately affected.” “Those seeking temporary accommodation are likely to be among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in our society.” 6. Do you think the proposal is likely to have an effect on any island communities which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities) in North Ayrshire?
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 21 of 52 7. Please provide more information about how this proposal may have an effect on island communities in North Ayrshire. The number of comments received to this question were limited, potentially indicating perceptions among respondents that temporary accommodation is less of an issue for islands communities. However, of those who responded, many explain island communities already face limited housing supply, higher living costs, and fewer temporary accommodation options. Concerns focus on affordability, especially for people who must travel between island and mainland for work, where transport costs compound financial strain. “[There is] limited accommodation everywhere, but especially on the islands, which can be even more costly places to live.” “Island communities are struggling for housing as it is.” “Not aware of any temporary accommodation available on the island. If people had to commute back to the island for work the cost of travel, combined with increased rent, it could prove unaffordable.” “May affect the ability of individuals to stay within their community due to a lack of available housing options.” 8. In relation to the previous question, does your answer relate to:
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 22 of 52 3.2.1 Engagement Group Feedback Harbourside Men’s Shed • “Temporary accommodation rents should be lowered, not increased.” • “Already very expensive and often being used by people who have nothing and are struggling. Don’t put extra pressure on these people.” 13 people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a low impact. Newton Men’s Shed • “What is the point in this?” • “Is it NAC who pay the rent of those on benefits anyway?” • “We are unsure how this will benefit NAC.” • “Could be bad for people who work and have to pay extra. It could push them into severe poverty.” • “Means test rents possibly?” 10 people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have no impact. Kilwinning Discovery Award • “It is going to impact people who may be in a vulnerable situation with housing through no fault of their own.” • “People may not have an option when it comes to going into temp accommodation and be left with no choice but to pay the higher rate.” 14 people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Dreghorn Community Council Nine people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a low impact. Friends of Redburn • “If people are paying more for rent they’ll be out of pocket and struggle even more so if working.” 14 people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Introduction to Watercolour • “Does this ever get paid anyway??” • “Why are all these cuts focused on the most vulnerable people in our community?” • “Why not look at the disproportionate wages the top tier council staff are earning and reduce the amount of staffing at that level.” Nine people were in attendance. 78% believed the proposal would have a high impact and 22% were unsure.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 23 of 52 Irvine Participatory Budgeting Four people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Lanfine Age Concern 27 people were in attendance and all were unsure if the proposal would have an impact. Redburn Grove Tenants Group Four people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Saltcoats High Flats Tenants Group • “Why make it higher for people who can’t afford it anyways.” 11 people were in attendance and all believed the proposals would have a high impact. Parent Council Chairs Meeting No feedback received. Pupils No feedback received. North Coast Youth Forum No feedback received. GV Voices of Pride No feedback received. One to one discussions with young people with Additional Support Needs No feedback received. North Ayrshire Youth Conference and North Ayrshire Joint Champions Board Conference No feedback received.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 24 of 52 3.2.2 Equalities – Overview of Survey Responses by Protected Characteristic This section explores the views of respondents who completed the equality information in the survey. It is a method of comparing responses of those with and without particular protected characteristics. Though quantitative rather than qualitative, this information is a partial insight into real lived experience and is one of many sources which inform our Equality and Childrens Rights Impact Assessments (ECRIAs). What kind of impact do you think Increasing Temporary Accommodation Rents would have on your community?
