Agenda Contents
North Ayrshire Council · 18 September 2024
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 18 September 2024 and its agenda
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE North Ayrshire Council A Meeting of North Ayrshire Council will be held in the Council Chambers, Ground Floor, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE on Wednesday, 18 September 2024 at 14:00 to consider the undernoted business. Meeting Arrangements - Hybrid Meetings This meeting will be held on a predominantly physical basis but with provision, by prior notification, for remote attendance by Elected Members in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 2003. Where possible, the meeting will be live-streamed and available to view at https://north-ayrshire.public- i.tv/core/portal/home. 1 Apologies 2 Declarations of Interest Members are requested to give notice of any declarations of interest in respect of items of business on the Agenda. 3 Previous Minutes The accuracy of the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 26 June 2024 will be confirmed and the Minutes signed in accordance with Paragraph 7(1) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (copy enclosed). 4 Provost's Report Submit report by the Provost for the period covering 17 June - 8 September 2024 (copy enclosed). 5 Leader's Report Submit report by the Leader of the Council for the period covering 17 June - 9 September 2024 (copy enclosed).
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 6 Minute Volume (issued under separate cover) Submit, for noting and for approval of any recommendations contained therein, the Minutes of Meetings of committees of the Council held in the period 13 June 2024 - 29 August 2024. 7 Report of the Returning Officer - Arran By-Election Submit report by the Returning Officer to advise on the outcome of the North Ayrshire Council Ward 4 Arran By-Election and on the Declaration of Acceptance of Office by the New Elected Member for that Ward (copy enclosed). 8 Appointments The Council is invited: (a) to note, in terms of Standing Order 8.5, that, effective from 27 August 2024 (i) Councillor Stalker replaces Councillor Billings on the Planning Committee and Local Review Body Committee and (ii) Councillor Marshall replaces Councillor Billings on the Integration Joint Board; and (b) to consider nominations for the Vice Chair vacancy on the Planning Committee and Local Review Body Committee, which arises from the resignation of Councillor Billings. 9 Appointments to Outside Bodies The Council is invited to appoint Councillor Currie to serve on the Arran Access Trust and the Arran Ferry Group. 10 Annual Review of Governance Documents The Council is invited to consider the following reports in terms of the annual review of the Council's suite of Governance documents which regulate the operation of Council, its committees and officers. 10.1 Standing Orders Relating to Meetings and Proceedings of the Council and Committees Submit report by the Chief Executive on the Standing Orders Relating to Meetings and Proceedings of the Council and Committees (copy enclosed). 10.2 Scheme of Administration Submit report by the Chief Executive on the Council's Scheme of Administration (copy enclosed). 10.3 Scheme of Delegation to Officers Submit report by the Chief Executive on the Council's Scheme of Delegation to Officers (copy enclosed).
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 10.4 Other Key Governance Documents Submit report by the Chief Executive on other key governance documents regulating the operation of the Council, its committees and officers (copy enclosed). 11 Committee Timetable 2025 Submit report by the Chief Executive on a proposed timetable of meetings of the Council and its committees for the period from January - December 2025 (copy enclosed). 12 Irvine Town Centre: Long-Term Plan for Towns Submit report by the Executive Director (Place) on the proposed Elected Member representation on the Irvine Town Board (copy enclosed). 13 Jo Cox Civility Commission – Financial Support Submit report by the Head of Service (Finance) on the financial support for the Jo Cox Civility Commission(copy enclosed). 14 Questions In terms of Standing Order 14, submit:- 1) a question by Councillor Reid to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy I am sharing this question which is very similar to several now being received by myself from constituents. As a resident of Kilwinning I am writing to you to ask you to investigate the ongoing issue with the collection of Brown bins in this area. Several months ago all residents in this area were advised by the council that Brown bin collections would change from a Monday to a Tuesday. Residents duly placed their bins out on a Monday night ready for collection, however over the last six weeks the bins have not been collected on a Tuesday or on Wednesday but on a Thursday morning, therefore we have bins lying on drives and or edge of pavements for over two days which is unacceptable. Can the cabinet member advise me of an appropriate response given the changes to service have seen a decline in service rather than an improvement in service based on constituent feedback?
