260211 Council Minute
North Ayrshire Council · 25 March 2026
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 25 March 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION North Ayrshire Council 11 February 2026 At a Meeting of North Ayrshire Council at 2.00 p.m. involving a combination of participation by remote electronic means and physical attendance within the Council Chambers, Irvine. Present (Physical Participation) John Bell, Marie Burns, Eleanor Collier, Joe Cullinane, Charles Currie, Scott Davidson, Anthea Dickson, Stewart Ferguson, Tony Gurney, Alan Hill, Mary Hume, Cameron Inglis, Margaret Johnson, Christina Larsen, Tom Marshall, Louise McLaughlan, Matthew McLean, Davina McTiernan, Jim Montgomerie, Ian Murdoch, Donald Reid, Chloé Robertson, Ronnie Stalker, Angela Stephen and John Sweeney. Present (Remote Electronic Participation) Todd Ferguson, Scott Gallacher, Amanda Kerr, Shaun Macaulay, Jean McClung and Donald L. Reid. In Attendance C. Hatton, Chief Executive; S. Anson, Executive Director (Education); C. Cameron, Director (Health and Social Care Partnership); D. Hammond, Executive Director, Y. Baulk, Head of Service (Housing and Public Protection) (Communities and Housing); R. McCutcheon, Executive Director (Place); M. Boyd, Head of Service (Finance); F. Walker, Head of Service (People and ICT); A. Craig, Head of Service (Democratic), R. Lynch, Senior Manager (Legal Services); M. McColm, Senior Manager (Communications), C. Stewart and S. Wilson, Committee Services Officers, and H. Young, Senior Committee Services Officer (Democratic) (Corporate Services). Chair Provost Dickson in the Chair. Apologies Nairn Angus-McDonald and Robert Foster. 1. Provost's Remarks The Provost welcomed those present to the meeting and dealt with preliminary matters, including intimation that the meeting, which was taking place on a hybrid basis, was being recorded. The Provost also intimated her intention, in terms of Standing Order 10.5 to exercise her discretion to alter the order of business, to consider Agenda Item 7 (Election of Leader and Depute Leader) and then, if appropriate, Motion (2) after Agenda Item 4 (Previous Minutes). 2. Apologies The Provost invited intimations of apologies for absence, which were recorded.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION 3. Declarations of Interest There were no declarations of interest in terms of Standing Order 11 and Section 5 of the Councillors' Code of Conduct. There were no declarations of the Party Whip. 4. Previous Minutes The accuracy of the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 17 December 2025 was confirmed and the Minutes signed in accordance with Paragraph 7(1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 5. Election of Leader and Depute Leader Submitted report by the Head of Service (Democratic Services) on the resignations of the Leader and Depute Leader and invited Council to nominate and elect replacement Members as Leader and Depute Leader of the Council. Councillor Hill, seconded by Councillor Robertson, moved that Council appoint Councillor Gurney as Leader of the Council. As an amendment, Councillor D. Reid, seconded by Councillor Bell, moved that Council appoint Councillor Cullinane as Leader of the Council. On a division and roll call vote, there voted for the amendment, Councillors Bell, Cullinane, Currie, S. Ferguson, Hume, Kerr, McLean, McLaughlan, Montgomerie, D. Reid and Sweeney (11) and for the motion, Councillors Burns, Collier, Davidson, Dickson, Gallacher, Gurney, Hill, Inglis, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, McClung, McTiernan, Robertson, Stalker and Stephen (16), Councillors T. Ferguson, Marshall, Murdoch and D.L Reid abstaining and the motion was declared carried. Councillor Hill, seconded by Councillor Robertson, moved that Council appoint Councillor Larsen as Depute Leader of the Council. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed to (a) note the resignations of Councillors Burns and Macaulay from their respective positions as Leader and Depute Leader of the Council and associated Committees and Outside Bodies; (b) appoint Councillor Gurney as the new Leader of the Council and to the relevant Committees and Outside Bodies detailed at paragraph 2.3 of the report; c) appoint Councillor Larsen as the new Depute Leader of the Council and to the relevant Committees and Outside Bodies detailed in paragraph 2.5 of the report under exception of the Community Planning Partnership Board which had been referenced in error; and d) note that appropriate changes would be made to Elected Member remuneration in accordance with the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 Amendment Regulations 2025.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION 6. Motions In terms of Standing Order 15, submitted: (2) a motion by Councillor Gurney, seconded by Councillor Robertson, in the following terms: Subject to the election of Councillors Gurney and Larsen as Leader and Depute Leader of the Council respectively, Council is asked: 1. to note: a. that Councillors Collier and Johnson will be appointed to Cabinet, notice having been given to that effect. Councillor Collier will be the Cabinet portfolio holder for the Green Environment and Economy and Councillor Johnson the portfolio holder for Education. b. that Councillor remuneration will be amended accordingly to reflect the appointments as Senior Councillors to Cabinet in terms of the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 Amendment Regulations 2025. c. that in consequence of appointment to Cabinet, Councillor Collier will resign from the Audit and Scrutiny Committee and that Councillor Macaulay will be appointed in her place, notice having been given. 