Revenue Budget Call-In

North Ayrshire Council · 24 June 2026
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Page 1

NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 
24 June 2026 
North Ayrshire Council 
Title:    Revenue Budget 2025/26: Financial Performance to 31 March
2026 
Purpose:  To resolve the Council’s position on the use of underspend
reported to Cabinet in the Council’s financial performance report
2025/26. 
Recommendation:  Council is requested to note (i) the decisions of Cabinet and the
recommendation of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee in relation
to determining the use of the underspend, (ii) that the procedure
for dealing with the matter now rests with full Council in
accordance with Standing Orders and (iii) that Council now
requires to determine the use of the underspend detailed in the
Cabinet report and determine whether it requires a) a further
report on the proposed Our Places, Our Communities Fund to
be brought to Council for further consideration as outlined in the
original Cabinet decision; b) wishes to suspend standing orders
to further consider the proposal for a Council Tax rebate to
enable further discussion of that proposal or c) outline any
further process or information required to enable a decision to
be taken on the underspend. 
1. Executive Summary 
1.1 The Call-In procedure forms part of the Council’s Standing Orders and Scheme of
Administration and provides an opportunity for decisions by the Cabinet to be ‘called in’
for further consideration by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee. 
1.2 The original decision by Cabinet in respect the use of underspend detailed in a report
on the financial performance for Council 2025/26 was the subject of a call-in request.
The call-in was considered at a Special Meeting of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee
on 15 June 2026 which recommended that the matter be referred to Council for
decision and that standing orders be suspended to consider a proposal on a council
tax rebate. A Special Meeting of the Cabinet was then held on 19 June 2026 to
consider the Audit and Scrutiny recommendation. Cabinet did not accept the
recommendation of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee and referred the matter to Council
for determination.

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2. Background
2.1 At its meeting on 2 June 2026, the Cabinet considered a report by the Head of
Finance and supported the recommendations subject to the amendment below:
“Approve subject to the movement of £1.496m of underspend to the 26/27 revenue
budget. These funds to be used to create an Our Places, Our Communities fund
designed to benefit all North Ayrshire communities. The administration will bring
details of this fund to council on the 24th of June for debate and approval.” The
Cabinet report and Minute is attached at Appendix 1.
2.2 Subsequently, a call-in request was received in terms of the call-in procedure for the
Audit and Scrutiny Committee to examine the decision taken by the Cabinet.
Comments in relation to the call-in request from the Head of Service (Finance)
presented to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee are set out at Appendix 2.
2.3 The Audit and Scrutiny Committee, at a Special meeting on 15 June 2026, heard from
Councillor Cullinane in relation to the call-in. The Committee also heard from the
Depute Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Larsen, in response to
the call-in. The Head of Service (Finance) was also present to provide information on
the report presented to Cabinet and on issues raised by the call-in received. The
Committee agreed to accept the call-in and recommended to Cabinet that the matter
be referred to Council for decision and that standing orders be suspended to consider
a proposal on a council tax rebate. The Minutes of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee
of 15 June 2026 are attached at Appendix 3.
2.4 The Cabinet, at a Special Meeting on 19 June 2026, duly considered the matter and did
not accept the recommendation of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee and referred the
matter of the underspend to Council for determination. The Minutes of the Special
Cabinet meeting are attached at Appendix 4.
3. Proposals
3.1 Council is requested to note:
(i) the decisions of Cabinet and the recommendation of the Audit & Scrutiny
Committee in relation to determining the use of the underspend,
(ii) that the procedure for dealing with the matter now rests with full Council in
accordance with Standing Orders and
(iii) that Council now requires to determine the use of the underspend detailed in
the Cabinet report and whether it requires a) a further report on the
proposed Our Places, Our Communities Fund to be brought to Council for
further consideration as outlined in the original Cabinet decision; b) wishes
to suspend standing orders to further consider the proposal for a Council
Tax rebate to enable further discussion of that proposal or c) outline any
further process or information required to enable a decision to be taken on
the underspend.

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4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty
Financial
4.1 None arising from the call in process and referral to Council. The financial implications
of both proposals any others that may come forward for use of the underspend will
require to be addressed.
Human Resources
4.2 None arising from the call in process and referral to Council. The financial implications
of both proposals for use of the underspend will require to be addressed.
Legal
4.3 None arising from the call in process and referral to Council.
Equality/Socio-economic
4.4 None arising from the call in process and referral to Council. The equality/socio
economic implications of both intimated proposals and any others that may come
forward for use of the underspend will require to be addressed.
Climate Change and Carbon
4.5 No implications arising from the call in process and referral to Council. The key
priorities of both intimated proposals and any others that may come forward for use of
the underspend will require to be addressed.
Key Priorities
4.6 None arising from the call in process and referral to Council. The key priorities of both
intimated proposals and any others that may come forward for use of the underspend
will require to be addressed.
Community Wealth Building
4.7 No implications arising from the call in process and referral to Council. The key
priorities of both intimated proposals and any others that may come forward for use of
the underspend will require to be addressed.
Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA)
4.8 No implications arising from the call in process and referral to Council. Any ICIA
implications of both intimated proposals and any others that may come forward for
use of the underspend will require to be addressed.

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United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 
4.9 No implications arising from the call in process and referral to Council. Any UNCRC
implications of both intimated proposals and any others that may come forward for
use of the underspend will require to be addressed. 
Consumer Duty 
4.10  No consumer implications arising from the call-in process and referral to Council. Any
consumer duty implications of both intimated proposals and any others that may come
forward for use of the underspend will require to be addressed. 
5. Consultation 
5.1 None concerning this report. 
Aileen Craig
Head of Service (Democratic) 
For further information please contact Craig Stewart, Committee Services Officer, on 
01294 324130 or by email, craigstewart@north-ayrshire.gov.uk 
Background Papers
N/A

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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
2 June 2026                                                                                  
Cabinet
Title: Revenue Budget 2025/26 : Financial Performance to 31
March 2026
Purpose: To advise Cabinet of the financial performance for the Council
for 2025/26.
Recommendation: That Cabinet agrees to:
(a) note the information and financial outturn position outlined
in the report;
(b) approve the earmarking of £7.691m identified at 2.4 to
meet future year commitments in accordance with funding
requirements;
(c) note the financial performance for the Health and Social
Care Partnership highlighted at 2.5; and
(d) approve the virements detailed in Appendix 8.
1. Executive Summary
1.1 The General Services Revenue Estimates for 2025/26 were approved by Council on
26 February 2025. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Revenue Budget for
2025/26 was approved by Council on 12 February 2025.
1.2  As part of the monitoring procedures to keep the Cabinet informed of the financial
performance of the Council, financial performance reports are presented on a regular
basis. This is the fourth report for 2025/26 and covers the period to the end of March
2026 (Period 12). Projections have been made to the year-end. This is the final
financial performance information on which the annual accounts for the Council will be
prepared.
1.3  At Period 12 the General Fund is reporting a net in-year underspend of (£2.014m),
(0.4%), after transferring resources to/from earmarked reserves This is an
improvement of (£0.334m) from that reported at Period 10 and is primarily related to
additional income, lower than anticipated employee costs within the Facilities
Management and Streetscene linked to staff turnover levels and lower than
anticipated utilisation of inflationary related provisions during the year. In recognising
that there continues to be volatility across certain areas of spend, linked to current
global events, this improved position has been partially offset by additional requests
for earmarking to meet anticipated cost pressures in 2026/27. The underspend will be
added to the General Fund Unearmarked Reserves which would increase the
APPENDIX 1

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available balance to 2.3% the revised General Services Revenue Budget which is
within the recommended range of 2 – 4%. From the underspend, a total of £0.518m
is required to ensure unearmarked reserves are retained at a minimum level of 2%
within this range. Whilst the current level of unearmarked reserves remains at the
lower end of good practice, this still reflects a prudent position to help address areas
of significant risk to the Council through 2026/27, most notably through the financial
performance of the HSCP.
1.4 The Housing Revenue Account is reporting a net in-year underspend of (£3.943m),
(6.0%). This is a movement of (£1.617m) from the previously reported underspend at
Period 10. The movement is primarily related to reduced expenditure on property
costs and increased income. The underspend will be added to the HRA earmarked
balances to support service delivery in future years.
1.5 Work is ongoing to confirm the final Health and Social Care Partnership out-turn
position for the year, and the final confirmation of the NHS budget outturn is awaited.
The final outturn for the Council services element has been confirmed as an
underspend of £1.818m. From this, £1.359m will be earmarked to meet future costs.
This leaves a £0.459m surplus to be added to the HSCP’s unearmarked reserves
bringing the reported position to a net break-even position. This is an improvement
of £1.941m from the previously reported Council services position. A further report
will follow from the HSCP in the new year.
1.6 Management action is ongoing to address absence levels across services. However,
employee absence rates remain above targets, and there has been a marginal 0.9%
increase in days lost during the period when compared to the same period last year.
2. Background
General Fund
2.1 The Council set a balanced budget for 2025/26. In addition to the budget approved on
26 February 2025, earmarked funds of £85.088m were carried forward from 2024/25
for service expenditure in 2025/26 and beyond. These funds are reflected in the
figures within the 2025/26 financial performance reports as they are drawn down.
2.2 A net in-year underspend of £2.014m is reported, net of transfers to/from reserves.
The undernoted table details the final position on a service-by-service basis.
Service Expenditure
App
No.
Annual
Budget
£ million
Actual
Expenditure
to 31 March
2026
£ million
Variance
for year
(Fav)/Adv
£ million
Requests
for Carry
Forwards
£ million
Variance
after
Carry
Forward
(Fav)/Adv
£ million Note
Corporate Services 1 22.748 21.767 (0.981) 0.186 (0.795) (i)
Education 2 191.980 192.050 0.070 (0.193) (0.123) (ii)
Place 3 60.889 58.371 (2.518) 3.363 0.845 (iii)
Communities &
Housing 4 17.116 16.344 (0.772) 0.233 (0.539) (iv)
Other Corporate Items 5 15.971 10.781 (5.190) 3.357 (1.833) (v)
Sub Total 308.704 299.313 (9.391) 6.946 (2.445)

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Health and Social
Care Partnership 9 142.676 140.858 (1.818) 1.818 0.000
Balance for Services 451.380 440.171 (11.209) 8.764 (2.445)
Financing Charges 6 13.751 13.751 0.000 0.000 0.000
Contribution to Loans
Fund Reserve 6 10.187 10.187 0.000 1.500 1.500 (vi)
Total Planned
Expenditure 475.318 464.109 (11.209) 10.264 (0.945)
Aggregate External
Finance 6 (394.613) (394.637) (0.024) 0.000 (0.024)
Council Tax 6 (71.939) (72.984) (1.045) 0.000 (1.045) (vii)
Use of Earmarked
Funds 6 (8.766) (8.766) 0.000 0.000 0.000
Total Planned
Income (475.318) (476.387) (1.069) 0.000 (1.069)
Net Expenditure/
(Income) 0.000 (12.278) (12.278) 10.264 (2.014)
2.3 The reported Aggregate External Finance within Planned Income includes several
adjustments to Scottish Government funding from that reported at Period 10, as
detailed in the following table:
Movements on Planned Income
General
Revenue
Grant
£ million
Non
Domestic
Rates
£ million
Specific
Grants
£ million
TOTAL
AEF
£ million
Revised Budget at P10 (342.866) (42.606) (8.101) (393.573)
Pupil Equity Fund C/F 0.655 0.655
Discretionary Housing Payment
Undistributed (0.781) (0.781)
Teacher Pay Award (0.756) (0.756)
CSC Pay Uplift Adjustment 0.083 0.083
Revised Planned Income (344.320) (42.606) (7.446) (394.372)
2.4 Commentary on Significant Movements from Period 10
The Council's overall financial forecast against the revised budget is an improvement
of (£0.334m) from the previously reported position. A brief explanation of the
significant movements at a service level are outlined as follows:
(i) Corporate Services – underspend of (£0.795m), an improvement of
(£0.200m) from the previously reported underspend
The movement is primarily related to:
• Vacancy management across the services;
• Revisions to Statutory additions (£0.070m);
• Lower than anticipated ICT contract costs in-year (£0.067m).; and
• Underspend in Election costs (£0.081m)

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This has been offset by a request to Earmark £0.283m in relation to anticipated
ICT contract inflation in 26/27 (£0.138m), resources to support the outcome of a
Service review (£0.060m) and the carry forward of Election resources to support
the democratic process (£0.085m).
(ii) Education – underspend of £0.123m, a favourable movement of (£0.724m)
from the previously reported position
The movements are primarily related to:
• Increase in the underspend within Facilities management of £0.679m primarily
relating to vacancy management and reduced expenditure across supplies and
services.
• Reduction in the overspend within ASN of £0.402m as a result of reduced day
placement costs and a reduction in external residential placement numbers and
associated costs, through the work of the Brighter Pathways programme.
This has been offset by increased teacher costs across Primary and Secondary
Schools.
It is requested that £0.010m is earmarked to meet costs in relation to Furniture and
updated equipment for the Visual Impairment team in ASN.
(iii) Place – overspend of £0.845m, an increase of £0.434m from the previously
reported overspend
The movement is primarily related to:
• Funds received from the Extended Producer Responsibility Payment
(£1.087m) in accordance with the payment schedule.
• Increased underspend within Transport of £0.310m due to reduced
expenditure on repairs and maintenance, fuel and additional income.
• A favourable movement within Streetscene of £0.196m largely due to a
reduction in staff costs and increased income
• An over-recovery of Largs car park income as a result of the new pricing
structure.
This is offset by requests to earmark £1.939m, further to the £1.424m previously
approved, to support anticipated additional expenditure during 2026/27 in relation
to:
• Waste pressures and investments in accordance with Extended Producer
Responsibility funding requirements, £0.950m
• Programme of Fire risk Assessments and essential works, £0.400m
• Programme of Water Quality Assessments and essential works, £0.100m
• Largs Car Park income to be retained in Largs Car Park Fund, £0.104m
• Anticipated Fuel cost pressures in view of current global events, £0.274m
• Investment in Car parking infrastructure, £0.076m
• Provision for the Making Waves Festival, £0.035m

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Virements in relation to the realignment of budgets within Roads and
Employability have been included within Appendix 8.
(iv) Communities and Housing – underspend of £0.539m, an improvement of
(£0.139m) from the previously reported underspend
The movement is primarily related to:
• Increase in the underspend within Housing of £0.197m largely relating to
reduced Bad debt provision and write off costs.
• Reduced expenditure within connected communities of £0.261m relating to
lower than anticipated storm damage costs and service management of
budget lines to offset the impact of delay in implementing previously approved
libraries savings.
• Additional income within protective services of £0.255m
• Reduced expenditure on employee costs due to ongoing service redesign of
£0.094m
• An underspend due to the reprofiling of the local development plan into 2026-
27
• A surplus of £0.057m within Building services.
This has been partially offset by :
• An overspend of £0.314m in relation to demolition costs as a result of
significant fire damage at the Forum Centre Irvine.
• Requests to earmark £0.463m to support anticipated additional expenditure
during 2026/27 in relation to:
 Further anticipated costs in relation to the demolition of the Forum
centre following the major fire damage, £0.400m
 Local Development Plan, £0.043m
 Holiday Playschemes and Activities budget as part of a delivery
programme of activities in Summer 2026, £0.020m
(v) Other Corporate Items – underspend of £1.833m, an increase of (£0.757m)
from the previously reported underspend
The movement is primarily related to:
• Centrally held provisions not drawndown during the year, including pay
inflation, energy sustainability funding and energy cost provisions which have
been subject to ongoing volatility, even after allowing for a proportion of
advanced purchasing arrangements, (£2.041m)
• Workforce Planning cost provisions not required in year including Severance
costs and Equal pay £1.257m
• Funding to support ongoing Transformation activity secured as part of the
2025/26 Budget, not utilised in year £0.750m
This is offset by :

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• An overspend on insurance reflecting high level of excesses largely relating to
storm damage. £1.106m
• Requests to earmark £3.496m to support anticipated additional expenditure
during 2026/27 in relation to:
o Equal Pay Provision required to help address future risks, £0.494m
o Workforce Planning and Transformation resources required to
support ongoing programme £1.732m
o Property – Energy sustainability funding to address current volatility,
£0.500m
o DWP Housing Benefit Accuracy award, £0.018m
o Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan rolling programme £0.024m
o SG Resettlement programme funding £0.095m
o SG Nature Restoration funding £0.073m
o SG Island support funding £0.288m
o On-going Service re-design costs £0.031m
o SG NDR Empty Property Relief funding £0.241m
(vi) Contribution to Loans Fund Reserve – Overspend of £1.500m, an increase of
£1.500m from the previously reported position
In view of the current conflict in the middle east and the anticipated inflationary
impacts, the Bank of England forecast for interest rates now reflects an increase
from the current base rate of 3.75% up to 5.25% potentially during 2026/27. In
order to address the impact this will have on borrowing costs through 2026/27, it
is requested that £1.500m is earmarked and transferred to the Loans Fund
reserve.
(vii)Council Tax – over-recovery of (£1.045m), an increase of £0.448m from the
previously reported over-recovery
The movement reflects growth in the Council Tax base from additional new builds,
properties previously registered as self-catering holiday units for NDR purposes
that have come onto the Council tax register, and the impact of the application of
100% premium on Council tax for second homes when measured against the
original financial planning assumptions.
Health and Social Care Partnership
2.5 The final HSCP financial performance report for the year will be presented to the
Integration Joint Board on 18 June 2026 and will outline the 2025/26 financial
performance in more detail. Work is ongoing to confirm the final outturn position for
the year and the HSCP is awaiting final confirmation of the NHS budget outturn. The
final outturn for the Council services element has been confirmed as an underspend
of £1.818m.  £1.359m is to be earmarked to meet costs in relation to ADP, Whole
Family Wellbeing Fund, Community alarms, Magic Notes and Adult Social work
Restructure costs. This leaves a £0.459m surplus which is to be added to the
HSCP’s unearmarked reserves bringing the reported position to a net break-even
position.  This is an improvement of £1.941m from the previously reported Council
services position. A further report will follow from the HSCP in the new year.

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Absence Management
2.6 The programme of work to monitor absence levels and effectively implement relevant
policies has been ongoing and initially resulted in a significant reduction in reported
absence levels across the Council. However, the year-end position shows a marginal
increase in days lost during 2025/26 when compared to 2024/25 i.e. 12.87 days lost
compared to 12.76 in 2024/25. The absence levels for the year exceed the target of
10.22 days. Within the Education Service, the number of days lost for teaching staff
has reduced by almost 8% when compared to the previous year (5.78 days compared
to 6.25 last year). The HSCP and the Communities and Housing directorate’s number
of days lost have increased by 20% and 4% respectively, with the Place directorate
showing a 14% improvement for the period.
Risks
2.7 Due to the anticipated outturn position of the HSCP in 2025/26, from the Council
services element, the level of HSCP unearmarked reserves will increase by £0.459m.
Moving forward into 2026/27, under the terms of the Health and Social Care
Integration Scheme, a recovery plan is required in order to address any projected
shortfalls in future years. There is a risk that, if the recovery plan is not successful, this
would have an impact on the level of financial contributions from the funding parties.
In such a circumstance the Council would be asked to make interim funds available.
The funding could be made available for repayment by the HSCP across a period of
future years or as an additional contribution. This HSCP position will continue to be
monitored through 2026/27, however, in view of the level of pressures faced by the
HSCP and the scale of savings required in 2026/27 to operate within available
resources, there is a risk that spend will exceed available resources. It is recognised
the Council’s underspend position 2025/26 will help provide a level of financial
mitigation to this risk. The other main risks are linked to current global events and the
potential impacts on inflation and interest rates through 2026/27. Again, to address
these, further mitigations through the earmarking of financial resources have been
included in the year end position.
Housing Revenue Account
2.8 The Housing Revenue Account budgeted for a breakeven position in 2025/26. An
underspend of (£3.942m), net of transfers to/from reserves, has been reported. This is
an improvement of (£1.617m) from the previously reported position and is
summarised in the following table with further details provided in Appendix 7. The
underspend will be added to the HRA earmarked balances to support delivery of the
HRA Business Plan.

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2.9 Commentary on Significant Movements from Period 10 
A brief explanation of the significant movements from the previous forecasts is
outlined as follows: 
(i) Property Costs – underspend of £1.092m, a favourable movement of 
(£1.250m) from the previously reported position
The movement is primarily related to reduced expenditure on Aids and
Adaptation, (£0.191m), Void Repairs (£0.276m), Planned and Cyclical
Maintenance (£0.466m) and Other Property Costs (£0.293m). 
(ii) Administration Costs – underspend of £0.212m, a movement of (£0.208m)
from the previously reported position 
The movement is primarily related to reduced expenditure on legal fees
(£0.103m), Central Recharges (£0.053m) and Insurances (£0.025m) 
(iii) Third Party Payments – underspend of £0.061m, a favourable movement of
(£0.122m) from the previously reported position
The movement is primarily related to reduced recharges from other Council
departments. 
(iv) Transfer payments – underspend of £0.053m, a movement of (£0.053m) from
the previously reported position
The movement is due to an underspend in disturbance allowances. 
(v) Other Expenditure – overspend of £0.398m, a movement of £0.398m from
the previously reported position
Housing Revenue
Account
Annual
Budget
£ million
Actual
Expenditure
to  31 March
2026
£ million
Variance for
year
(Fav)/Adv
£ million
Projected
Variance at
P10 
(Fav)/Adv
£ million Movement Note
Employee Costs 5.294 5.294 0.000 0.002 (0.002)
Property Costs 25.628 24.536 (1.092) 0.158 (1.250) (i)
Supplies and Services 2.145 2.130 (0.015) (0.006) (0.009) (ii)
Transport and Plant Costs 0.016 0.015 (0.001) 0.000 (0.001)
Administration Costs 2.114 1.902 (0.212) (0.004) (0.208) (iii)
Third Party Payments 3.832 3.771 (0.061) 0.061 (0.122) (iv)
Transfer Payments 0.177 0.124 (0.053) 0.000 (0.053)
Other Expenditure 0.550 0.948 0.398 0.000 0.398 (v)
Capital Financing 26.270 23.834 (2.436) (2.372) (0.064) (vi)
Gross Expenditure 66.026 62.554 (3.472) (2.161) (1.311)
Income (66.026) (66.496) (0.470) (0.164) (0.306) (vii)
Net Expenditure 0.000 (3.942) (3.942) (2.325) (1.617)

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The movement is due to an increase in the bad debt provision. 
(vi) Capital Financing Costs – underspend of £2.436m, a movement of (£0.064m)
from the previously reported position 
The movement is primarily related to revised loan charges reflecting the revised
profile of capital project delivery, leading to a lower level of in-year borrowing.
These funds will be required to support the HRA capital programme in future
years. 
(vii) Income – over recovery of £0.470m, a movement of (£0.306m) from the
previously reported position 
The movement is primarily related to an over-recovery in Council House rents
(£0.147m) and other income (£0.157m). 
3. Proposals 
3.1 It is proposed that Cabinet agrees to: 
(a) note the information and financial outturn position outlined in the report; 
(b) approve the earmarking of £7.691m identified at 2.4 to meet future year
commitments in accordance with funding requirements;
(c) note the financial performance for the Health and Social Care Partnership
highlighted at 2.5; and
(d) approve the virements detailed in Appendix 8. 
4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty 
Financial 
4.1 General Services
The final outturn position for the year is a net underspend of (£2.014m) after transfers
to and from earmarked reserves. 
Housing Revenue Account
The final outturn position for the year is a net underspend of (£3.942m). 
Human Resources 
4.2 None. 
Legal 
4.3 None. 
Equality/Socio-economic 
4.4 None.

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Climate Change and Carbon 
4.5 None. 
Key Priorities 
4.6 This report directly supports the Council Plan 2023 to 2028 by maximising financial
flexibility to support the delivery of our priorities. 
Community Wealth Building 
4.7 None. 
Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) 
4.8 None. 
United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 
4.9 None. 
Consumer Duty 
4.10 None. 
5. Consultation 
5.1 Progress as outlined in this report has been approved by Executive Directors. 
Mark Boyd
Head of Service (Finance) 
For further information please contact Mark Boyd, Head of Service (Finance), on 01294
324560. 
Background Papers
Revenue Budget 2025/26: Financial Performance to 31 January 2026 – Cabinet 17 March
2026

Page 15

OFFICIAL INFORMATION
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Cabinet
2 June 2026 
At a Meeting of the Cabinet of North Ayrshire Council at 2.30 p.m. involving a
combination of participation by remote electronic means and physical attendance within
the Council Chambers, Irvine 
Present (Physical Participation)
Tony Gurney, Christina Larsen, Eleanor Collier, Alan Hill, Margaret Johnson, and for
consideration of Education Authority Business Elizabeth Turbet and Jacqui MacKenzie. 
Present (Remote Participation)
Chloé Robertson. 
In Attendance
C. Hatton, Chief Executive; S. Anson, Executive Director, A. McClelland, Head of
Service and L. Kayes, Policy Officer (Child Poverty); R. McCutcheon, Executive
Director, L. Cree, Head of Service (Sustainability, Transport and Corporate Property), L.
Kirk, Director (Regional Economy), D. McDowall, Head of Service (Ayrshire Growth
Deal) and S. Baird, Senior Officer (Islands) (Place); D. Hammond, Executive Director, Y.
Baulk, Head of Service (Housing and Public Protection), F. Ellis, Senior Manager
(Housing Strategy & Development), L. Forsyth, Senior Manager (Information and
Culture), J. Greenlees, Senior Manager (Connected Communities) and S. McKenzie,
Senior Manager (Protective Services) (Communities and Housing); C. Cameron,
Director (Health and Social Care Partnership); M. Boyd, Head of Service (Finance); F.
Walker, Head of Service (People & ICT); R. Lynch, Senior Manager (Legal Services), J.
Hutcheson, Senior Communications Officer (Media and Internal Communications) and
C. Stewart, Committee Services Officer (Democratic Services) (Corporate Services). 
Chair
Tony Gurney in the Chair. 
1. Declarations of Interest 
There were no declarations of interest by Members in terms of Standing Order 11 and
Section 5 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors. 
2. Minutes 
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Cabinet held on 28 April 2026 were confirmed and
the Minutes signed in accordance with Paragraph 7 (1) of Schedule 7 of the Local
Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 
3. Planned temporary closure of educational provisions 
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Education) outlining a standardised
procedure in connection with the planned temporary closure of educational provisions,
compliant with updated Scottish Government Guidance, attached at Appendix 1 to the
report.

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Officers responded to Members’ questions and the Cabinet agreed (a) to note the
decisions taken, which resulted in the temporary closure of two early years’ classes for
session 2026-27; (b) to approve the adoption of the proposed policy for future
temporary closures, in line with updated Scottish Government Guidance subject to the
addition of “trade unions” in Section 3.2 of the policy and (c) to the submission of an
annual report to Cabinet summarising any proposed temporary closures for future
sessions. 
4. Review of ELC Sustainable Rates for Funded Providers 
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Education) seeking approval from Cabinet
to increase the sustainable rate of payment to funded providers of early learning and
childcare (ELC) in North Ayrshire who are contracted by the Council to deliver funded
ELC to eligible 2-5-year-olds. 
Officers responded to Members’ questions and the Cabinet agreed (a) an increase of
6.2% in the current hourly rate paid by the Council to funded providers, backdated to 1
April 2026; (b) to an increase to all funded providers (including childminders) in the
amount paid per meal to £3.22, and for this to be backdated to 1 April 2026; and (c) to
receive a further report at the time of the next annual review of the sustainable rate for
funded providers. 
5. School Leavers’ Attainment and Achievement 2025 
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Education) on the overall performance of
the 2024-25 cohort of North Ayrshire Council school leavers. The glossary of key terms
used in the report was attached at Appendix 1. 
Officers responded to Members’ questions and the Cabinet agreed to (a) note the
content of the report, including the achievements of school leavers in qualifications in
2025; and (b) note the measures being taken to make further improvements to
attainment and achievement levels across NAC Secondary schools. 
6. Care Experienced School Leavers’ Attainment and Achievement2024-25 
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Education) on the overall performance of
the 2024-25 cohort of care experienced school leavers in North Ayrshire. The glossary
of key terms used in the report was attached at Appendix 1. 
Officers responded to Members’ questions and the Cabinet agreed (a) to note the
content of the report, including the achievements of care experienced school leavers in
qualifications in 2025; and (b) to note the continued focus on improving outcomes for
care experienced learners in North Ayrshire. 
7. School Holiday Calendar – Academic Session 2027-28 
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Education) informing Cabinet of changes
to the school holiday calendar from academic session 2027-28, attached at Appendix 1
to the report. It was noted that there had been a correction, in the version of the
calendar that had been issued, and the revised calendar had been uploaded to the
Council’s website.

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The Cabinet agreed (a) to note the significant level of engagement and consultation
with key stakeholders; and (b) to note the resultant agreed changes to the school
holiday calendar, to be implemented from session 2027-28 onwards.
8. Child Poverty Action Plan Progress Report 2025-26
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Education) requesting approval of the
Child Poverty Action Plan Progress Report 2025-26, attached at Appendix 1 to the
report.
Officers responded to Members’ questions and the Cabinet agreed to publication of
the Child Poverty Action Plan Progress Report 2025-26 provided at Appendix 1 to the
report and its submission to the Scottish Government.
9. Children’s Services Performance Report 2025/26
Submitted a report by the Director (HSCP) seeking approval for the North Ayrshire
Children’s Services Plan Performance Report 2025/26. The Children’s Services Plan
Action Update 2025-26 and the Children’s Services Plan Performance Indicators 2025-
26 were attached at Appendices 1 and 2, respectively, to the report.
The Cabinet agreed (a) to approve the North Ayrshire Children’s Services Plan
Performance Report 2024/26; and (b) to note the update in relation to the new Children
and Families Plan 2026-2029.
Please note – the following item was heard by the Audit & Scrutiny Committee on 15 June
2026, please refer to the minute for the decision.
10. Revenue Budget 2025/26: Financial Performance to 31 March 2026
Submitted a report by the Head of Finance advising Cabinet of the financial
performance for the Council for 2025/26.
Officers responded to Members’ questions and Councillor Larsen, seconded by
Councillor Gurney, moved as follows:
“That the Cabinet supports the recommendations set out in the report, subject to the
amendment below:
Approve subject to the movement of £1.496m of underspend to the 26/27 revenue
budget. These funds to be used to create an Our Places, Our Communities fund
designed to benefit all North Ayrshire communities. The administration will bring details
of this fund to council on the 24th of June for debate and approval.”
There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried.
Accordingly, the Cabinet agreed as follows:
To (a) note (i) the information and financial outturn position outlined in the report; (ii) the
financial performance for the Health and Social Care Partnership highlighted at 2.5 of
the report; and (b) approve (i) the earmarking of £7.691m identified at 2.4 of the report
to meet future year commitments in accordance with funding requirements; and (ii) the

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virements detailed in Appendix 8 to the report.
Approve subject to the movement of £1.496m of underspend to the 26/27 revenue
budget. These funds to be used to create an Our Places, Our Communities fund
designed to benefit all North Ayrshire communities. The administration will bring details
of this fund to council on the 24th of June for debate and approval.
11. Capital Programme Performance to 31 March 2026
Submitted a report by the Head of Finance advising Cabinet of progress in delivering
the Capital Investment Programme 2025/26.
Officers responded to Members’ questions and the Cabinet agreed (a) to approve the
virement proposal noted within the HRA programme detailed in Appendix 2 to the
report; (b) note (i) the revisions to budgets outlined in the report; (ii) the General
Services and HRA revised budgets at 31 March 2026; and (iii) the net expenditure to 31
March 2026.
12. Community Asset Transfer – Blacklands Hall, Kilwinning
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) seeking
approval for the transfer of ownership of Blacklands Hall (and adjacent land), Abbots
Avenue, Kilwinning to the Kilwinning Community Shed. The location plan was attached
at Appendix 1 to the report.
Officers responded to Members’ questions and Cabinet agreed (a) to the asset transfer
of Blacklands Hall and the adjacent land from North Ayrshire Council to the Kilwinning
Community Shed; (b) to approve the recommended terms of transfer on this occasion at
5% of the property valuation of £85,000 (totalling £4,250); and (c) to authorise officers to
conclude the associated legal and community asset transfer processes for Blacklands
Hall and adjacent land.
13. Community Asset Transfer – Auld Dirrans Resource Centre, Kilwinning
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) seeking
approval for the transfer of ownership of Auld Dirrans Resource Centre, 70 Dirrans
Terrace, Kilwinning to Irvine Elite Boxing Club. It was noted that a revised copy of the
location plan, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, had been uploaded to the Council’s
website showing the correct location.
Officers responded to Members’ questions and Cabinet agreed (a) to the asset transfer
of Auld Dirrans Resource Centre from North Ayrshire Council to Irvine Elite Boxing Club;
(b) to approve the recommended terms of transfer on this occasion at 5% of the
property valuation of £85,000 (totalling £4,250); and (c) to authorise officers to conclude
the associated legal and community asset transfer processes for Auld Dirrans Resource
Centre.
14. Proposals for Community Investment Fund (CIF) Expenditure
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) to determine
applications by Locality Partnerships to allocate CIF funding to proposed projects. The
application from Dalry Community Sports Club was attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

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Officers responded to Members’ questions and the Cabinet (a) reviewed the application
from Garnock Valley Locality Partnership in line with CIF criteria; and (b) agreed to
approve the CIF application in relation to Dalry Community Sports Club (Appendix 1 to
the report).
15. Use of Animals at Public Events
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) seeking
Cabinet approval of Guidelines and Policy relating to the use of animals at public
events, attached at Appendix 1 to the report.
The Cabinet agreed to approve the Guidelines and Policy relating to the use of animals
at public events detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.
Please note – the following item was heard by the Audit & Scrutiny Committee on 15 June
2026, please refer to the minute for the decision.
16. North Ayrshire Housing Acquisition Strategy
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) seeking
Cabinet approval of the proposed Housing Acquisition Strategy 2026-2031, attached at
Appendix 1 to the report.
Officers responded to Members’ questions and Cabinet agreed to approve the proposed
North Ayrshire Housing Acquisition Strategy detailed in Appendix 1 to the report.
Please note – the following item was heard by the Audit & Scrutiny Committee on 15 June
2026, please refer to the minute for the decision.
17. Ardrossan Campus - Project Update
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Place) providing Cabinet with an update
on the current progress of the Ardrossan Campus project, including current projections
in relation to costs and programme.
Officers responded to Members’ questions and Cabinet agreed (a) to note the content of
this report, including the current progress of work on site; (b) to note the revised project
completion date of 26 May 2028, with anticipated occupation from August 2028; and (c)
to note the additional estimated cost of £9.97 million (8.74%) associated with
addressing the contamination will be met from approved capital flexibility funding.
18. Ayrshire Growth Deal: International Marine Science and Environment
Progress (IMSE) Update
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Place) on progress on the International
Marine Science and Environment project and seeking approval for the strategic direction
and to note the development of a Collaboration Agreement with partners Field Studies
Council and Community of Arran Seabed Trust to support the further development of
the project.

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The Cabinet agreed to (a) note the progress to date and approves the strategic direction
for the International Marine Science and Environment project; (b) notes the
development of a Collaboration Agreement with the Field Studies Council and the
Community of Arran Seabed Trust to progress the project and develop the full business
case; and (c) notes the progression of the change management requirements and
Outline Business Case for the project, informed by feedback from the Scottish and UK
Governments. 
19. Flexible Advanced Manufacturing Space, i3 Irvine: Phase 2, Full Business
Case 
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Place) seeking endorsement of the Full
Business Case for Phase 2 of the Flexible Advanced Manufacturing Space Project at i3,
Irvine, attached at Appendix 1 to the report. 
The Cabinet agreed (a) to endorse the Full Business Case for Phase 2 of the Flexible
Advanced Manufacturing Space project at i3, Irvine, subject to feedback from Scottish
and UK Governments and the successful outcome of the tender process; (b) that
authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Place) to update the Full Business
Case to reflect the feedback and outcome of the tender process; and (c) to approve the
submission of the Full Business Case to the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee. 
20. National Islands Plan and North Ayrshire Islands Programme Update 
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Place) on the North Ayrshire Islands
Programme and the new National Islands Plan and outlining proposed next steps. The
North Ayrshire Islands Programme Achievements 2022 to 2025 was attached at
Appendix 1 to the report. 
Officers responded to Members’ questions and Cabinet agreed (a) to note (i) the
progress of the North Ayrshire Islands Programme and achievements to date, (ii) the 
publication of the National Islands Plan 2026 to 2031 and associated investment in
2026/27; (b) to the refresh and refinement of the current Local Island Plans and
associated delivery plans and their intended reporting; and (c) to the finalisation and
submission of the proposed funding applications to the Scottish Government’s Islands
Programme. 
21. Regeneration Delivery Plan Funding Proposals Update 2026/27 
Submit a report by the Executive Director (Place) on progress of the Regeneration
Delivery Plan and seeking approval for proposed funding allocations in 2026/27. The
Regeneration Funding Proposals and the Project Updates were set out in Appendices 1
and 2, respectively, to the report. 
The Cabinet agreed (a) to approve (i) the Regeneration funding proposals as detailed at
Appendix 1 to the report; and (ii) the proposed delegated authority changes following
service restructure; (b) to note (i) the progress made on the implementation of the
Regeneration Delivery Plan; and (ii) the update on previously secured or applied for
funds provided at Appendix 2 to the report; and (c) that delegated authority be granted
to the Executive Director (Housing and Communities) to agree changes to the funding

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allocations in Appendices 1 and 2 in the report, in consultation with the Portfolio Lead as
required. 
22. Fleet Decarbonisation 
Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Place) on progress made to date with
decarbonisation of the Council Fleet and providing details of the further proposed
decarbonisation-first approach work going forward. 
Officers responded to Members’ questions and Cabinet agreed (a) the decarbonisation-
first approach for fleet replacement outlined at paragraph 2.17 of the report; (b) note (i)
the progress made to date in decarbonising the fleet, and against the actions set out in
the May 2023 Cabinet paper, and (ii) that the Council’s current fleet decarbonisation
actions would continue to evolve to reflect the Scottish Government’s refreshed Climate
Change Plan 2026-2040 and the awaited public sector fleet decarbonisation action plan. 
23. Urgent Items 
There were no urgent items. 
The meeting ended at 4.45 p.m. 
The full meeting proceedings can be viewed at
https://north-ayrshire.public-i.tv/core/portal/home

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Revenue Budget 2025/26: Financial Performance to 31 March 2026
Brieﬁng Note:-
Mark Boyd (Head of Service – Finance)
The Revenue Budget report to the 31 March 2026 was presented at Cabinet on 2 June
2026 and outlined the ﬁnal reported position for the 2025/26 ﬁnancial year. This position
will be reﬂected in the Council’s Unaudited accounts due for presentation at Council on
the 24 June 2026.
The General Fund reported a net in-year underspend of £2.014m for the year. This is the
net position after transferring resources to and from earmarked reserves. This is an
improvement of £0.334m from that reported at period 10. This underspend will be
added to the General Fund Unearmarked reserves which would increase the available
balance to 2.3% of the General Services Revenue Budget which is within the
recommended range of 2% to 4%. The level of General Fund Unearmarked Reserves at
31 March 2026 is £11.195m. This is £1.496m above the 2% lowest Reserves threshold of
£9.699m. Whilst the current level of Unearmarked Reserves remains at the lower end of
good practice, this still reﬂects a prudent position to help address areas of signiﬁcant
risk to the Council through 2026/27, most notably through the ﬁnancial performance of
the HSCP, this being set within the context of the savings the HSCP require to deliver to
remain within available resources during 2026/27.
The report also references the improved position of the Health and Social Care
Partnership (HSCP) for the year 2025/26 i.e. the ﬁnal outturn for the Council Services
element of the HSCP is a net underspend of £0.459m after earmarking resources. This
is an improvement of £1.941m from that reported at period 10. The £0.459m will be
added to the HSCP’s Unearmarked Reserves. This will help address pressures through
2026/27, however, as referenced above the HSCP requires to make signiﬁcant savings
through 2026/27.
An Amendment was made to this report as follows:-
That the Cabinet supports the recommendations set out in the report, subject to the
amendment below:-
“Approve subject to the movement of £1.496m of underspend to the 26/27 revenue
budget. These funds to be used to create an Our Places, Our Communities fund
designed to beneﬁt all North Ayrshire communities. The administration will bring details
of this fund to council on the 24th of June for debate and approval.”
The ﬁnancial effect of this Amendment is to utilise, in 2026/27, the level of
Unearmarked reserves, being the difference between 2.3% reserves and 2%
Unearmarked reserves for the stated purpose. Whilst this is still within the Council’s
reserves policy, it is at the lowest end. Further, as the utilisation of reserves relates to
Appendix 2

Page 23

2026/27, this does not change the Council’s reported out-turn or reserves position at 31
March 2026, therefore the Council’s unaudited Accounts are unaffected and will be
submitted to Council for approval on 24 June 2026 as planned.

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Audit and Scrutiny Committee
15 June 2026
At a Special Meeting of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee of North Ayrshire Council
at 10.00 a.m. involving participation by remote electronic means and physical
attendance within the Council Chambers, Irvine.
Present (Physical Participation)
John Bell, Cameron Inglis, Tom Marshall, Matthew McLean, Donald Reid, Donald L
Reid and John Sweeney.
Present (Remote Participation)
Davina McTiernan and Shaun Macaulay.
In Attendance
D. Hammond, Executive Director and K. Bell, Team Manager (Housing Strategy)
(Communities and Housing); S. Anson, Executive Service (Education) M. Boyd,
Head of Service (Finance); L. Cree, Head of Service (Sustainability, Transport &
Corporate Property) (Place); A. Craig, Head of Service, C. Stewart, Committee
Services Officer, and H. Young, Senior Committee Services Office (Democratic
Services) (Corporate Services).
Also in Attendance
Eleanor Collier, Joe Cullinane, Robert Foster, Christina Larsen, Jim Montgomerie
and Ian Murdoch.
Chair
Councillor Bell in the Chair.
1. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest by Members in terms of Standing Order 11
and Section 5 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors.
2. Call In: Revenue Budget 2025/26: Financial Performance to 31 March 2026
Submitted report by the Head of Democratic Services to consider a call-in request in
respect of the decision taken by Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday 2 June 2026
advising of the financial performance for the Council for 2025/26. The original
Cabinet report and minute from the Cabinet meeting which took place on Tuesday 2
June 2026 was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. Appendix 2 to the report
contained a briefing note provided by the Head of Finance in response to the matters
raised in the call-in request form.
The Cabinet, on 2 June 2026, considered a report on the financial performance for
Council 2025/26. Cabinet amended the recommendation to the report by determining
to allocate £1.496m of underspend to the 26/27 revenue budget with the funds to be
used to create an Our Places, Our Communities fund designed to benefit all North
APPENDIX 3

Page 25

Ayrshire communities with details of the fund being brought to council on the 24th of
June for debate and approval. 
Subsequently, a call-in request was received from Councillors Cullinane, Foster and
Montgomerie in the following terms:-   
Reason for Call-In 
“In passing its budget, the Council set Council Tax bands at a level required to fund
its expenditure requirements, including prioritising investment in areas such as
education and roads. 
The £1.496million underspend should therefore not be spent on another of the
administrations pet projects, particularly when the evidence of the last four years
shows that these pots of money are not used in a timeous manner. 
Instead, the underspend should be returned to council taxpayers.” 
Desired Outcome 
“That the £1.496million allocated to an ‘Our Places, Our Communities fund’ be re-
allocated to provide a Council Tax rebate, reflecting the fact that our expenditure
requirements for 2026/27 have already been funded.  
Although this outcome proposes a Council Tax rebate, we acknowledge officers'
advice that as matters relating to setting Council Tax levels are reserved to Council
and that for this outcome to be implemented it will require a decision of Full Council,
including the suspension of 15.5 and 25.1 of Standing Orders Relating to Meetings
and Proceedings of the Council, as Council Tax was set within the last six months.
The Audit & Scrutiny Committee is asked to accept the call in and recommend that
the matter is referred by Cabinet to Council for further consideration and
determination.” 
The Head of Democratic Services summarised the procedure for considering the
call-in request in terms of Standing Orders and referred to the Cabinet decision. 
Thereafter, the Members who had requested the call-in were invited to speak and
Councillor Cullinane addressed the Committee in support of the call-in request and
was heard in response to Members’ questions. 
The Chair then invited Councillor Larsen, as the Cabinet Member for Finance, to
address the meeting. Councillor Larsen explained the reasoning for the Cabinet
decision and referred to a briefing note from the Head of Finance provided at
Appendix 2 to the report. She was also heard in answer to Members’ questions. 
The Head of Finance was then heard in relation to the report presented to Cabinet
and on issues raised by the call-in. 
Councillors Cullinane and Larsen were heard in summing up.

Page 26

Councillor Sweeney, seconded by Councillor D. Reid, moved that the Committee
agree to accept the terms of the call-in request and refer the matter to the Cabinet
for further consideration, with the recommendation that the matter is referred to
Council to determine the use of the underspend and that Council suspends Standing
Orders to consider the proposal regarding a Council Tax rebate. 
As an amendment, Councillor Macaulay, seconded by Councillor McTiernan moved
that the Committee agree not to support the call-in request and that the decision of
Cabinet should stand. 
There followed questions, debate and summing up on the motion and amendment
presented for consideration. 
Thereafter, on a division and a roll call vote, there voted for the amendment,
Councillors Macaulay and McTiernan (2) and for the motion, Councillors Bell, D.
Reid, Inglis, Marshall, McLean, D.L Reid and Sweeney (7). The motion was declared
carried. 
Accordingly, the Committee agreed (a) to support the call-in request; and (b) that the
matter be referred to Cabinet for further consideration, with the recommendation that
the matter is referred to Council to determine the use of the underspend and that
Council suspends Standing Orders to consider the proposal regarding a Council Tax
rebate. 
3.  Call In: North Ayrshire Housing Acquisition Strategy 
Submitted report by the Head of Democratic Services to consider a call-in request in
respect of the decision taken by Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday 2 June 2026 on
the proposed Housing Acquisition Strategy 2026- 2031. The original Cabinet report
was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. Appendix 2 to the report contained a
briefing note provided by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) in
response to the matters raised in the call-in request form. 
The Cabinet, on 2 June 2026, considered a report on the proposed Housing
Acquisition Strategy 2026-2031. 
Subsequently, a call-in request was received from Councillors Cullinane, Foster and
Montgomerie in the following terms:-   
Reason for Call-In 
“It is wrong to suggest this policy will have no impact on the Council’s Community
Wealth Building (CWB) strategy. A key component of the strategy is to increase
procurement spend with North Ayrshire, and Ayrshire, businesses creating economic
and socio benefits from investing in the local economy. The fact that Ayrshire based
companies have won our council house building contracts has made a significant
contribution to us achieving the initial procurement targets set out in the first CWB
strategy published in 2020. 
This policy is the opposite of this approach. It will see a significant proportion of our
investment in Council housing, the majority of which comes from the Council with the

Page 27

rest from Holyrood, be transferred to private housing developers, many of which are
large national developers. It will see that investment extracted from the Ayrshire
economy. 
We remain as committed to Community Wealth Building as were in 2020. We
therefore reject this policy.” 
Desired Outcome 
“That the Council reaffirms its commitment to Community Wealth Building by
rejecting this policy and redoubling our efforts to ensure that Ayrshire based
companies can bid for, and win, the contracts to build the next generation of Council
houses in North Ayrshire.” 
The Head of Democratic Services summarised the procedure for considering the
call-in request in terms of Standing Orders and referred to the Cabinet decision. 
Thereafter, the Members who had requested the call-in were invited to speak and
Councillor Cullinane addressed the Committee in support of the call-in request. 
In the absence of Councillor Hill, as the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing
and the Islands, the Chair then invited Councillor Collier to address the meeting. She
was also heard in answer to Members’ questions. 
The Executive Director and the Team Manager (Housing Strategy) (Communities
and Housing) were heard in response to Members’ questions. 
Councillors Cullinane and Collier were heard in summing up. 
Councillor Sweeney, seconded by Councillor D. Reid, moved that the Committee
agree to accept the terms of the call-in request and refer the matter to the Cabinet
for further consideration with the recommendation that the policy be rejected. 
As an amendment, Councillor Macaulay seconded by Councillor McTiernan moved
that the Committee agree not to support the call-in request and that the decision of
Cabinet should stand. 
Thereafter, on a division and a roll call vote, there voted for the amendment,
Councillors Inglis, Macaulay, Marshall, McTiernan and D.L Reid (5) and for the
motion, Councillors Bell, D. Reid. McLean and Sweeney (4) and amendment was
declared carried. 
Accordingly, the Committee agreed not to support the call-in request and that the
decision of Cabinet should stand.

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4. Call In: Ardrossan Campus Project Update 
Submitted report by the Head of Democratic Services to consider a call-in request in
respect of the decision taken by Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to
note the current progress of the Ardrossan Campus project, including current
projections in relation to costs and programme. The original Cabinet report was
attached at Appendix 1 to the report. 
The Cabinet, on 2 June 2026, considered an update report on the current progress
of the Ardrossan Campus project, including current projections in relation to costs
and programme. 
Subsequently, a call-in request was received from Councillors Stalker, Murdoch and
Stephen in the following terms:-   
Reason for Call-In 
“This decision is being called in because there are some real concerns about how
the Ardrossan Campus project is progressing. The report shows a significant cost
increase of around £10 million, along with delays pushing completion back to May
2028. 
There are also questions about how risks have been handled, especially around
ground contamination and the challenges of building on a contaminated site. It’s not
clear if these issues were fully understood early on, or if more could have been done
to avoid the impact they have had. On top of that, using additional capital funding to
cover the extra costs raises concerns about what this means for and the overall
budget of the campus and what more flexibility funding will be made available in
future budgets. 
Overall, this call-in is about getting reassurance that the project is still under control,
that risks are being properly managed, and that it continues to represent good value
for the Council and local communities.” 
Desired Outcome 
“To provide assurance on and seek greater information on the cost, programme, risk
management, governance and wider capital implications of the Ardrossan Campus
project, ensuring it remains deliverable, financially sustainable and represents value
for money.” 
The Head of Democratic Services summarised the procedure for considering the
call-in request in terms of Standing Orders and referred to the Cabinet decision. 
Thereafter, the Members who had requested the call-in were invited to speak and
Councillor Murdoch addressed the Committee in support of the call-in request and
was also heard in response to Members’ questions. 
As a point of clarification it was confirmed that the decision of Cabinet was to note
the update provided in the report presented.

Page 29

The Chair then invited Councillor Collier, as the Cabinet Member for Green
Environment and Economy, to address the meeting. Councillor Collier explained the
reasoning for the Cabinet decision and was also heard in answer to Members’
questions. 
The Executive Director (Education) and the Head of Service (Sustainability,
Transport & Corporate Property) (Place) were heard in answer to Members’
questions. 
Councillors Cullinane and Collier were heard in summing up.  
Councillor Inglis, seconded by Councillor McLean, moved that the Committee agree
to accept the terms of the call-in request with a recommendation that a progress
report is taken to a future meeting of Council in six months for consideration. There
being no amendment the motion was declared carried. 
Accordingly, the Committee agreed (a) to support the call-in request; and (b)
recommended to Cabinet that an update report is taken to a future meeting of
Council in six months. 
The meeting ended at 12.10 p.m. 
The full meeting proceedings can be viewed at
https://north-ayrshire.public-i.tv/core/portal/home

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OFFICIAL INFORMATION
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Special Cabinet
19 June 2026
At a Special Meeting of the Cabinet of North Ayrshire Council at 3.00 p.m. involving a
combination of participation by remote electronic means and physical attendance within
the Council Chambers, Irvine
Present (Physical Participation)
Tony Gurney and Christina Larsen.
Present (Remote Participation)
Eleanor Collier, Alan Hill and Margaret Johnson.
In Attendance
D. Hammond, Executive Director (Communities and Housing); S. Anson, Executive
Director (Education); L. Cree, Head of Service (Sustainability, Transport and Corporate
Property) (Place); M. Boyd, Head of Service (Finance); F. Walker, Head of Service
(People & ICT); A. Craig, Head of Democratic Services, J. Hutcheson, Senior
Communications Officer (Media and Internal Communications), H. Young, Senior
Committee Services Officer and C. Stewart, Committee Services Officer (Democratic
Services) (Corporate Services).
Chair
Tony Gurney in the Chair.
1. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of interest by Members in terms of Standing Order 11 and
Section 5 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors.
2. Revenue Budget 2025/26: Financial Performance to 31 March 2026
Submitted report by the Head of Democratic Services informing Cabinet of the decision
of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee following a call-in of the Cabinet decision on 2 June
2026 in relation to the underspend.
Officers responded to Members’ questions in respect of the call-in including the nature
of the recommendation by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee and Councillor Hill,
seconded by Councillor Collier, moved that the Cabinet do not accept the
recommendation of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee and that the matter be referred to
Council for determination.There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried.
Accordingly, the Cabinet agreed (a) not to accept the recommendation of the Audit and
Scrutiny Committee and (b) in terms of Standing Order 26.7, referred the Cabinet
decision of 2nd June 2026 in relation to the underspend to the next meeting of the
Council for determination.
APPENDIX 4

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OFFICIAL INFORMATION
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
3. Ardrossan Campus - Project Update
Submitted report by the Head of Democratic Services informing Cabinet of the decision
of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee following a call-in of the Cabinet decision of 2 June
2026 which noted the current progress of the Ardrossan Campus project, including
current projections in relation to costs and programme.
Following consideration, the Cabinet noted Councillor Collier’s recommendation to the
Audit & Scrutiny Committee and agreed to accept the recommendation of the
Committee and altered its original decision to the effect that an update report will be
taken to a future meeting of Council in six months for consideration.
The meeting ended at 3.25 p.m.
The full meeting proceedings can be viewed at
https://north-ayrshire.public-i.tv/core/portal/home
APPENDIX 4