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 2) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Finance The following question was submitted via Lagan on 10th August , was recorded as closed with no answer supplied and was reopened as an FOI EIR disclosure 101004640824. For the North Coast Ward 1 can you please list for each of the last 3 financial years? A. The number of grounds maintenance staff employed in each of the winter and summer seasons B. The number of plants used in summer bedding C. The cost of these plants " Why was this question reopened as an FOI and answered some 26 days later on 5th September? 3) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy It is approaching six months since the introduction of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement, how many Parking Enforcement Officers have left or handed their notice in by the date of this meeting? 4) a question by Councillor Cullinane to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and the Islands How many applications for homeless assistance were received in a) 2022- 23 and b) 23-24? 5) a question by Councillor Gallacher to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and the Islands To ask the member how many housing applications are discovered to contain fraudulent information from the applicant over the course of an average year?
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 6) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy I asked the following question during the December 2023 Full Council Meeting: “During a Glasgow City Council, Full Council Meeting held on 9 December 2022, the following motion, as adjusted, was unanimously approved: “Council notes the campaign launched by Radio Clyde calling for lighting to be installed along the main routes of Glasgow’s Parks: notes that this renewed call follows on from experiences during COP26: and notes that this campaign is supported by a wide range of individuals and organisations. Women’s safety requires a multi-agency response, which includes cultural and societal change.” It also states, “Council therefore resolves to instruct officers to prepare a paper to the relevant City Policy Committee within 2 committee cycles on the necessary infrastructure to provide sensitive lighting solutions in our parks, including the wider implications: and specifically, the equality and climate impacts of such an undertaking to ensure that the widest range of health, social and climate benefits can be realised.” My concern is for everyone’s safety using the unlit footpaths within North Ayrshire. Does North Ayrshire Council have any plans to light up the many footpaths across North Ayrshire that are not currently covered by street lighting of any kind? Has North Ayrshire Council’s position changed since I asked this question? 7) a question by Councillor Foster to the Depute Leader of the Council Given the division that disinformation can create within communities, witnessed most recently with far-right riots, what would the Depute Leader of the Council’s response be if a member of his group was sharing fake front pages and spreading misinformation online in the past few weeks? 8) a question by Councillor Todd Ferguson to the Cabinet Member for Finance To ask the cabinet portfolio holder for an update on proposals from West of Scotland Resilience Partnership in relation to fires at battery energy storage systems?
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 9) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy How much Ayrshire Growth Deal finance has been used, how many of the proposed Ayrshire Growth Deal projects have been started and how many have been completed? 10) a question by Councillor Sweeney to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy The Cabinet Member will know that organising a community event takes months of planning, including financial planning. Do they therefore believe it was acceptable that it took over four months for the Council to write to community groups who organise Christmas light switch-on’s advising them of the budget decision taken in February, leaving the groups with a massive gap in their financial plans four months out from the Christmas light events? 11) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy FOI EIR disclosure 101004640824, reported that the number of Grounds Maintenance Staff employed in Summer in the North Coast declined from 20 persons in 2022 to 17 in 2023 to 11 in 2024. A decline over two years of some 45% despite the best efforts of Staff the standard of Grounds Maintenance has declined to such an extent that local Businesses, Council Taxpayers and visiting Tourists are expressing discontent. What plans will be made to reverse this situation for the 2025 Tourist season? 12) a question by Councillor McDonald to the Cabinet Member for Finance Without a proper consultation period with the trade unions, the Council proposed to move 648 members of staff from weekly to fortnightly pay with six weeks’ notice. Changing payroll can have many implications for people’s finances, particularly those on lower incomes whose entitlement to Universal Credit could be affected (the Council offering staff a “pay advance” loan is an acknowledgment of this potential impact). I understand that the decision has been paused, for now, but has the Cabinet Member reflected on why they came close to creating a dispute with the trade unions on this and, if they still intend on pushing these payroll changes through, what will they do differently? 13) a question by Councillor Todd Ferguson to the Cabinet Member for Education To ask the cabinet portfolio holder for an update on mobile phone usage at primary and secondary schools?