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 28 of 52 3.3 Proposal to Review the Waste Collection Frequency for Purple and Blue Bins on the Mainland and Cumbrae The proposal is to move from a 3-weekly collection cycle to 4-weekly for purple and blue bins (excluding Arran) which will better reflect demand, based on current presentation levels and tonnage levels. Purple Bin (glass, cans and plastics) Presentation rates range from the highest level of 69.3% bins presented for collection every 3 weeks to the lowest level of 50.9% of bins presented for collection every 3 weeks. The yield/weight (kg per bin) ranges from 10.22 kg per bin average (lowest) to 11.15 kg per bin average (highest). This indicates that there is sufficient capacity in the bins to move from every three weeks to every four weeks. Blue Bin (paper and card) The highest presentation rate is 77.3% bins presented for collection every 3 weeks. The lowest presentation rate is 55.5% of bins presented for collection every 3 weeks. The yield/weight (kg per bin) ranges from 5.59 kg per bin average (lowest) to 7.19 kg per bin average (highest). Again, this indicates there is sufficient capacity in the bins to move from a 3 weekly to 4 weekly cycle. Further information • From current bin presentation rates, it is clear that many people are not putting out their bins for recycling every collection cycle. This indicates that the frequency of collections could change from a 3 weekly cycle to a 4 weekly cycle with minimal impact on residents. • It is also worth bearing in mind that the Deposit Return Scheme is planned to commence October 2027 and this is expected to have a significant impact on the purple bin. • To encourage recycling, any household with bin capacity issues could be offered an additional bin or a larger bin on a case-by-case basis. • The main impact of this change is on the Waste scheduling team. Less frequent collections will result in higher yields/weight per bin which requires detailed scheduling in respect of tip times and bin lorry capacity. • Arran is unaffected as waste from only blue and grey bins are collected on the island.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 29 of 52 1. What kind of impact do you think this proposal would have on your community? 2. Have you any additional comments you wish to make on the proposed changes to the frequency of collection for purple and blue bins? Overflowing bins: A major theme is residents’ concern that moving to four-weekly collections would cause overflowing bins, especially for families, households with children, or those who recycle heavily. Many already fill blue and purple bins within the current three-week cycle. While some comments said an additional bin may solve the capacity issue, they lack the space to store them. Respondents fear they would be forced to use grey bins instead, reducing recycling rates. Larger households highlight that capacity, not willingness to recycle, is the issue. Fly-tipping: Many comments warn that reducing collection frequency could worsen fly-tipping, overflowing kerbside bins, contamination of recycling and problems with vermin. Others say that when collections are less frequent, people inevitably put recycling into grey bins or dispose of it illegally. Waste and recycling: A number of comments express dissatisfaction with the current frequency, particularly if there are missed collections and or difficulties accessing recycling centres. Many comments received say the proposal contradicts efforts to increase recycling, especially given growing cardboard and packaging waste from online shopping. Some suggest waiting until national deposit return schemes launch. Others say waste-reduction measures should focus on improving recycling education and expanding accepted materials. “We fill both our blue and purple recycling bins before three weeks are up, crushing all rubbish as we go - and we have them out for every collection. Any further extension to collections will mean we start to put recycling in the grey bin. We do not wish to have extra bins cluttering up our garden. We already have so many bins to store.” “I would need a bigger or second purple bin (6 adult household) but are not keen on having more bins to store in my garden. I would like to be able to bring recyclables to the waste management sites. I can bring any waste that would go into a grey bin, as well as cardboard, but I cannot bring recyclables like plastic bottles or other plastic recyclables. Why not?” “I agree with the assessment about how often or full these bins are, for our two person household. I would imagine larger households would struggle a bit more, but if they had more bins, say two of each colour, then that would remove I'm sure any impact.” “Increasing to 4 weeks will only lead to confusion as to which bin goes out and encourage flytipping. Providing extra bins is only an option if you have space for it which most houses don’t.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 30 of 52 “My bins are always full by the time collection arrives. I bother to recycle as much as possible. If it went to four weekly, what am I supposed to do with all the recycling that won't fit in the bin? If we are supposed to be encouraging recycling, it seems this can't be working if people are able to go to four weekly without issue.” “Whilst I see the logic, I think we should be encouraging residents to recycle more. My recycling bins are presented on every available collection day because they have to be - my non recycling bins would be overflowing otherwise.” “This penalises people who do present bins. My purple bin is full within two weeks for example. As long as it is those who need it get an additional bin, this should be ok. But I fear it’ll cause cross contamination of other bins and fly tipping will increase.” “Change to four weekly cycles would be acceptable provided there is adequate scope to dispose of excess recycling at a local recycling centre.” “In my own street every house puts out their purple and blue bins and almost every cycle the bins are overflowing (in adverse weather conditions it also results in waste being blown out of neighbours bins and into our garden). If this is further reduced to every 4 weeks rather than 3 it will result in even more recycled rubbish overflowing out of bins into neighbours’ gardens or being put in the grey bin as an alternative which defeats the purpose of recycling.” “It would be better if more education was given to the community on what and how to recycle, rather than reducing collections. We are a household of three who recycle as much as we can, our blue and purple bins are frequently so full at the three week stage we are worried about closing them properly. We could not go four weeks in a lot of cases.” “Proposed changes to the frequency for the collection of purple and blue bins is a positive one - as long as residents are fully informed of the new collection dates. There has been a large amount of work collating the current presentation rates which does evidence that this proposal should be agreed. With the new booking system for the re-cycling centres I think residents are planning their personal household waste disposal much more effectively and efficiently and in the rare event their purple and blue bins are full they can book a time slot at their nearest re-cycling centre if needed.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 31 of 52 3. Do you think the proposal will have an impact on people with specific characteristics, including race, sex, gender, disabilities, care experienced, socio-economic factors, and others. (Answering 'Yes' will allow you to choose groups you feel will be impacted).