2. To agree to appoint Councillor Collier as portfolio holder for the Green Environment and Economy to the COSLA Environment and Economy Board. 3. To agree to appoint Councillor Johnson as Cabinet portfolio holder for Education to the COSLA Children and Young People Board and SEEMiS Board of Management There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. 7. Provost’s Report Submitted report by the Provost for the period from 8 December 2025 to 1 February 2026. Noted. 8. Leader’s Report Councillor Burns presented her report in her capacity as Leader of the Council over the period 8 December 2025 to 1 February 2026. She commented that it had been a privilege to serve as Leader of the Council, following on from her roles as a Cabinet Member and Leader of the Opposition. She commented on the achievements of the Council and thanked Officers, Community Planning and Third Sector partners and communities for their commitment and support in making North Ayrshire a better place for all. She confirmed that she would remain an elected member for Irvine East
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION and expressed her continuing support for the new leadership team in taking the Council forward. Noted. The Provost thanked Councillor Burns for her service and commitment in her role as Leader of the Council and wished Councillor Burns a less stressful year ahead. The Provost also thanked Councillor Macaulay for his contribution in his role as Depute Leader of the Council. 9. Council Minute Volume Submitted for noting the Minutes of meetings of committees of the Council held in the period 13 November 2025 to 29 January 2026. Noted. 10. Council Budget 2026-27 Engagement Findings Submit report by the Head of Service (Finance) on the findings from recent Budget Engagement to inform decisions on the 2026-27 Council Budget. A more detailed overview of responses to each of the areas was included within the appendices. A Member asked a question and was provided with further information in relation to how the information from the responses was used to develop proposals for consideration by Elected Members in setting the Council Budget. Noted. Councillor Macaulay left the meeting at this point. 11. Shared Services Proposal – Economic Development Submitted report by the Executive Director (Place) on the progress in relation to the development of regional collaborative working opportunities within Economic Development. The Executive Director (Place) advised of an amendment to paragraph 2.47 of the report. He advised that the representation from East Ayrshire Council (EAC) on the proposed Staffing and Recruitment Committee would be the EAC leader of the Opposition and not the portfolio holder referenced in the report. Members asked questions and were provided with further information in relation to: • South Ayrshire Council not being in a position to commit to a shared Economic Development Service at this time; • promoting inward investment; • the changes from the initial scope of the proposal;
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION • the position on whether there were financial savings and efficiencies of the proposal; • the enhanced capabilities the new service would deliver beyond those available under current arrangements; • if a Pan-Ayrshire approach with two out of the three Ayrshire councils would achieve the outcomes local businesses were seeking: • how it was to be determined which services would be retained by the Council and which would form part of the proposed shared model. At the invitation of the Provost, the Chief Executive provided clarification that the Partnership was a positive development and that local businesses would welcome the move towards a single Ayrshire approach. The role of Economic Development was to work closely with businesses, supporting them to grow and strengthen while also attracting inward investment to the area. Councillor Gurney, seconded by Councillor McTiernan, moved the approval of the recommendations set out in the officer’s report. Councillor McLean, seconded by Councillor S. Ferguson, moved to defer the decision to allow Elected Members the opportunity to consider the consultants’ report which helped inform the proposal. On a division and roll call vote, there voted for the amendment, Councillors S. Ferguson, T. Ferguson, Gallacher, Inglis, McLean, Murdoch, Stalker and Stephen (8) and for the motion, Councillors Bell, Burns, Collier, Cullinane, Currie, Davidson, Dickson, Gurney, Hill, Hume, Johnson, Kerr, Larsen, Marshall, McClung, McLaughlan, McTiernan, Montgomerie, D. Reid, D.L Reid, Robertson and Sweeney (22) and the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed to note (i) note the strategic context for public service reform, including the national commitments to economic growth; (ii) note the work undertaken to develop the case for a shared Economic Development Service; (iii) note the strong alignment across the existing policies and strategies of both North and East Ayrshire Councils, with clear and robust links to national and regional outcomes for economic growth; (iv) agree to progress with the development of a shared Economic Development Service, in partnership with East Ayrshire Council, with a single management team and with services located within each Council; (v) note that an officer project board be established to take forward the proposed development and implementation of the service, with representation from professional services including Human Resources, Legal and Finance; (vi) agree that the shared service will be led by North Ayrshire Council, with effect from 1 June 2026 and that the Ayrshire Growth Deal’s PMO would be retained with East Ayrshire Council as lead accountable body for the Ayrshire Growth Deal (AGD); (vii) agree the creation of the post of Regional Economic Director; (viii) agree to amend the Scheme of Administration to delegate appropriate powers to the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee for governance of the shared Economic Development Service with effect from its commencement date; (ix) agree the proposals for the composition of the Staffing and Recruitment Committee when considering recruitment of Chief Officers to the shared service as outlined at para 2.47 of the report, as amended in accordance with the verbal update to Council, and amend the Scheme of