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 14) a question by Councillor Montgomerie to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy How many parking fines has the Council issued for illegal parking at the Chapewell Street Car Park in Saltcoats since the introduction of traffic wardens, what is the total income from these fines and how has the money been used? 15) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Finance How many full-time equivalent members of staff (excluding those employed by the Health and Social Care Partnership) were employed by the Council and what was the associated total salary costs at the commencement of each of the previous three Financial years? 16) a question by Councillor Cullinane to the Leader of the Council NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s structural budget deficit has been growing year on year for a considerable amount of time. This year’s £24million of cuts is an unprecedented sum, but the board approved with the budget with a gap of £26million. It’s now been reported in the press that the board is overspending by around £5million per month. As a member of the health board, can the Leader outline what measures are being considered by the board to manage the significant risk the boards financial deficit presents to the delivery of local services throughout North Ayrshire? 17) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy What impact will the removal of the Winter Fuel Payments likely have on pensioners in North Ayrshire, including access to the Energy Smart Scheme and associated grants? 18) a question by Councillor Montgomerie to the Cabinet Member for Finance Has the Council received any insurance money from the tragic fire that happened in the Saltcoats shore front toilets in November 2021 and if so how much was it? 15 Motions In terms of Standing Order 15, submit:-
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 1) a motion by Councillor Cullinane seconded by Councillor McDonald, in the following terms: Council notes that 625 children, from 587 families, claimed a £50 clothing grant for eligible children in Early Years for 2024/25 at a total cost of £31,250 plus administration costs leaving a balance of £78,750 in the Council’s Cost of Living support fund. Following the success of this year’s grant scheme, Council agrees to continue the £50 clothing grant to all eligible* 3- and 4-year-olds in Early Years during the 2025/26 school year, funded through a proportion of the £78,750 residual balance unallocated in the Council’s Cost of Living support fund. 2) a motion by Councillor Foster seconded by Councillor McDonald, in the following terms: In line with our commitment to The Promise, Council agrees that an EIA be undertaken with immediate effect to take forward ending the practice of excluding Care Experienced children from school and subject to the findings of that assessment and relevant considerations implement the necessary amendments to policies. 3) a motion by Councillor Reid seconded by Councillor Cullinane, in the following terms: “We call on the North Ayrshire Council to renew its commitment to Fairtrade as set out in the motion already agreed by North Ayrshire Council in June 2004 and updated on zone renewal every three years. That this Council agrees to (a) resolve to support the aims of Fairtrade and to lend assistance to local Zone Fairtrade Steering Groups in promoting and encouraging Fairtrade initiatives within North Ayrshire; (b) use the option of Fairtrade products when catering for Council meetings and functions, and encourage the use of Fairtrade products amongst Council Services and staff as appropriate; (c) promote the aims of the Fairtrade movement through the Council's website and in appropriate Council publications; and (d) encourage Council Services and staff to lend what assistance they can to local Fairtrade Steering Groups in promoting and encouraging Fairtrade within North Ayrshire.” Note: Local Authority Fair Trade status for North Ayrshire was renewed earlier in 2024 by the North Ayrshire Fairtrade Group.
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 4) a motion by Councillor Inglis seconded by Councillor Todd Ferguson, in the following terms: Council Recognises that: • Winter Fuel Payments have been a source of help that has allowed our constituents to pay for rising heating bills and live their lives without having to worry about having the heating on during the winter months. • Without these payments many people in North Ayrshire will suffer a very harsh winter without heating which could potentially lead to ill health or death within our communities. Council requests that: • The Chief Executive of North Ayrshire Council write to the UK and Scottish Governments 1. expressing this councils concern about the decision by both to cut winter fuel payments to many of our constituents and the effects this will have on them 2. urges the UK and Scottish Govt to reconsider their decision. 5) a motion by Councillor McLean seconded by Councillor Todd Ferguson, in the following terms: This motion seeks to ensure that North Ayrshire continues to deliver high- quality services while being responsive to the concerns of the community. In light of recent considerations and concerns raised by constituents and stakeholders regarding the guidance and materials provided by LGBT Youth Scotland, this Council resolves to: - Cease all future funding to LGBT Youth Scotland effective immediately. - Discontinue the use of LGBT Youth Scotland’s recommendations, advisory manuals, and materials within all youth services and educational facilities in North Ayrshire. - Undertake a comprehensive review of alternative providers and resources following appropriate procurement processes to ensure that youth services and educational settings continue to support diversity and inclusivity in a way that aligns with the needs and values of the community. - Engage with local youth groups, educational professionals, and community leaders to develop a framework for inclusivity that ensures all young people are supported without relying on external organisations whose materials may no longer reflect the Council’s priorities.