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 32 of 52 4. Which groups below do you feel will be impacted.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 33 of 52 5. Please provide more information about how you feel these groups would be impacted. Respondents felt the change would affect everyone but particularly larger households, low-income families, people with disabilities, older residents, and people without cars. Concerns focus on bins filling more quickly leading to overflowing waste, heavier bins that are harder for some to move and increased difficulty accessing recycling centres. Many comments suggested that changes to recycling schedules could cause confusion, while a number of comments called for mitigations such as larger or additional bins and assisted collection support. "It’s going to impact everyone. Large households will be particularly affected as they fill up their bins faster. Often people living in flats share bins between two or more flats and cannot add to the number of bins due to space storage issues, meaning the bins fill up quickly. People will put rubbish in the wrong bin when they become full or dump bags outside.” “Greater capacity needs could be met by providing bigger bins.” “If people's purple and blue bins are emptied less often the householders will be forced to take cardboard etc to the recycling centres, which could affect those who don't drive (and may disproportionately affect older residents, disabled residents and those on low incomes who may be less likely to own a car).” “The bins would be full therefore heavier for people to move around. It would be important to make sure people who had difficulty with this knew that assistance is available to move bins to the front of homes on collection day.” “Low income households don't always have the means to dispose of their rubbish by going to the local dump.” 6. Do you think the proposal is likely to have an effect on any island communities which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities) in North Ayrshire?
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 34 of 52 7. Please provide more information about how this proposal may have an effect on island communities in North Ayrshire. As Arran would be unaffected by the proposed changes to the purple and blue bin collection frequency, comments received were largely limited to how it may impact those living on Cumbrae. Respondents highlight that island communities face additional challenges compared with the mainland, including reliance on ferries, which can be disrupted by bad weather, leading to waste build-up and associated issues such as odour or vermin. It was suggested that a lack of recycling options on Cumbrae, which does not have a recycling centre, could force residents to use general waste bins instead. Concerns were also raised about increased fly-tipping and difficulties for older residents or those with disabilities managing fuller, heavier bins. " If ferries are off due to adverse weather, this would impact the waste being removed from the island for recycling and could build up over a period of time. Not pleasant and could cause smell, vermin etc.” “Online shopping which generates a lot of packaging waste is effectively essential, especially for older people on Cumbrae. Blue bins can struggle with capacity.” “Cumbrae does not have a recycling centre, so if you make the purple and blue bins 4 weekly, how will they be able to get rid of any additional recycling waste? This will end up in the grey bins.” “[There will be] extra costs from taking extra to mainland HWRC site.” 8. In relation to the previous question, does your answer relate to:
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 35 of 52 3.3.1 Engagement Group Feedback Harbourside Men’s Shed • “Not a good idea. Often bins are overflowing by 3rd week.” • “Leave as is for now and wait until the Deposit Return Scheme has been running for a few months, then you will have a better idea on the impact this will have on the recycling people produce.” • “Could lead to fly tipping or reduction in recycling as people may just throw their recycling in the grey bin.” • “Give this one some time and reassess in a couple of years.” 13 people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a high impact. Newton Men’s Shed • “If you want people to accept this, you might need to provide larger bins.” • “Many of us already struggle to fit all our recycling in over 3 weeks, so this could be an issue for us.” 10 people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a high impact. Kilwinning Discovery Award • “Depending on household size will depend on individual effect. Could the Council / supply implement for example crush cans / bins to utilise more space.” 14 people were in attendance. 50% believed the proposal would have a high impact, 43% low impact, 7% no impact. Dreghorn Community Council Nine people were in attendance and all believed this proposal would have a high impact. Friends of Redburn • “More littering and fly tipping across the communities. Our bins are full currently at the 3 weeks.” 14 people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Introduction to Watercolour • “We all either live alone or as couple so this wouldn’t affect us however if in a larger family this has the potential to have high impact.” Nine people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a low impact. Irvine Participatory Budgeting Four people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Lanfine Age Concern • “Depending on sizes of families.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 36 of 52 27 people were in attendance. 93% believed the proposal would have a high impact and 7% were unsure. Redburn Grove Tenants Group • “We don’t get blue or purple bins.” Four people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have no impact. Saltcoats High Flats Tenants Group • “Don’t agree but needs to be done.” • “This only impacts people who take the time to recycle.” 11 people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have no impact. Parent Council Chairs Meeting No feedback received. Pupils No feedback received. North Coast Youth Forum No feedback received. GV Voices of Pride No feedback received. One to one discussions with young people with Additional Support Needs No feedback received. North Ayrshire Youth Conference and North Ayrshire Joint Champions Board Conference No feedback received.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 37 of 52 3.3.2 Equalities – Overview of Survey Responses by Protected Characteristic This section explores the views of respondents who completed the equality information in the survey. It is a method of comparing responses of those with and without particular protected characteristics. Though quantitative rather than qualitative, this information is a partial insight into real lived experience and is one of many sources which inform our Equality and Childrens Rights Impact Assessments (ECRIAs). What kind of impact do you think reviewing the waste collection frequency for purple and blue bins on the mainland and Cumbrae would have on your community?