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION Administration accordingly; and (x) approve the progression of the recruitment process of a Regional Economic Director and maintain one Head of Service, both of whom will then be involved in developing the overall structure of the Shared Services team. 12. Ardrossan Civic Centre Submitted report by the Executive Director (Place) on the allocation of £85,000 from the Ardrossan Common Good Fund to enable completion of critical improvement works at Ardrossan Civic Centre which is a Common Good asset. Members asked questions and were provided with further information in relation to: • the process of approving repairs to civic buildings within the Common Good; • costings for installing an air source heat pump and whether an assessment was carried out to consider switching to low carbon heating; and • income generated by Ardrossan Civic Centre and whether it was reinvested into the Common Good Fund. At the invitation of the Provost, the Chief Executive provided clarification that all Common Good assets were funded through the Common Good Fund, and it would be inappropriate for General Funds to be used to support or maintain Common Good assets. Councillor Gurney, seconded by Councillor Davidson, moved the approval of the recommendations set out in the officer’s report. Accordingly, the Council agreed to approve the allocation of £85,000 from the Ardrossan Common Good to enable completion of critical improvement works. 13. Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Investment Programme, Revenue Budget and Rent Levels for 2026/27 Submitted report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) on the proposed HRA capital investment programme and revenue budget for 2026/27 and the consequential rent levels. Full details of the capital and revenue budgets were set out at Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 respectively. A table with the proposed rent charges for 2026/27 was set out at Appendix 3 to the report. Members asked questions and were provided with further information in relation to: • option 1 being the preferred choice by 75% of tenants; and • the estate-based regeneration programme with the remaining balance of £7.5 million to deliver 14 projects. Councillor Hill, seconded by Councillor Collier, moved the approval of the recommendations set out in the officer’s report.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION Accordingly, the Council agreed to approve (i) the updated 10-year HRA capital investment programme, as detailed in Appendix 1; (ii) the HRA revenue budget for 2026/27, as detailed in Appendix 2; (iii) a rent increase of 3.84% in 2026/27 for Council houses, garages/lock ups; (iv) a 5% increase to service charges; and (v) note the indicative Council house rent increases of 3.84% for the remaining 28 years of the HRA Business Plan. 14. Questions In terms of Standing Order 14, submitted: (1) a question by Councillor Stalker to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: “The café at Lochshore Hub has been closed since Christmas and with the new tenant expecting to take over 1st April, can I ask if the building work that was needed has started and will it be completed in time for the new tenant taking over?” Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “Cabinet approval for the proposed café lease was granted on 2 December 2025 following a successful marketing exercise. Legal Services have been instructed to progress the lease documentation, with an anticipated entry date of 1 April 2026, subject to completion of the required works to separate the operation of the café from the remainder of the premises. Works have not yet commenced, however, should begin in the coming weeks. There has been a delay in works starting, arising from the need for additional and amended design information from our consultant team. These changes also require an update to the Fire Strategy to reflect revised internal layouts and emergency escape arrangements, particularly in relation to the reprofiling of existing ground levels. Cost and timescale information is currently being finalised for revised roller shutter works and delivery times, associated fire and intruder alarm alterations (including other associated Mechanical & Electrical works), and external escape route modifications. Should works not be completed by the intended date, the lease will commence as soon as practicable thereafter. The incoming tenant has been updated on this position and will continue to be updated as the programme is confirmed”. (2) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care in the following terms: "How much time and engagement has North Ayrshire Council had with the Scottish Government's Social Work Anti-Racism Oversight Group and their ongoing work, including their August 2025 action plan?”
