260520 Council Minute
North Ayrshire Council · 24 June 2026
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 24 June 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 20 May 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) Nairn Angus-McDonald, John Bell, Eleanor Collier, Anthea Dickson, Stewart Ferguson, Robert Foster, Scott Gallacher, Tony Gurney, Mary Hume, Cameron Inglis, Margaret Johnson, Christina Larsen, Shaun Macaulay, Jean McClung, Matthew McLean, Davina McTiernan, Ian Murdoch, Donald Reid, Donald L. Reid, Chloé Robertson, Ronnie Stalker and John Sweeney. Present (Remote Electronic Participation) Joe Cullinane, Todd Ferguson and Jim Montgomerie. In Attendance C. Hatton, Chief Executive; S. Anson, Executive Director (Education); D. Hammond, Executive Director (Communities and Housing); L. Kirk, Head of Service (Economic Development, Growth & Regeneration) (Place); C. Cameron, Director (Health and Social Care Partnership); 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 Marie Burns, Charles Currie, Scott Davidson, Alan Hill, Amanda Kerr, Tom Marshall, Louise McLaughlan and Angela Stephen. 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 took the opportunity to express her sadness at the recent passing of former Elected Member for the previous Dalry and West Kilbride Ward, Elizabeth McLardy, paying tribute to her work and dedicated service to her community. On behalf of the Council as a whole, the Provost recorded her sincere condolences to Mrs McLardy’s family and loved ones on their recent loss. 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 25 March 2026 was confirmed and the Minutes signed in accordance with Paragraph 7(1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 5. Provost’s Report Submitted report by the Provost for the period from 16 March 2026 to 10 May 2026. Noted. 6. Leader’s Report Submitted report by the Leader of the Council for the period from 16 March 2026 to 10 May 2026. Noted. 6. Council Minute Volume Submitted for noting the Minutes of meetings of committees of the Council held in the period 12 March to 29 April 2026. Noted. 7. Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Board: Minutes of Meeting Submitted report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) on the Minutes of the Community Planning Partnership Board held on 4 December 2025 and 5 March 2026. Noted. 8. Ayrshire Transformation Board Submitted report by the Chief Executive on the Ayrshire Transformation Board, with the Terms of Reference set out at Appendix 1 to the report. Members asked a question and were provided with further information in relation to how the proposed Board would differ from the arrangements currently in place.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION Councillor Robertson, seconded by Councillor Larsen, moved the approval of the recommendations set out in the officer’s report. Accordingly, the Council agreed to (a) endorse the establishment of the Ayrshire Transformation board (ATB) as the formal senior officer structure for strengthening integrated working across East, North and South Ayrshire Councils, the three Integration Joint Boards and NHS Ayrshire and Arran; (b) note the agreed governance arrangements, including the ATB’s remit, membership, reporting structures, and its alignment with existing local and national oversight frameworks; (c) approve the initial programme areas identified for system wide redesign; (d) approve the Terms of Reference set out in Appendix 1 to the report; and (e) note the content of the report. 9. Pride in Place Submitted report by the Executive Director (Place) on the appointments of the respective new Chairs for the Irvine and the Three Towns Neighbourhood Boards and delegated authority arrangements. The Chief Executive provided an update on the process for appointment of the Chairs to the Irvine and Three Towns Neighbourhood Boards and that all candidates for appointment were very good, showing great commitment to their areas. He further updated on the background and experience of Danny Anderson and Joseph Cullis, the preferred candidates for the positions of Chair of the Irvine and the Three Towns Neighbourhood Boards respectively. Members asked a question and were provided with further information in relation to the proposed membership of the Three Towns Neighbourhood Board. Councillor Collier, seconded by Councillor Larsen, moved the approval of the recommendations set out in the officer’s report. Accordingly, the Council agreed to (a) note the update on the Pride in Place Programmes for Irvine and the Three Towns; (b) approve the appointment of Danny Anderson as the Irvine Neighbourhood Board Chair; (c) approve the appointment of Joseph Cullis as the Three Towns Neighbourhood Board Chair; and (d) provide delegated authority to the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) to prepare the required information for submission to UK Government in consultation with both the Irvine and the Three Towns Neighbourhood Boards. 10. Congratulatory Motion In terms of Standing Order 15.4, submitted the undernoted motions, duly proposed and seconded, which sought to congratulate, commend or recognise an individual or group in relation to their achievement or activities within North Ayrshire: (1) Council congratulates Girdle Toll Bowling Club on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary, marking five decades of sporting participation, community involvement and social contribution within North Ayrshire.