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 38 of 52
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 39 of 52
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 41 of 52 3.4 Proposal Regarding Opportunities for Regional Collaboration There are a number of areas that could benefit from a Shared Service Delivery Model, particularly on an Ayrshire-wide basis. Initially, the areas being explored across the Ayrshire councils include: • Economic Development and Growth • The Education senior phase of learning, and • The incorporation of North Ayrshire into the current Ayrshire Roads Alliance. Further exploration work will also be undertaken and developed on wider regional reform opportunities. 1. Given the information above, what kind of impact do you think this proposal would have on your community? 2. Have you any additional comments you wish to make on the potential for a more collaborative approach of services across Ayrshire? Reduced duplication: Many respondents support collaboration because of its potential to deliver economies of scale, reduce duplication across three councils and streamline some back-office functions. A shared model is viewed as a way to reduce management costs and release resources for frontline services. Several comments suggest such moves could produce financial savings and consistent service delivery across the region. Risk to local identity and priorities: Many responses expressed concern that a pan-Ayrshire approach could dilute local accountability, weaken the voice of smaller or rural communities and shift decision-making away from local needs. Some fear North Ayrshire could lose out to more affluent areas and that collaboration may centralise services at the expense of local responsiveness. Many comments expressed worries about inconsistent and potentially lower service quality rather than improvement. Roads and infrastructure: Roads and infrastructure were a significant theme of the comments. Some see shared services - especially for roads - as a potential benefit if it improves coordination and brings investment across boundaries. However, a significant number of responses have concerns over existing shared arrangements (e.g. Ayrshire Roads Alliance) and worry that expanding such models could result in a poorer service. Respondents also highlight the need for clear proposals, transparency around
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 42 of 52 potential savings, workforce implications and assurances that service delivery will not deteriorate under a shared model. “It is obvious that there are major differences in priorities throughout the Ayrshire Regions and this is likely to be detrimental rather than the opposite. All of the regions need to improve their performance…” “Small communities, outside Irvine area, are already disadvantaged in North Ayrshire. To be subsumed within pan-Ayrshire does not appeal.” “A collaborative model will bring significant value due to economies of scale. It will also provide savings. What needs to be considered is the focus on economic development. Resource should be focused on local businesses. Currently the amount of resources are skewed to those furthest from the labour market. There needs to be more alignment with business to transition to green technology and adapt to new opportunities.” “Ayrshire Roads Alliance are not value for money. The roads in other Ayrshires are a mess compared to North Ayrshire.” “There are a number of areas where services could be shared on a regional level to realise administrative savings with a minimum impact on communities. Roads is a good starting point as ARA [Ayrshire Roads Alliance] is well established and successful. Other areas could be included in ARA with immediate effect- fleet, road safety, even estates.” “I think the Council should be looking seriously at the potential for shared services for all back-office functions e.g. Payroll, Procurement, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Accountancy, Audit, HR, Customer Services, IT, Legal.” “Roads in NAC are much better then East or South Ayrshire because NAC have their own teams that respond faster.” “Coordination of these services over the whole county could provide some significant economies of scale as well as more coherent planning to avoid disruption (especially for roads). Also potential benefits to those near the borders of the 3 different councils where services could be shared more effectively and more conveniently for the user.” “Centralisation can be a good thing because it reduces or even eliminates duplication but it is important that North Ayrshire's needs are not pushed into the background by the more affluent council areas of East and South.” “Welcome collaboration where it can save time and money but not to the detriment of focussing on our own communities and local economies.”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 43 of 52 3. Do you think this proposal will have an impact on people with specific characteristics, including race, sex, gender, disabilities, care experienced, socio-economic factors, and others. (Answering 'yes' will allow you to choose groups you feel will be impacted)
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 44 of 52 4. Which groups below do you feel will be impacted.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 45 of 52 5. Please provide more information about how you feel these groups would be impacted. Given the lack of concrete details as to how the shared services may work, there was a degree of uncertainty about the potential impact on certain groups. However, comments expressed concern that areas of North Ayrshire already experiencing high deprivation may be disadvantaged if services are pooled regionally, potentially affecting vulnerable groups such as older people, residents with disabilities and low-income households. Some feel shared services could lead to reduced local investment while others see potential benefits, such as efficiency savings. “North Ayrshire has the highest level modern deprivation out of the three Ayrshires, to share resources will mean our most vulnerable members of society will lose out.” “Difficult to say without knowing the changes.” “It has the potential to impact anyone. The council should carefully consider the human impact before moving forward with changes.” “A pan Ayrshire approach could be beneficial to our local communities.” 6. Do you think the proposal is likely to have an effect on any island communities which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities) in North Ayrshire? 7. Please provide more information about how this proposal may have an effect on island communities in North Ayrshire. Many respondents expressed concern that our island communities of Arran and Cumbrae would be deprioritised within an Ayrshire-wide shared service model. Many comments noted that East and South Ayrshire have no islands and may not prioritise island-specific needs. Concerns for Arran and Cumbrae include reduced local autonomy, fewer resources and reduced responsiveness to issues already exacerbated by isolation. Several respondents suggest that regional services may focus on urban centres like Irvine or Kilmarnock, leaving islands with less investment and attention than they receive now. “Regional [is] all good and well but no doubt it will focus on the towns like Irvine and Kilmarnock and urban areas where money and jobs comes. Islands are only a small part of North Ayrshire and even smaller part of the whole of Ayrshire so [will] end up with very little time or money put into them.” “Arran should not be part of Roads Alliance.” "If the roads join together how will island communities compete with rural Ayrshire?”
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 46 of 52 “The other Ayrshire councils are unlikely to place the same importance on island communities as North Ayrshire currently does.” “Islands have unique needs that North Ayrshire advisors understand.” “Ayrshire Roads Alliance have no experience of managing island road repairs, so this could impact negatively on the roads on both islands.” “The island already doesn’t get fair share of NAC resources such as pavement maintenance, this could make it worse” 8. In relation to the previous question, does your answer relate to:
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 47 of 52 3.4.1 Engagement Group Feedback Harbourside Men’s Shed • “Despite reading all literature provided, this proved quite difficult to understand, particularly the impact it would have on us as a community.” • “This seems like a decision that will be made by those in positions of power and it is very doubtful that the opinions of the public will be taken into consideration anyway.” 13 people were in attendance and all were unsure if the proposal would have an impact. Newton Men’s Shed 10 people were in attendance and all were unsure if the proposal would have an impact. Kilwinning Discovery Award • “We don’t understand what this means. We don’t think slides are as user friendly as it could be. Too much jargon used and figures that we cannot see or do not know.” 14 people were in attendance and all were unsure if the proposal would have an impact. Dreghorn Community Council Nine people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a low impact. Friends of Redburn 14 people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a low impact. Introduction to Watercolour • “Don’t know, have never known this so have no comparison to make.” No feedback on impact received. Irvine Participatory Budgeting Four people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a low impact. Lanfine Age Concern • “Good impact - reducing costs of seniors within council.” 27 people were in attendance. 52% believed the proposal would have a high impact and 48% were unsure. Redburn Grove Tenants Group • “It is good for councils to work together.” Four people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Saltcoats High Flats Tenants Group 11 people were in attendance and all believed the proposal would have a high impact. Parent Council Chairs Meeting No feedback received. Pupils No feedback received. North Coast Youth Forum No feedback received. GV Voices of Pride No feedback received.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 48 of 52 One to one discussions with young people with Additional Support Needs No feedback received. North Ayrshire Youth Conference and North Ayrshire Joint Champions Board Conference No feedback received.
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 49 of 52 3.4.2 Equalities – Overview of Survey Responses by Protected Characteristic of Respondent This section explores the views of respondents who completed the equality information in the survey. It is a method of comparing responses of those with and without particular protected characteristics. Though quantitative rather than qualitative, this information is a partial insight into real lived experience and is one of many sources which inform our Equality and Childrens Rights Impact Assessments (ECRIAs). What kind of impact do you think opportunities for regional collaboration would have on your community?
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 50 of 52
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Budget Engagement 2026/27 Findings –– Other Council Services Page 52 of 52