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION Councillor Robertson thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “North Ayrshire Council nor the Health and Social Care Partnership were directly involved in nor had any representation on the Scottish Government's Social Work Anti-Racism Oversight Group. Following publication, the action plan has been considered at the Social Work Governance Board with appropriate dissemination to front line practitioners”. As a supplementary question, Councillor McLean asked if the Cabinet Member agreed that North Ayrshire Council Social Services department was institutionally and structurally racist in its composition and practice? Alternatively, if the Cabinet Member did not agree with that premise, what action would be taken for this attack on our services and staff? Councillor Robertson advised that she did not agree that our Social Services department was inherently racist but stated that racism did occur in institutions and as stated in the survey by IRISS there was a baseline of lived experience within the sector but that every area should be working to reduce that. Councillor Robertson also advised it was a misrepresentation to say that hiring practises were racist. She commented that there were fewer opportunities for people from different backgrounds to get to positions of leadership and we should support people into leadership positions if they had the qualifications and skills to do so. Councillor Robertson further advised that we should always improve our values and ensure this links into practice. (3) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: “Can the Cabinet Member please provide a figure which clearly states the sum paid to PPP Contracts since 2005, a figure for 2025/26 and a projected figure for the end of the original contract in 2038? (I am not asking for a complicated, comprehensive accountants' breakdown, just three total sums)” Councillor Larsen thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “The sums paid in respect of the PPP contract since commencement is summarised in the undernoted table across each line: Payments PPP Contract £m Payments made up to 2024/25 £219.494m Payments projected in 2025/26 £17.127m Payments projected from 2026/27 to end of contract in 2038 £219.119m Total payments £455.740m
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION As a supplementary question, Councillor Murdoch asked if the Cabinet Member was concerned that the PPE contracts could not be renegotiated and also whether she was concerned about the figures within the answer, particularly the £455.740m? Councillor Larsen advised that she did understand this was a recurring frustration for Councillor Murdoch as it was not the first time he had brought this to the Council Chambers but that a lot of people were frustrated by the situation. Councillor Larsen also advised that we cannot change decisions made in 2005. She further commented that the Council had to fulfil the contracts and that was what we intended to do. (4) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing in the following terms: “What engagement has the Cabinet Members had with the Scottish Government regarding its announced intention to create a new housing agency?” Councillor Hill thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “A process of co-design to develop the functions and operating model of the proposed new national housing agency will be led by the Cabinet Secretary for Housing, in partnership with local authorities (through COSLA) and the Scottish National Investment Bank, over the coming months. The detailed work has yet to start, however, the matter was discussed at the recent COSLA Housing Convenors/Special Interest Group meeting on 27 January. The consensus of Convenors was that the idea of an agency was welcomed; however, there was agreement that the agency remit should not cut across the existing strategic and delivery roles of local authorities”. As a supplementary question, Councillor McLean asked if there was a danger that any funds that came direct to North Ayrshire Council would now need to go through another body or this agency first? Councillor Hill advised that it was too soon to say in terms of the proposals laid out but that the feeling from COSLA was to ensure that the remit of Local Authorities, in terms of housing provision, was protected and COSLA would seek to do that as negotiations and discussions roll on. (5) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: "I completely appreciate and understand that the new 20 MPH Speed Limits are being financed by the Scottish Government and are being installed at no cost to NAC. However, can the Cabinet Member please provide a total figure of how much the installation, administratively, legally & logistically, will cost to install across North Ayrshire?”
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “Between 2022 and 2024 a grant of £65,937 was received from the Scottish Government for pre-implementation studies, review, and preliminary design. A further grant of £611,411 was received from the Scottish Government in 2025/26 for detailed design, implementation, and project management costs. The total figure therefore is £677,348”. As a supplementary question, Councillor Murdoch asked if the Cabinet Member agreed that the scheme should have been introduced in a more cost effective and practical way? Councillor Gurney advised he did not agree with that and that the proposals were approved on 19 June 2025 after the Audit and Scrutiny Committee. He further commented about the temporary nature of the traffic regulation orders and that there would be consultation and assessment within all communities before they are made permanent. Councillor Gurney also advised that if Councillor Murdoch had any suggestions he should get in touch with the service. (6) a question by Councillor McLean to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: “For the current known, up to date position, regarding the Scottish Government's intended purchase of Ardrossan Harbour?” The Leader of the Council thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “As this is a Scottish Government-led process, North Ayrshire Council is not directly involved in the purchase discussions. We will however continue to work constructively with Transport Scotland and partners as part of the Task Force to support progress, recognising the importance of Ardrossan Harbour for our communities and the Arran ferry service. Transport Scotland advised on 4 February 2026 that they continue to progress the engagement around Ardrossan Harbour with CMAL and Peel Ports Group - with discussions now at an advanced stage. CMAL and Peel Ports Group have concluded negotiations on the non-binding draft Heads of Terms and are moving to the detail of the potential purchase agreements. In parallel, Transport Scotland along with colleagues in wider Scottish Government are progressing related legal, commercial and subsidy reviews”.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION As a supplementary question, Councillor McLean asked if the business case submitted regarding the Ardrossan Ferry Terminal upgrade was now on hiatus? The Leader of the Council advised he understood the frustrations but that this was a Scottish Government process. In terms of the business case that would be reviewed as required on conclusion of negotiations. 15. Motions Councillor Stalker, as the mover and with the agreement of his seconder, agreed to withdraw his motion, (Motion 1 on the agenda), notice of which was submitted in accordance with Standing Order 15. The meeting ended at 3:25 p.m.