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION Council acknowledges the commitment of committee members, volunteers and players - past and present - whose dedication has sustained the club since its formation and recognises the important role the club has played in promoting health, wellbeing and community cohesion. Council further recognises the value of local bowling clubs in bringing generations together and providing inclusive recreational opportunities within our communities. Council wishes Girdle Toll Bowling Club every continued success as it celebrates this significant milestone and looks forward to many more years of achievement and service to the local community. There being no dissent, the motion was approved. (2) Council congratulates the Irvine Burns Club on the occasion of its 200th Anniversary, marking two centuries of dedication to celebrating the life, works and enduring legacy of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns. Council recognises the Irvine Burns Club as one of the oldest Burns clubs in the world and acknowledges its long-standing contribution to Scottish culture, literature and civic life within North Ayrshire and beyond. Council commends the efforts of generations of members who have preserved and promoted Burns’ ideals of equality, compassion and social justice through education, events and community engagement. Council offers its very best wishes to the Irvine Burns Club as it marks this historic bicentenary and extends its congratulations on sustaining such an important cultural institution for two hundred years. There being no dissent, the motion was approved. 11. Questions In terms of Standing Order 14, submitted: (1) a question by Councillor Reid to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: “At the April meeting of the Cabinet there was an exempt report on the sale of Abbey Park Football Ground and 26 Dovecot Lane, Kilwinning. As the report was deemed confidential, I am limited in what information I can share with my constituents. Can the Cabinet Member outline the next stages in the land sale and how local residents will be able to express their views on any proposed development, including any change of use for the site?” Councillor Collier thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms:
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION “The Council’s intention to sell the land will be advertised to the public in accordance with Section 27(2A) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1959. Should any objections arise through this process, Cabinet will receive a further report to consider the correspondence received, prior to any sale being advanced”. As a supplementary question, Councillor Reid asked whether local members would be engaged with prior to the public advertising of the consultation? Councillor Collier advised that the statutory requirement in relation to an open space was to publish a notice in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1959, allowing members of the public the opportunity to make representations on the proposed disposal. She further advised that there was no provision within the process for prior consultation with Elected Members; however, Elected Members were able to engage with the consultation prior to the conclusion of any agreement. (2) a question by Councillor Stalker to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and the Islands in the following terms: "Garnock Campus pool Hoist has not been in use since February. The Hoist was repaired but is now waiting on the council insurance giving the go ahead to start using once again. Can the cabinet member give an update on when this vital piece of equipment will be back in use?” In the absence of Councill Hill, Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “The pool hoist is operated by KA Leisure and maintained by the Council and is subject to a six monthly statutory compliance regime. The lifting equipment itself was serviced, tested and certified as compliant by on 12 November 2025 and again on 27 February 2026. Following a further inspection on 5 May 2026, a defect was identified which relates to the base supporting the hoist rather than the lifting equipment mechanism itself. This issue affects the safe use of the hoist and will require repair – and potentially partial replacement – of elements associated with the base and its interface with the building fabric. A specialist contractor has been instructed to provide a detailed report and quotation for the necessary works, and this information is currently awaited. Officers are working closely with internal colleagues and with KA Leisure to ensure the safest and quickest route to resolution is identified. While the hoist remains unavailable, KA Leisure are managing interim arrangements for customers, including access to alternative facilities where appropriate. We fully recognise the importance of this facility for users with significant additional needs and the frustration and distress caused by the ongoing unavailability of the hoist. Confirmation of timescales can be shared once the repair solution and associated timescales are confirmed”.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION As a supplementary question, Councillor Stalker asked to be kept informed of the progress. Councillor Gurney confirmed that Councillor Stalker would be kept informed. (3) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: “The December 2025 edition of the New Ardrossan Campus Newsletter stated that the stockpiles of contaminated soil on the site would be removed before Christmas. • Can the Cabinet Member please inform us where the contaminated earth was deposited and when it was removed from the site? • How much soil was removed from the site, how was it removed and where was it taken to? Will the Cabinet Member also inform us what remedial work was undertaken to remove the contamination source so there is no harm to human health and no significant pollution to the water environment and general environment and will he provide a guarantee that the site is free from all contaminants that may be harmful to the users of the site, especially the pupils attending the new school?” Councillor Collier thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “The material referred to in the newsletter was contained within managed stockpiles within the Contractor’s site boundary. 2600m3 of contaminated waste has been removed from the site. Waste disposal of the material has been divided into three categories: • Inert waste not suitable for reuse on site – Loanhead Quarry, Boydstone Road Beith and Kilbarchan. • Hydrocarbon waste and asbestos waste levels below level of determination – Knowes Farm IV Landfill Site, Beith • Asbestos waste above level of determination – Greenoakhill Landfill Site , Mount Vernon Glasgow and Huntsman Drive, Port Clarence. Stockton on Tees Before the campus works began, the site underwent remediation in accordance with the “Ardrossan North Shore Remediation Strategy”. This describes the remediation works undertaken and is available from the Council’s website by searching Ardrossan Coastal Quarter. This was informed by a Site investigation 2022, Interpretative Report, which incorporated a human health and water environment risk assessment, also available from the webpage. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was prepared in November 2021 covering both the remediation and subsequent enabling works. This is available from the Council’s ePlanning portal.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION These documents were prepared by Envirocentre, an environmental consultancy with an extensive knowledge of the site and a proven track record in providing environmental advice. They were developed in accordance with the appropriate British Standard ‘Investigation of Potentially Contaminated Sites Code of Practice’ and will ensure that the land is suitable for its future use in accordance with Planning Advice Note 33 Development of Contaminated land. The works were undertaken by Sanctus, an environmental consultant and contractor with circa 20 years’ experience. The remediation works involved the onsite treatment of contaminated soil to achieve the decontamination standard set by NAC as Planning Authority in conjunction with SEPA. The contractor applied a bioremediation (enhanced biological treatment) process to the soils, as specified in the remediation strategy. Hydrocarbons were removed via specialist pump and treat operations. Following the treatment of the soil it was assessed for suitability for reuse on site and reused as infill for the works, with the balance stockpiled for future reuse. A 600mm environmental stone cap was subsequently installed across the site to act as a protective barrier between any remaining contaminants and the new development, helping ensure the site is suitable for use as a school campus and that risks to human health are properly managed. The works were verified through several lines of evidence for acceptance and acknowledgement by SEPA and NAC as the regulators, with works monitored and supervised, where required by EnviroCentre, as Environmental Clerk of works. On satisfactory submission of the validation reports, receipt of all reports were acknowledged with no further comments required by the regulators. The verification report is also available from the Ardrossan Coastal Quarter pages on the website”. As a supplementary question, Councillor Murdoch referenced the contamination that had been identified during excavation for the swimming pool foundations and asked whether any contaminated soil had been retained onsite for a period of 6 to 7 months, whether it had been covered by tarpaulin that may have become dislodged and exposed the material, whether there was any associated risk to public health, what costs had been incurred, whether this would result in any further increase to the already revised budget, the anticipated start date for construction of the building, and whether any additional contamination was expected to be found on the site? Councillor Collier advised that she did not have all the information requested but would provide this to Councillor Murdoch in due course. She further assured Councillor Murdoch that the Council had consistently applied best practice and engaged appropriate consultants in delivering the decontamination works. (4) a question by Councillor Foster to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: “In social media posts on 5th May, Patricia and Kenneth Gibson, then the SNP’s candidates for Cunninghame South and Cunninghame North, reported that North Ayrshire Council’s roads investment programme for 2026/27 was £3million more than the previous year. Of course, Mr and Mrs Gibson gave credit for the increased investment to the SNP. However, every member of this chamber knows that not only
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION did SNP members vote against this investment in Labour’s budget, they made inaccurate claims about it. It was therefore to my astonishment that I saw that Cllr Johnston (a Cabinet Member), Cllr Dickson (the Provost) and Cllr McTiernan all shared the posts. Given the value we in this chamber place on accuracy, would the Cabinet Member like to correct the record for Mr and Mrs Gibson and confirm that the increased investment was a result of this council passing Labour’s budget? And would they therefore agree with me that it’s highly inappropriate for members of the administration to share information they know to be inaccurate two days before an election?” Councillor Larsen thanked the Member for his question and advised that she was not Mr and Mrs Gibson’s representative on Council and would not speak for them. Councillor Larsen further advised that roads investment was a priority across the Chamber and highlighted that, through the 3 budgets approved by the Administration during its term, an additional £2.250 million had been invested in the roads budget. She noted that the investment differed from that proposed by the Labour Group, in that it had been funded through non-recurring resources, whereas the Labour proposal involved a £4 million loan over a 40-year repayment period, at a total cost of £10 million. Councillor Larsen further advised that she placed high importance on accuracy within the Chambers. As a supplementary question, Councillor Foster asked Councillor Larsen what her preferred element of the Labour Budget was, having had a few months to reflect on it? Councillor Larsen declined to answer the supplementary question. (5) a question by Councillor Stalker to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: "The café at Lochshore Hub still has not been handed over to the new tenant because of ongoing work by the Council. The café was closed Christmas 2025 for work to start and to be handed over 1st April 2026 work did not commence till last month with a new date of entry mid-July. This has been a loss to the community, and the new tenant has had to delay taking on staff because of the setbacks. Can I ask why the work was not scheduled to start earlier as the notes of interest were asked for back in 2024 form new tenants?” Councillor Collier thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “Progress is ongoing in relation to the proposed letting of the Lochshore Hub Café. The prospective tenant has been kept up to date on the current position, including the requirement for installation of a roller shutter, which is now programmed for mid
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION June. As a result, the original anticipated entry date unfortunately required to be revised. The initial assessment of the works required to facilitate operation of the café by a private operator did not fully reflect the complexity of the measures needed to achieve compliance with Fire Safety and Building Standards requirements. The project has also been subject to design and technical dependencies involving specialist contractors and consultants, meaning that key information required to finalise the scope and sequencing of works was not available as early as anticipated. As a result, the originally desired timescales could not be achieved. The most recent delay has arisen form the lead-in time required for the bespoke roller shutter. Property Management and Investment have acknowledged the frustration experienced by stakeholders and have apologised directly to the incoming tenant for the disruption caused. Officers are continuing to update the tenant on a weekly basis”. (6) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: “Does the Cabinet Member think that NAC Officers do a good and important job, and does she think Officers advice, especially Legal Advice, is valuable and helpful to Elected Members?” Councillor Larsen thanked the Member for his question and confirmed that she valued the advice. As a supplementary question, Councillor Murdoch asked if the Cabinet Member thought that Elected Members should be challenged in the press and social media when they followed the legal advice of council officers, that a funding application did not fit the criteria for an award? Councillor Larsen advised that, as politicians, Elected Members placed themselves in a position where they may be subject to challenge. She further advised that, in respect of legal advice, Elected Members were not obliged to follow such advice. Councillor Larsen added that she was sorry to hear that Councillor Murdoch had been criticised on social media, noting that a range of views were expressed on such platforms and that decisions taken by Elected Members may not always be supported.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION (7) a question by Councillor Sweeney to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and the Islands in the following terms: “The former Rankins public house at 9 and 11 Townhead street in Stevenston has been derelict for some considerable time. This building is in a terrible state of disrepair, has been neglected for some time and is a significant Safety risk for local people. Rats and pigeons are now nesting in the building. There are concerns about the damage to the roof causing a hazard to people walking past. Another concern is that the public footpath at the corner of the building is only 31 inches wide. Could you please advise what steps have been taken recently with the owners of this building to tackle the Safety concerns that I have highlighted?” In the absence of Councillor Hill, Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “The former Rankins public house in Townhead Street, Stevenston is in private ownership and the owner is no longer responding to contact from officers. Their future plans for the building are not known. The building and adjacent land has been surveyed by the Council’s Pest Control Team on several occasions and no evidence of an infestation of vermin has been found. The team will continue to investigate any reports received and respond accordingly. The building was inspected by the Council’s Building Standards Team on 12 May 2026 and no requirement for urgent works were identified at this time. If at any point work is required to remove or reduce a danger, the team will take whatever action is necessary and attempt to recover any costs from the owner. The position of the building in relation to the footpath and the carriageway would form part of any assessment of risk at the time”. (8) a question by Councillor Angus-McDonald to the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care in the following terms: “How many care assessments have been conducted since the introduction of the critical-only policy on 1st April 2026?” Councillor Robertson thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “For the first reporting period following the new eligibility criteria policy implementation, i.e. from 1st to 30th April there were a total of 97 completed Adult social work assessments and reviews”. As a supplementary question, Councillor Angus-McDonald referred to an individual case in which care was being withdrawn and asked the Cabinet Member whether this reflected the dignity and humanity families deserve, and whether she considered this to be a breach of the recorded assurance from the HSCP that a critical only care
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION approach would not alter its statutory duties to assess need? On a point of order by Councillor Larsen in terms of Standing Order 14.4, it was advised that the supplementary question must arise directly from the answer given to the original question. Councillor Robertson agreed to respond to the question. Councillor Robertson advised that she would not comment on individual cases but requested that Councillor Angus-McDonald share the details to allow the matter to be examined further. (9) a question by Councillor Currie to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: “What is the condition scoring for Arran’s roads and how does this compare with our mainland roads in North Ayrshire and the Scottish average?” In the absence of Councillor Currie, and in terms of Standing Order 14.4, the question was instead asked by Councillor Foster. Councillor Collier thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “The Road Condition Index figures for Arran, the North Ayrshire Mainland, North Ayrshire total and the Scottish Average are detailed in the table below: 2023-25 North Ayrshire 30.6 Arran 48.3 Mainland 27.3 Scottish Average 34.7 Councillor Collier further advised that RPI referred to the road network identified for maintenance treatment. She noted that there were specific factors affecting Arran due to the nature of its roads, which were narrow and lack kerbs, making them more susceptible to wear and rutting. In addition, access restrictions meant that works were typically undertaken during the summer months and were carried out by the Council’s roads team rather than external contractors. Councillor Collier further advised that the condition of the road network on Arran had improved, with RPI reducing from 51.1 in 2020–22 to 48.3 in 2023–25. (10) a question by Councillor Sweeney to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: “Can the Cabinet Member outline the process for adopting roads?” Councillor Collier thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms:
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION “For new roads and developments, the planning process includes provision for developers agreeing which areas will become publicly adopted. Construction Consent follows, detailing the layout and technical aspects of the potentially adoptable roads assets, including surfaces, lighting, drainage etc. Developers lodge a road bond for the duration of their consent/works, to protect the Council if works fail to be completed, for example, a developer goes into administration. The construction consent submission is reviewed and approved by the Council’s Roads service. As work progresses, periodic inspection is undertaken by the Roads services and upon completion, final inspections are undertaken. These ensure that the specifications and expectations set out by the developer for prospective public adoption have been complied with. After a yearlong maintenance period, during which the developer remains responsible for repairs, the adopted areas are confirmed and added to the List of Public Roads. For existing private roads, The Council would not consider adopting a private road if it was not brought up to an acceptable standard, including surfaces, lighting, drainage etc. Any roads considered for adoption must also serve as a link or access function for the wider road network. If this criteria is met, the private owners must intimate their intention to have the road publicly adopted. If a private road was in an acceptable standard, in locations with multiple owners, or frontagers, fronting or abutting the road there are requirements to ensure that all are included in the request process. Notice must be given to all frontagers and that notice must be published in a local newspaper by North Ayrshire Council. There follows a 28-day period for representations to be made. The authority must consider any representations and give formal notice, to the person(s) making it, of whether the adoption will proceed”. As a supplementary question, Councillor Sweeney asked how long-established roads that have not been adopted are inspected, how they are assessed, and by whom? Councillor Collier advised that she did not have the information requested but would provide this to Councillor Sweeney in due course. 12. Motions In terms of Standing Order 15, submitted: (1) a motion by Councillor Johnson, seconded by Councillor Larsen, in the following terms: “In terms of paragraph 23.1 of Standing Orders Relating to Meetings and Proceedings of the Council to suspend paragraphs 15.1, 15.5 and 25.1 of Standing Orders to enable Council to reconsider a decision taken at the budget meeting on 25th February 2026 relating to the allocation of the Child Poverty and Early Intervention Fund and provision of Welfare Rights Officers. (Agenda item 3 – General Services Revenue Estimates).
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION Councillor McLean sought clarification on the relevant standing orders of the motion. The Monitoring Officer provided clarification that Standing Order 15.5 was relevant as it stated that motions were not deemed competent for inclusion on the agenda if the same or similar motion was determined at Council in the previous 6 months. Councillor Inglis, seconded by Councillor Gallagher, moved the direct negative to the motion to suspend Standing Orders. On a division and roll call vote, there voted “not proceed” with the suspension of Standing Orders, Councillors Gallacher, Inglis and Stalker (3) and “to proceed” with the suspension of Standing Orders, Councillors Angus-McDonald, Bell, Collier, Cullinane, Dickson, S. Ferguson, T. Ferguson, Foster, Gurney, Hume, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, McClung, McLean, McTiernan, Montgomerie, Murdoch, D. Reid, Robertson and Sweeney (21), Councillor D.L Reid abstaining and the motion “to proceed” was declared carried. The Monitoring Officer provided clarification that the threshold of 17 members had been met for Council to proceed with the suspension of Standing Orders. Accordingly, the Council having agreed to proceed with suspension of Standing Orders to allow consideration of a motion, Councillor Johnson seconded by Councillor Larsen moved as follows: “Alleviation of child poverty is a priority for the Council and there has been focus on ensuring that families access the benefits to which they are entitled. Initially a single Welfare Rights Officer (WRO) was working within Secondary schools only. Based on early success, the service subsequently expanded by a further two posts to operate across all Early years and Primary establishments, which has increased the reach and impact of the project. Following the first year of the expansion into Primary schools and Eary Years, referrals increased by 144%, rising from 106 in 2023/24 to 256 in 2024/25, and have remained strong at 260 referrals in 2025/26. The total financial gain generated since the start of the project is now just under £3.5 million. Of the three WRO posts currently working within schools, the two introduced later are funded on a temporary basis. There is not currently funding for those two posts beyond the end of this academic session. To maintain this valuable support for local families, Council is therefore moved to deploy £86k from the Child Poverty and Early Intervention Fund (CPEIF) towards the costs of continuing with provision of those two additional Welfare Rights Officer posts for the academic year 2026/27 at a total cost, including on costs of £102, 880. The balance of funding will be met from existing budgets within the Education Service.” Councillor Inglis, seconded by Councillor Gallagher, moved the direct negative. Members asked questions of clarification of the movers of the motion.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION There followed debate and summing up. On a division and roll call vote, there voted for the amendment, Councillors Gallacher, Inglis, McLean and Stalker (4) and for the motion, Councillors Angus- McDonald, Bell, Collier, Cullinane, Dickson, T. Ferguson, Foster, Gurney, Hume, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, McClung, McTiernan, Montgomerie, Murdoch, D. Reid, D.L Reid, Robertson and Sweeney (20), Councillor S. Ferguson abstaining and the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed as follows: “Alleviation of child poverty is a priority for the Council and there has been focus on ensuring that families access the benefits to which they are entitled. Initially a single Welfare Rights Officer (WRO) was working within Secondary schools only. Based on early success, the service subsequently expanded by a further two posts to operate across all Early years and Primary establishments, which has increased the reach and impact of the project. Following the first year of the expansion into Primary schools and Eary Years, referrals increased by 144%, rising from 106 in 2023/24 to 256 in 2024/25, and have remained strong at 260 referrals in 2025/26. The total financial gain generated since the start of the project is now just under £3.5 million. Of the three WRO posts currently working within schools, the two introduced later are funded on a temporary basis. There is not currently funding for those two posts beyond the end of this academic session. To maintain this valuable support for local families, Council is therefore moved to deploy £86k from the Child Poverty and Early Intervention Fund (CPEIF) towards the costs of continuing with provision of those two additional Welfare Rights Officer posts for the academic year 2026/27 at a total cost, including on costs of £102, 880. The balance of funding will be met from existing budgets within the Education Service.” 13. Urgent Items The Provost advised that she had received a request that the Council consider a late congratulatory motion in terms of Standing Order 10.8. 13.1 Congratulatory Motion In terms of Standing Order 15.4, submitted the undernoted motion, duly proposed and seconded, which sought to congratulate, commend or recognise an individual or group in relation to their achievement or activities within North Ayrshire: “That Council records it’s best wishes to the Scotland Nation team ahead of the upcoming World Cup and recognises the pride felt across North Ayrshire in seeing local players and management represent their country on the highest stage of international sport.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION The Council particularly recognises Billy Gilmour of Ardrossan, who plays for SSC Napoli, ben Doak of Dalry, who plays for AFC Bournemouth, and Ross Stewart of Kilwinning, who plays for Southampton F.C, along with Scotland manager Steve Clark of Saltcoats. The Council acknowledges the dedication, commitment and personal sacrifice required to reach this level and commends them for being outstanding ambassadors for both Scotland and North Ayrshire. The Council therefore agrees to send its best wishes to the Scotland squad, management team, in particular the North Ayrshire representatives, for a successful tournament”. There being no dissent, the motion was approved. The meeting ended at 3:10 p.m.