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 6) a motion by Councillor McLean seconded by Councillor Inglis, in the following terms: The Council acknowledges the emerging evidence from Universal Basic Income (UBI) and cash transfer programs, including the recent OpenResearch pilot study. While these initiatives have shown some immediate benefits, they have also revealed significant drawbacks. Council is asked to note the findings from: the OpenResearch UBI pilot and other similar programs, which revealed that although UBI can provide short-term relief, it does not necessarily deliver sustained benefits. Positive outcomes such as reduced stress and improved subjective health faded over time, and the programme saw a slight decline in employment rates, indicating that UBI may unintentionally discourage workforce participation and Other studies of cash transfer programs have highlighted the risk of dependency and their failure to foster long-term economic independence, further reinforcing the need to explore alternatives to direct cash transfers and services in kind. This motion recognizes the limitations and potential negative impacts of UBI and cash transfer programs. It calls for a comprehensive review of how existing welfare services and service in kind programmes delivered by the Council may contribute to poverty traps, emphasizing the need to reform systems to promote financial independence rather than expanding cash transfer programs that may not offer sustainable solutions. I therefore move that this Council commits to reviewing how our welfare and support programs may contribute to poverty traps, without advocating for the expansion of cash transfer models, which may not offer long-term solutions. The programme for review should involve: 1. Review of Anti-Poverty Programs and the Welfare Cliff. The Council will initiate a thorough review of current anti-poverty programmes to evaluate how they may contribute to the "welfare cliff," a situation where individuals lose significant benefits if their income rises slightly. This creates a disincentive for individuals to pursue higher-paying jobs or career advancement. Rather than expanding cash transfer programs, this review will focus on how existing services can be restructured to avoid such disincentives and provide more effective pathways to self-sufficiency. 2. Cross-Departmental Coordination: The Council will through the Poverty and Cost of Living Board examine how services across departments—including housing, employability, and welfare—can collaborate to reduce the welfare cliff and avoid creating
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE barriers to upward mobility. The Board will explore reforms to existing support systems, ensuring that they promote financial independence without creating dependency or penalizing individuals for improving their income. 3. Consultation and Reporting: The Council will engage with service users and community groups to gather insights on how current programs can be adapted to avoid income cliffs and better support long-term economic independence. A report will be submitted to the PAP as soon as reasonably practicable with initial findings and any recommendations for measures within the Council’s remit that can be brought forward to address poverty traps and encourage economic self-sufficiency, without expanding cash transfer schemes. This can be a longer-term program of papers which can serially come to the PAP over 2025. 16 Urgent Items Any other items which the Chair considers to be urgent. Webcasting Please note: this meeting may be filmed/recorded/live-streamed to the Council's internet site and available to view at https://north-ayrshire.public- i.tv/core/portal/home, where it will be capable of repeated viewing. At the start of the meeting, the Provost/Chair will confirm if all or part of the meeting is being filmed/recorded/live-streamed. You should be aware that the Council is a Data Controller under the Data Protection Act 2018. Data collected during the webcast will be retained in accordance with the Council’s published policy, including, but not limited to, for the purpose of keeping historical records and making those records available via the Council’s internet site. Generally, the press and public will not be filmed. However, by entering the Council Chambers and using the press or public seating area, you acknowledge that you may be filmed and that any information pertaining to you contained in the video and oral recording of the meeting will be used for webcasting or training purposes and for the purpose of keeping historical records and making those records available to the public. In making this use of your information the Council is processing data which is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest If you have any queries regarding this and, in particular, if you believe that use and/or storage of any particular information would cause, or be likely to cause, substantial damage or distress to any individual, please contact dataprotectionofficer@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE North Ayrshire Council Sederunt John Bell Marie Burns Eleanor Collier Joe Cullinane Charles Currie Scott Davidson Anthea Dickson Stewart Ferguson Todd Ferguson Robert Foster Scott Gallacher Tony Gurney Alan Hill Mary Hume Cameron Inglis Margaret Johnson Amanda Kerr Christina Larsen Shaun Macaulay Jean McClung Nairn McDonald Matthew McLean Louise McLaughlan Davina McTiernan Tom Marshall Jim Montgomerie Ian Murdoch Donald Reid Donald L Reid Chloe Robertson Ronnie Stalker Angela Stephen John Sweeney Chair: Apologies: Attending: