Agenda Document Pack - North Ayrshire Council - 06/11/2024
North Ayrshire Council · 6 November 2024
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 6 November 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, 06 November 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 Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 18 September and the Special Meeting held on 9 October 2024 will be confirmed and the Minutes signed in accordance with Paragraph 7(1) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (copies enclosed). 4 Provost's Report Submit report by the Provost for the period covering 9 September - 27 October 2024 (copy enclosed). 5 Leader's Report Submit report by the Leader of the Council for the period covering 9 September - 27 October 2024 (copy enclosed). 1
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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 11 September - 24 October 2024. 7 North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Board Submit report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) on the CPP Annual Report and overviews of the meetings of the North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Board held on 11 June and 4 October 2024 (copy enclosed). 8 Boundaries Scotland: Second Review of Scottish Parliamentary Boundaries – Regional Proposals Submit report by the Head of Service (Democratic Services) on the updated position regarding the Scottish Parliamentary Boundary Review (copy enclosed). 9 Questions In terms of Standing Order 14, submit:- 1) a question by Councillor Hume to the Cabinet Member for Education Does the Cabinet Member support the SNP Government’s decision to withhold £145m of funding from Scotland’s Councils over the issue of teacher numbers? 2) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy To ask the Cabinet Member on his views on the contribution of entrepreneurs, and in particular start-ups, to North Ayrshire? 3) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy With respect to the former Shell Site in Ardrossan, will the Cabinet Member for Education inform members of the quantity of contaminated material, by weight and or volume, that has been removed from the site thus far and where it is currently being stored? What is the proposed decontamination process for this material, how much has it cost so far and from which budget has it been or will be allocated? Has a Risk Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment been carried out for this operation and if so where can members of the public view it? If they have not been done or members of the public can’t view them, why not? 2
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 4) a question by Councillor Kerr to the Cabinet Member for Education To ask the Cabinet Member the Council’s salary spend (gross salary) on supply teachers in a) 2021/22 b) 2022/23 c) 2023/24 d) to date in 2024/25? 5) a question by Councillor T Ferguson to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and the Islands To ask the Cabinet Member to provide the total number of homeless applications per year for the last five years? 6) a question by Councillor Angus-McDonald to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy To ask the Cabinet Member what was the Council’s allocation from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme in 2024/25? 7) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Finance Noting that Official figures reveal that the Scottish Government civil service head count rose by more than 80 per cent — from 5,120 to 9,222 — between 2015 and this year, what are the comparable figures for North Ayrshire Council? 8) a question by Councillor Currie to the Leader of the Council In 2020, North Ayrshire Council commissioned the Fraser of Allander Institute to assess the impact of the ferry service on Arran’s economy. FAI estimated that the ferry service contributes £170,000 every day to the island’s economy. Given the appalling level of service the island has experienced since the FAI report was published, does the Leader have an estimate of how much value has been lost to the Arran economy due to reductions in the ferry services capacity and the regular cancellation of sailings? 9) a question by Councillor McLean to the Depute Leader of the Council To ask the Depute Leader of the Council if the administration of North Ayrshire Council, including its officers, have had discussions around the Cass Review and the Scottish Government's acceptance of the report's findings? 3
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 10) a question by Councillor Hume to the Cabinet Member for Education Following the removal of the school crossing patroller at St Luke’s Primary School, parents have reported to me several near misses with cars skipping the red lights at the traffic signals on Stevenston Road. Does the Cabinet Member not agree with me that the Council should first reflect on the safety issues that have arisen from its previous decision to remove school crossing patrollers from some locations before advancing with proposals to remove the remaining patrollers from all other schools? 11) a question by Councillor T Ferguson to the Leader of the Council To ask the Leader for an update on rising TB cases recorded by NHS North Ayrshire and Arran in the last year? 12) a question by Councillor Foster to the Cabinet Member for Education To ask the Cabinet Member a) what funds did North Ayrshire Council receive from the Scottish Government to scrap school meal debt through to 31st March 2024; b) how much in school meal debt has been accrued by families since 1st April 2024 and c) confirmation of the current total of school meal debt? 13) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Finance Can the Cabinet Member advise what internal discussions took place with Cabinet regarding the savings proposals prior to the report presented to Special Council? 14) a question by Councillor Montgomerie to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy To ask the Cabinet Member what was the Council’s recycling rate in 2023/24? 15) a question by Councillor Kerr to the Cabinet Member for Finance To ask the Cabinet Member whether they believe five, seven-page long surveys will encourage or discourage people from taking part in the Council’s budget consultation? 4
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 16) a question by Councillor Hume to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and the Islands For 23 years, there has been an annual Hogmanay Party at Nethermains Hall. However, due to changes made to Council resourcing, this year the let has been refused. Is the Cabinet Member satisfied that due to staffing and resourcing decisions, the Council is cancelling traditional Hogmanay celebrations for our communities, or will they ask for this decision to be reviewed? 10 Motions In terms of Standing Order 15, submit:- 5
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 1) a motion by Councillor Gurney seconded by Councillor Johnson, in the following terms: This Council notes that: 1. The scientific consensus is clear that human activities are primarily responsible for accelerating global climate change, and that the climate crisis now represents one of the preeminent threats to global civilisation. 2. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Sixth Assessment Report states that it is unequivocal that climate change has already disrupted human and natural systems and that societal choices and actions implemented in the next decade determine the extent to which medium- and long-term pathways will deliver higher or lower climate resilient development. 3. The International Energy Agency stated in its May 2021 report “Net Zero by 2050” that in order to reach that goal there should be no new oil or gas fields, or new coal mines, as of that moment. 4. The Paris Climate Agreement is silent on coal, oil and gas, an omission with respect to the supply and production of fossil fuels (the largest source of GHGs) that needs to be collectively addressed by other means; and that global governments and the fossil fuel industry are currently planning to produce more than double the amount of coal, oil and gas by 2030 than can be burned if the world is to limit warming to 1.5°C and avert catastrophic climate disruption, and such plans risk undoing the work of our Council to reduce GHG emissions. 5. A new global initiative is underway calling for a Fossil Fuel Non- Proliferation Treaty that would plan the end of new fossil fuel exploration and expansion, phase out existing production in line with the global commitment to limit warming to 1.5°C, and accelerate equitable transition plans globally. This Council recognises that: 6. Our entire community will be affected by the impacts of continued fossil fuel expansion and resulting climate change, but particularly those who also face socioeconomic and health inequities, including low-income families, those experiencing homelessness, People of Colour, young and old, those experiencing mental and physical disabilities, and people with health conditions; and our youth and future generations have the most to lose from a lack of immediate action to stop fossil fuel expansion as they face major and lifelong health, ecological, social, and economic impacts from prolonged and cumulative effects of climate change, including food and water shortages, infectious diseases, and natural disasters. This change is already being seen with the necessary acceleration of extensive flood defenses in many of our towns. 6
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE This Council believes that: 7. New fossil fuel infrastructure and expanded reliance on fossil fuels exposes communities to untenable risks to public health and safety at the local and global levels; and that the economic opportunities presented by a clean energy transition far outweigh the opportunities presented by an economy supported by expanding finite fossil fuel extraction and use. This Council resolves to: 8. Reaffirm our commitment, as part of our climate emergency response, to a just energy transition and to ambitious investments in the green infrastructure and industries that will create jobs and rapidly decarbonize our economy; and recognises that it is the urgent responsibility and moral obligation of wealthy fossil fuel producers to lead in putting an end to fossil fuel development and to manage the decline of existing production. 9. Formally endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and make that endorsement public. 10. Call on the Scottish Government to also endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. 11. To write to COSLA and raise our serious concerns about the impact of the climate emergency on local authorities and the need for a planned phase out of fossil fuels, and to call on them to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. 2) a motion by Councillor Inglis seconded by Councillor T Ferguson, in the following terms: Council notes: • A significant decline in ferry service levels to Arran and Cumbrae in recent years. • That more sailings are being delayed or cancelled due to the ever- increasing frequency of serious technical issues. • That more vessels are having to be removed from service due to technical issues causing disruption and chaos for island residents, businesses, and visitors. Therefore, Council instructs: • The Chief Executive of North Ayrshire Council to write to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport 1. Requesting that ferry fares to Arran and Cumbrae remain frozen at their current rate for the 2025/26 sailing season. 7
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 11 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 8
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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: 9
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North Ayrshire Council 18 September 2024 At a Meeting of North Ayrshire Council at 2.00 p.m. involving a combination of participation by remote electronic means and physical attendance within the Council Chambers, Irvine Present (Physical Participation) John Bell, Eleanor Collier, Joe Cullinane, Charles Currie, Anthea Dickson, Stewart Ferguson, Todd Ferguson, Robert Foster, Scott Gallacher, Tony Gurney, Alan Hill, Cameron Inglis, Margaret Johnson, Christina Larsen, Shaun Macaulay, Tom Marshall, Jean McClung, Nairn McDonald, Matthew McLean, Davina McTiernan, Ian Murdoch, Donald Reid, Chloé Robertson, and John Sweeney. Present (Remote Electronic Participation) Louise McLaughlan, Jim Montgomerie and Donald L. Reid In Attendance C. Hatton, Chief Executive; C. Cameron, Director (Health and Social Care Partnership); D. Hammond, Executive Director (Communities and Housing); S. Anson, Executive Director (Education), L. Kirk, Head of Service (Place); M. Boyd, Head of Service (Finance); 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, Scott Davidson, Mary Hume, Amanda Kerr, Ronnie Stalker 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. 2. Apologies The Provost invited intimation of apologies for absence, which were recorded. Agenda Item 3 11
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3. Declarations of Interest In terms of Standing Order 11 and Section 5 of the Councillors' Code of Conduct, Councillor Robertson, as an employee of Aberlour Children’s Charity, declared an interest in Agenda item 16 – Motion 2. Councillor Robertson left the meeting during consideration of this motion. There were no declarations of the Party Whip. 4. Previous Minutes The accuracy of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 26 June 2024 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 17 June 2024 – 8 September 2024. Noted. 6. Leader’s Report Submitted report by the Leader of the Council for the period for 17 June 2024 – 9 September 2024. Noted. 7. Council Minute Volume Submitted for noting the Minutes of meetings of committees of the Council held in the period 13 June 2024 – 29 August 2024. Noted. 8. Report of the Returning Officer - Arran By-Election Submitted report by the Returning Officer 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, Charles Currie, for that Ward. Noted. The Provost formally welcomed Councillor Currie to the Council. 12
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9. Appointments The Council was invited, in terms of Standing Order 8.5, to note the changes in the membership of the Integration Joint Board and the Planning Committee and Local Review Body Committee and, a vacancy in respect of the Vice Chair of the latter committee. Councillor McLean seconded by Councillor Robertson, moved that Councillor Inglis be appointed as Vice Chair of the Planning Committee and Local Review Body Committee. There being no other nomination, Councillor Inglis was duly appointed. Accordingly, the Council agreed as follows: (a) to note, in terms of Standing Order 8.5, that, effective from 27 August 2024 (i) Councillor Stalker was appointed to the Planning Committee and Local Review Body Committee and (ii) Councillor Marshall appointed to the Integration Joint Board; and (b) to appoint Councillor Inglis as the Vice Chair of the Planning Committee and Local Review Body Committee. 10. Appointments to Outside Bodies The Council agreed to appoint Councillor Currie to serve on the Arran Access Trust and the Arran Ferry Group. 11. Annual Review of Governance Documents The Council was 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 11.1 Standing Orders Relating to Meetings and Proceedings of the Council and Committees Submitted report by the Chief Executive on the Standing Orders Relating to Meetings and Proceedings of the Council and Committees. Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor McTiernan, moved approval of the revised Scheme of Administration set out in Appendix 1 to the report. As an amendment, Councillor Cullinane, seconded by Councillor Bell, moved to delete at Standing Order 15.4, point (x) “Proposing the use of a non-recurring funding source to replace an area of proposed recurring financial saving” Members asked questions of the Section 95 Officer and the Monitoring Officer. 13
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The Section 95 Officer provided further clarification and confirmed the reason the recommendation was put forward as outlined in the report, was in cases where areas of proposed recurring financial savings are replaced with a non-recurring funding source, it has the effect of increasing the budget gap the next year and in view of the challenging financial climate was not a financially sustainable practice. As a further amendment, Councillor McDonald, seconded by Councillor Foster, moved to amend Standing Order 15.1 to add “Any notice of amendment or amendment lodged will contain sufficient information to give fair notice of the reasoning for the terms of the amendment”. Thereafter, Councillor T. Ferguson, seconded by Councillor Inglis, moved an amendment, to amend Standing Order 14.6 to include Champions to the list of those who can be asked questions at Council. Members asked questions of clarification of the movers of the amendments. There followed debate and summing up. In terms of Standing Order 6.8, the Provost agreed that the meeting be adjourned at 2.30 p.m. for a short comfort break to consider the motion and amendments, reconvening at 2.35 p.m. with the same Members and officers present and in attendance. On a division and roll call vote, there voted for the first amendment, Councillors Bell, Cullinane, Currie, S. Ferguson, T. Ferguson, Foster, Inglis, Marshall, McDonald, McLean, McLaughlan, Montgomerie, Murdoch, D. Reid, Sweeney (15) and for the motion, Councillors Collier, Dickson, Gallacher, Gurney, Hill, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, McClung, McTiernan, D.L. Reid and Robertson (12) and the first amendment became the substantive motion. On a further division and a roll call vote, there voted for the second amendment, Councillors Bell, Cullinane, Currie, Foster, McDonald, McLaughlan, Montgomerie, D. Reid, Sweeney (9) and for the substantive motion, Councillors Collier, Dickson, S. Ferguson, T. Ferguson, Gallacher, Gurney, Hill, Inglis, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, Marshall, McClung, McLean, McTiernan, Murdoch, D.L. Reid and Robertson (18) and the second amendment fell. On a further division and a roll call vote, there voted for the third amendment, Councillors S. Ferguson, T. Ferguson, Gallacher, Inglis, Marshall, McDonald, McLean, Murdoch (8) and for the substantive motion, Councillors Bell, Collier, Cullinane, Currie, Dickson, Foster, Gurney, Hill, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, McClung, McLaughlan, McTiernan, Montgomerie, D. Reid, D.L. Reid, Robertson and Sweeney (19) and the substantive motion was declared carried. 14
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Accordingly, the Council agreed to approve, with immediate effect, the revised Standing Orders Relating to Meetings and Proceedings of the Council and Committees set out at Appendix 1 to the report, subject to the following amendment: 1. delete at Standing Order 15.4, point (x) “Proposing the use of a non-recurring funding source to replace an area of proposed recurring financial saving” 11.2 Scheme of Administration Submitted report by the Chief Executive on the Council’s Scheme of Administration. The draft revised Scheme of Administration was set out in Appendix 1 to the report. Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor McTiernan, moved the approval of the revised Scheme of Administration set out in Appendix 1 to the report. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed to approve, with immediate effect, the Scheme of Administration, set out at Appendix 1 to the report. 11.3 Scheme of Delegation to Officers Submitted report by the Chief Executive on the Council’s Scheme of Delegation to Officers. The draft revised Scheme of Delegation to Officers was set out at Appendix 1 to the report. Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor McTiernan, moved approval of the recommendations set out in the officer’s report. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed as follows: (a) to approve, with immediate effect, the Scheme of Delegation to Officers, attached at Appendix 1; and (b) to note the existing Statutory Officers. 11.4 Other Key Governance Documents Submitted report by the Chief Executive on other key governance documents regulating the operation of the Council, its committees and officers. The Guidelines on Member/ Officer Relations revised Standing Orders for Contracts and the updated Financial Regulations and Codes of Financial Practice were set out in Appendices 1-3 to the report, respectively. 15
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Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor McTiernan, moved approval of the recommendations set out in the officer’s report. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed to approve, with immediate effect, (i) the Guidelines on Member/Officer Relations, attached at Appendix 1 to the report; (ii) the Standing Orders for Contracts, attached at Appendix 2 to the report; and (iii) the Financial Regulations and Codes of Financial Practice, attached at Appendices 3a and 3b to the report, respectively. 12. Committee Timetable 2025 Submitted report by the Chief Executive on a proposed timetable of meetings of the Council and its committees for the period from January – December 2025. The draft timetable was set out in the appendix to the report. Councillor Macaulay, seconded by Councillor Larsen, moved approval of the timetable of meetings of the Council and its committees for the period from January – December 2025. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed as follows: (a) to approve the draft committee timetable set out at Appendix 1 to the report; and (b) to note that any ad hoc or Special Meetings would be intimated separately to Members. 13. Irvine Town Centre: Long-term Plan for Towns Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Place) on the proposed Elected Member representation on the Irvine Town Board, with the membership set out at Appendix 1 to the report. Members asked questions and received clarification in respect of the Town Board membership and the ability to co-opt additional members. The Head of Service (Economic Development, Growth & Regeneration) confirmed the guidance allows a maximum of 5 elected representatives on the Board and therefore a further representative could be identified and considered by the Board. Councillor Macaulay, seconded by Councillor Roberston moved the approval of the recommendations set out in the officer’s report. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed (a) to note the Town Board membership provided at Appendix 1; b) approve the appointment of the three Elected Members to the Town 16
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Board as outlined at Appendix One; and c) note the progress to date to inform the development of a Long-Term Plan. 14. Jo Cox Civility Commission – Financial Support Submitted a report by the Head of Service (Finance) on the financial support for the Jo Cox Civility Commission. Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor McTiernan moved the approval of the recommendations set out in the officer’s report. Accordingly, the Council agreed to make a donation of £1,000 to support the ongoing activities of the Jo Cox Civility Commission. 15. 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: 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? Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: The introduction of new brown bin collection arrangements took place as planned. Unfortunately the introduction has been hampered by abnormally high absence rates in the Waste Service. 17
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In order to help address the impact of absences on service delivery, we have added a new role within the Team to help manage and monitor sickness absence and to ensure support is in place to help employees return to work. Absences are monitored on a daily basis and operational adjustments made where possible to ensure frontline bin collections are prioritised. We have also been reducing the impact on collections as far as possible by using support resources from across other services where possible. We have also required to make collections at weekends where it has not been possible to complete during the week. Frontline bin collections will continue to be prioritised to ensure missed collections are minimised. The Management Team continue to work hard managing absences, utilising additional employee resources where possible and supporting employees return to work. These actions have started to take effect with a reduction in service disruption. As a supplementary question, Councillor Reid asked if elected members can be kept updated with regards to service updates and cancellations. Councillor Gurney responded and advised they will continue to try new approaches to ensure high quality service, absences continue to be an issue and this was being addressed, it has been also requested that Councillor’s be notified of any service disruptions and it wass hoped this will be implemented soon. (2) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: 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? Councillor Larsen thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: The enquiry was logged on EMPro and allocated to the relevant queue for action on 10th August 2024. 18
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The officer handling the case had mistakenly re-allocated the case to the Information Governance Team, having interpreted the nature of the query to be an FOI and thereafter, closed the case to the Service. The reallocation of this case was raised with Service management who ensured that both the case handler and wider team were made aware that Members enquiries are not re-classified as Freedom of Information Requests in future. The officer acknowledged this process and manager confirmed this to be an isolated occurrence. As a supplementary question, Councillor Marshall asked if the efficiency of the EMPro system can be looked at and if an Elected Members request is logged as complete, then it is in fact complete. Councillor Larsen responded and advised the happy to do this. (3) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: 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? Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: Four Parking Enforcement Officers have left and one has just handed in their notice. Three new Parking Enforcement Officers have been recruited and have commenced employment with a further officer due to commence training on 24 September 2024. A further job advert is being issued to fill the remaining vacancy. As a supplementary question, Councillor Murdoch asked if the Cabinet Member is concerned that four out of five Parking Enforcement Officers have left or are leaving within the first six months of the scheme. If measures will be introduced to improve working conditions, having no dedicated facilities to get warm or dry, have a break, and only one vehicle between six officers. Councillor Gurney responded and advised there are many reasons for the staff leaving, all officers have been given lists of council buildings where they can go in the local area to use the facilities, and that Parking Enforcement Officers work in town centres and it was not considered necessary for vehicles to be supplied as officers are expected to be walking and not driving. 19
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At the invitation of the Provost, Head of Paid Service, Craig Hatton advised that staff wellbeing was very close to his heart and a really important matter, and he would be more than happy to enter into discussions with Councillor Murdoch regarding his concerns and get a better understanding as they are somewhat different as to what he would expect across our workforce. (4) a question by Councillor Cullinane to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and the Islands in the following terms: How many applications for homeless assistance were received in a) 2022- 23 and b) 23- 24? Councillor Hill thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: During 2022/23, the Council received a total of 1,094 applications for homeless assistance. This was a reduction from the previous year of 4%, where 1,141 applications for assistance were recorded. For 2023/24, the figure increased by 6% with 1,161 applications for assistance being recorded. The Scottish Government has advised that the annual homeless statistics report will be published at the end of September 2024 which will allow a benchmarking exercise with comparisons at a national level to be carried out by officers. As a supplementary question, Councillor Cullinane asked if the data will be considered when looking at the SHIP? Councillor Hill responded and advised that when the statistics come forward, he would be more than happy to arrange meetings to look at that in detail. In terms of the most recent survey results however, the Council was showing as an amber status rather than red, but things may change depending on the findings of the report at the end of the month. (5) a question by Councillor Gallacher to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and the Islands in the following terms: To ask the member how many housing applications are discovered to contain fraudulent information from the applicant over the course of an average year? Councillor Hill thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: In recent years there have been no tenancy fraud incidents identified for housing register applications or in relation to any tenancy rights (e.g. succession, assignation, mutual exchange, joint tenancy, sub-let). 20
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As a supplementary question, Councillor Gallacher asked if a person was retrospectively found to have falsely acquired a council house, what if any action do the council take at that point. Councillor Hill responded and advised that if Councillor Gallacher has a particular case in mind then he would urge him to come forward with that information so that it can be investigated. (6) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: 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? Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: The position has not changed in that there is no budget available to invest in the introduction of lighting to currently unlit areas. 21
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As a supplementary question, Councillor Murdoch asked if the Cabinet Member would support three proposed projects in Ward One, the North Coast that could benefit from the installation of solar powered lighting. One in Skelmorlie leading from the Community Centre, one in Largs between Anthony Road and Largs Yacht haven, one in the Glen in West Kilbride and any others across North Ayrshire that wish to explore funding opportunities outside North Ayrshire Council’s general budget. The Monitoring Officer provided confirmation as to the competence of supplementary question and advised that Councillor Murdoch was asking Councillor Gurney to give assurance of a project being undertaken without budgetary implications from the General Fund being available so on that basis Councillor Gurney was not in a position to confirm if any of these projects can be taken forward. Councillor Gurney responded and advised that he looks forward to receiving information on the proposals and their funding mechanisms from Councillor Murdoch. (7) a question by Councillor Foster to the Depute Leader of the Council in the following terms: 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? Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for his question and advised it was important to differentiate between someone deliberately spreading what they know to be false and someone falling foul of misinformation themselves which we know was a real challenge for anyone on a social media platform. Councillor Macaulay advised he did not know what Councillor Foster was referring to but should not attempt to link a potential spoof front page to some of the deeply disturbing riots witnessed throughout the summer. (8) a question by Councillor Todd Ferguson to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: 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? Councillor Larsen thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: Following the issue of the number of BESS sites which were being constructed in our area, the Ayrshire Local Resilience Partnership (Category 1 and 2 responders throughout Ayrshire) requested that this be included for discussion at the regional WoSRRP meeting in June 2023 which is attended by all Category 1 and Category 2 responders across the West of Scotland. 22
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It was agreed at that meeting that a subgroup, led by Scottish Fire and Rescue would meet to develop a MAIRG document (Multi Agency Incident Response Guide) which could be used across the region. The document is generic and covers the response to a variety of situations involving Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. It does not detail firefighting tactics and techniques but details the steps taken to protect other first responders, persons in close proximity and others affected by the incident. It provides Key Safety Actions including those for the Local Authority. In addition to the plan detailed above, at the Ayrshire LRP meeting on 3 September it was agreed that there should be a Short Life Working Group established to look at these sites individually across Ayrshire and determine if there are any arrangements which are required for any individual sites. It should be noted however, that Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is continually developing and reviewing its policies and procedures for all incident types and the increased use of energy storage sites is included in this. Currently, they collect operational intelligence for BESS sites, perform familiarisation visits with operational staff, have a group of senior officers trained in dealing with hazardous materials and liaise with site developers as they develop their sites. This is a relatively new type of technology and the SFRS is continually analysing new information as it emerges and working with partners to create response plans and MAIRGs when required. It is anticipated that the response to and technology for incidents at these locations will continue to evolve over the coming years (provided by Ian McMeekin, SFRS). Councillor Larsen also advised that officers will be attending a lithium battery incident response event arranged by the Scottish Government Civil Contingencies Liaison Division at the beginning of November 2024 to ensure we are all well informed and up to date on advice. As a supplementary question, Councillor Ferguson asked that once officers have been to the training can they undertake a member’s briefing so all members are aware of the challenges and risks that are posed and how we can better inform our communities of these types of developments moving forward. Councillor Larsen responded and advised that an elected member briefing on the Kilwinning Fire will be set up in the near future, which will give officers the opportunity to share the outcome of the debrief and allow elected members to ask questions. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will also be in attendance. (9) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: 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? 23
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Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: £11.278m AGD funding on projects led by North Ayrshire Council has been utilised from 2019/20 to August 2024 across all projects. Five of the nine projects are in delivery and no projects have been completed to date. The five projects in delivery are I3 DPMC, I3 Flexible Space, Community Wealth Building, Working for a Healthy Economy and the Ayrshire Skills & Investment Fund. Two projects are projected to complete within 2024.25. These are Community Wealth Building and I3 Flexible Space Phase 1. As a supplementary question, Councillor Murdoch asked, taking into consideration the many price increases and changes within the economic climate, how many of the original proposals can be completed within the original funding allocated. Councillor Gurney responded and advised that it was a mistake not to factor in inflation, to cope with that we have been continually reallocating and repurposing some of the projects to ensure we get best value for money for the funds we have available. Councillor Gurney advised he is happy to speak with Councillor Murdoch to go through the changes. (10) a question by Councillor Sweeney to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: 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? Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: Elected Members agreed at the budget setting meeting on 28 February 2024 to cease funding the installation of Festive Lights. A cross service officer working group (consisting of Streetscene, Roads Lighting, Building Services and Connected Communities) was set up to develop a list of Frequently Asked Questions to be issued to Community Groups. This guidance covered installation & maintenance, storage, grant funding opportunities, permissions, licences, permits, testing and energy costs. The guidance was held due to the Pre-Election Period and issued thereafter. In response to a question to Council on 26 June 2024, it was advised guidance would be issued week commencing 8 July 2024 and it duly was. 24
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A meeting was held with Community Groups on 5 August 2024. Each Group has been informed of the installation costs for their respective displays. It has also been agreed with Groups that where the Council are chosen installer, we would accept payment for the works up to 31 March 2025. This gives the groups 8 months from the meeting to raise the funds and 9 months from the date the guidance was issued. As a supplementary question, Councillor Sweeney referred to communication and the timing, and that the pre-election period only lasts a few weeks. What steps have been taken to prevent recurrence and improve communication with community groups especially when we consider another issue with regards to lack of communication with school librarians and parent councils. Councillor Gurney responded and advised that we endeavor to engage with all citizens and ensure they are aware of council decisions. We endeavor to do our best with communications and where any elected member feels we have failed then approach the service and we can try to do better next time. (11) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: 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? Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: The Council continues to experience significant financial challenges. In addressing these challenges services, including Streetscene, have absorbed significant inflationary pressures within its budget. To deliver a balanced budget, it has been necessary to reduce the numbers of seasonal employees recruited for the summer months and offset against non-controllable winter fuel inflationary pressures for essential equipment and materials such as machinery and tools. This has affected all areas, not just the North Coast. Streetscene services will continue to be delivered within resources available. For clarity, summer recruitment is down from 20 to 12 for the North Coast. As a supplementary question, Councillor Marshall asked if we are going to continue with so few staff on the ground, if Council taxpayers are entitled to some reduction for their reduction in service. 25
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Councillor Gurney responded and advised whilst the numbers have gone down we are trying some innovative measures to ensure we can do the best for Streetscene, for example we are using the intermediate labour market program, which allows us to take on staff and train them thus providing them with helpful training for their careers. In terms of the service, it was given in terms of the budget that was provided and if members wish to make budgetary changes then the budget process was coming up soon. (12) a question by Councillor McDonald to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: 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? Councillor Larsen thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “As with all employee-related matters we work closely with our Trade Union Colleagues. An initial confidential meeting was held with them to discuss the proposal, the approach and obtain feedback. Unfortunately, the information provided was shared resulting in contact from a number of employees. Following a discussion with Trade Unions the communication to impacted employees was issued earlier than planned. We have agreed to pause this activity while discussions continue with Trade Unions. We are very mindful of the impact of our workforce transferring to weekly pay and a range of supports are available to those impacted.” As a supplementary question, Councillor McDonald asked if the Cabinet member will commit to a proper consultation with unions to allow them to undertake their duties align with their own principles of member democracy and instruct officers to sit down with unions and agree that timescales as soon as possible. Councillor Larsen responded and advised that discussions are ongoing with Trade Unions and it therefore would not be appropriate to comment on that at this time. (13) a question by Councillor Todd Ferguson to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: To ask the cabinet portfolio holder for an update on mobile phone usage at primary and secondary schools? 26
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Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: Through creating and promoting their positive relationships’ policies and approaches, schools can support the appropriate use of mobile phones within a school context and setting. There is a Standard Circular (M15) for schools to use and refer to when creating their own guidance and which supports appropriate usage in schools. This policy will be reviewed and refreshed in session 2024-25 by school senior leaders and central senior managers in light of the recent publication by Scottish Government Mobile phones: guidance for Scotland's schools - gov.scot (www.gov.scot). As a supplementary question, Councillor Todd Ferguson asked if any of our schools have chosen to utilise these new powers to ban mobile phones. Councillor Macaulay responded and advised that it was important that we equip pupils with the skills for the modern age but also balance that out to ensure that pupils are focused in the classroom and learn in the best environment as possible. Headteachers make decision that are right for their school, if they believe a ban was appropriate then they would be supported in that decision. Councillor Macaulay undertook to get the details of each school and their individual policy to Councillor Todd Ferguson. (14) a question by Councillor Montgomerie to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: How many parking fines has the Council issued for illegal parking at the Chapelwell 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? Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: 403 PCNs have been issued at the Chapelwell Street Car Park. PCNs are issued at £100, but most are paid at £50. At £50, the income from these PCNs is £20,150. This money is used to support the Council’s budget. As a supplementary question, Councillor Montgomerie asked if the signage at this car par could be made clearer. Councillor Gurney responded and advised the signage and road markings have already been updated and made clearer at this car park. 27
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(15) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: 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? Councillor Larsen thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: Full details of full-time equivalent staff numbers and associated staff costs have been provided covering the last 3 financial years. (16) a question by Councillor Cullinane to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: 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? Councillor Cullinane advised that in the absence of the Leader of the Council he would be happy to accept a written answer. (17) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: 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? Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: The Council is not able to calculate the impact of the changes to the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Allowance. However I can advise that North Ayrshire Council’s Energy Smart support will continue to be available to those on low incomes, the eligibility criteria is as follows: • Emergency response grant – household income of less than £27,710 for those not in receipt of benefits, or for those in receipt of benefits who are on prepayment meter and at risk of disconnection. (£342k remaining in this fund.) 28
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• Energy efficiency measures installations (insulation, temperature controls, LED bulbs, draft proofing, electric storage heating) – gross household income less than £43,662. As a supplementary question, Councillor McLean asked if there was a need to review the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Allowance considering it ties predominately to people who have prepayment meters and there will be a significant number of pensioners who are not on prepayment meters and will be worse off over the winter. Councillor Gurney responded and advised the figure was chosen to reflect the average income in Scotland and we continually check that so the last figure we have was for 2022 and it has not yet been updated for 2023. This will be modified as the new figures come in. In terms of pensioners specifically, most pensioners on the national state income will come in less than that and will therefore be available. (18) a question by Councillor Montgomerie to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: 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? Councillor Larsen thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: The council has not received any monies from the Council’s insurer in respect of this property. The Council is self-insured up to the value of £250,000 for any property loss from 1st April 2019. As a supplementary question, Councillor Montgomerie asked if the Cabinet Member would consider reducing the Council’s self-insurance sum in future incase any similar damage to other council properties. Councillor Larsen responded and advised that she will take this back to officers for discussion. In terms of Standing Order 6.8, the Provost agreed that the meeting be adjourned at 3.55 p.m. for a short comfort break to consider the motion, reconvening at 4.10 p.m. with the same Members and officers present and in attendance with the exception of Councillor Gallacher. 29
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16. Motions In terms of Standing Order 15, submitted: (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.” There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. Councillor Murdoch left the meeting at this point. (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.” As an amendment, Councillor Macaulay, seconded by Councillor Larsen moved the following "Council notes the progress being made to reduce exclusions and end the practice of informal and formal exclusions. Council reaffirms our commitment to reducing the causes of exclusions, particularly for care experienced young people. Council also notes the current challenges across education establishments and remains committed to working with the whole school community, including education staff, parents (and carers), pupils and trade union colleagues to continue our shared aim of keeping the promise. Members asked questions of clarification of the movers of the motion and the amendment. The Monitoring Officer provided further clarification and confirmed the motion was asking for an EIA to be undertaken and subject to the findings of that assessment and relevant considerations implement the necessary amendments to policies. If the findings of the assessment display there was an adverse impact in relation to any relevant 30
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groups, that would then not mean we would be able to implement the policy and it would have to come back for consideration by members. The Monitoring Officer advised the motion was competent in relation to the fact that the caveat was there. If members chose to take it forward then we would assess where we get to as a result of that, further advice would be given and the appropriate process would be taken forward to ensure that the rights and interests of everyone involved were properly taken into consideration. Following discussion, the Council agreed as follows: (a) not to proceed with the motion or amendment at this time ; and (b) to undertake an EIA and bring the report to a future meeting of Council for consideration; and (c) review the position on school exclusions once the findings of the EIA are available. Councillor Montgomerie left the meeting at this point. (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. As an amendment, Councillor McLean, seconded by Councillor Inglis moved to not agree or disagree to the aims of the motion and to have the impact and practicality of the substance of the motion brought forward in a report and bring it to the PAP - specifically considering any procurement spending implications and environmental impact given much fair trade produce comes from abroad, and any community wealth building implications. There followed debate and summing up. 31
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On a division and a roll call vote, there voted for the amendment, Councillors S. Ferguson, T. Ferguson, Inglis, Marshall, McLean (5) and for the motion, Councillors Bell, Collier, Cullinane, Currie, Dickson, Foster, Gurney, Hill, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, McClung, McDonald, McLaughlan, McTiernan, D. Reid, D.L. Reid, Robertson and Sweeney (19) and the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed 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. (4) a motion by Councillor Inglis, seconded by Councillor T 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.” As an amendment, Councillor McClung, seconded by Councillor Johnson moved as follows: 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. 32
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Council requests that: • The Chief Executive of North Ayrshire Council write to the UK Government 1. expressing this council's concern about the decision to cut winter fuel payments to many of our constituents, and the consequent effects this will have on them. 2. urges the UK Government to reconsider its decision. Members asked questions of clarification of the movers of the amendments. There followed debate and summing up. On a division and a roll call vote, there voted for the amendment, Councillors Collier, Dickson, Gurney, Hill, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, McClung, McTiernan, Robertson (10) and for the motion, Councillors Bell, Cullinane, Currie, S. Ferguson, T. Ferguson, Foster, Inglis, Marshall, McDonald, McLean, McLaughlan, D. Reid, D.L. Reid, Sweeney (14) and the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed as follows: “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.” Councillors Cullinane and Currie left the meeting at this point. (5) a motion by Councillor McLean, seconded by Councillor T 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. 33
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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. Councillors Robertson and Larsen left the meeting at this point. As an amendment, Councillor Macaulay, seconded by Councillor Collier moved the direct negative. Members asked questions of clarification of the movers of the amendments. There followed summing up. Councillors Robertson and Larsen rejoined the meeting at this point. On a division and a roll call vote, there voted for the amendment, Councillors Bell, Collier, Dickson, Foster, Gurney, Hill, Johnson, Macaulay, McClung, McDonald, McLaughlan, McTiernan, D. Reid, Sweeney (14) and for the motion Councillors S. Ferguson, T. Ferguson, Inglis, Marshall, McLean and D.L. Reid (6) and the amendment was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed not to proceed with the terms of the motion. Councillor Sweeney left the meeting at this point. (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 34
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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 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. 35
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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.” As an amendment, Councillor Johnson, seconded by Councillor Robertson moved the direct negative. There followed debate and summing up. On a division and a roll call vote, there voted for the amendment, Councillors Bell, Collier, Dickson, Foster, Gurney, Hill, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, McClung, McDonald, McLaughlan, McTiernan, D. Reid, D.L. Reid, Robertson (16) and for the motion Councillors S. Ferguson, T. Ferguson, Inglis, Marshall and McLean (5) and the amendment was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed not to proceed with the terms of the motion. The meeting ended at 5.30 p.m. 36
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North Ayrshire Council 9 October 2024 At a Special 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, Marie Burns, Eleanor Collier, Joe Cullinane, Charles Currie, Stewart Ferguson, Robert Foster, Tony Gurney, Mary Hume, Cameron Inglis, Margaret Johnson, Christina Larsen, Louise McLaughlan, Shaun Macaulay, Davina McTiernan, Donald L. Reid, Ronnie Stalker and John Sweeney. Present (Remote Electronic Participation) Amanda Kerr, Matthew McLean, Jim Montgomerie, Ian Murdoch and Chloé Robertson. In Attendance C. Hatton, Chief Executive; D. Hammond, Executive Director (Communities and Housing); S. Anson, Executive Director (Education), R. McCutcheon, Executive Director (Place); K. Logan Head of Service (Health and Community Care) (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), S. Wilson, Committee Services Officer, and H. Young, Senior Committee Services Officer (Democratic) (Corporate Services). Chair Depute Provost Sweeney in the Chair. Apologies Anthea Dickson, Todd Ferguson, Scott Gallacher, Alan Hill, Tom Marshall, Jean McClung, Donald Reid and Angela Stephen. 1. Depute Provost's Remarks The Depute 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. 2. Apologies The Depute Provost invited intimation of apologies for absence, which were recorded. 37
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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. Medium-Term Financial Outlook 2025/26 to 2027/28 Submitted a report by the Head of Service (Finance) on the financial challenges facing the Council, the likely financial position of the Council’s General Fund in the medium- term, and the programme of engagement with communities, feedback from which will help inform the development of budget proposals for consideration at the Council’s Budget meeting in February 2025. Members asked questions, and received clarification, on the following: • programme of proposals for engagement and consultation with communities who are not part of our formal stakeholders groups; and • face to face engagement with communities. At the invitation of the Depute Provost, the Chief Executive provided clarification and confirmed that no decisions would be made today, and that further discussions would take place after the programme of engagement with communities. The engagement with communities would be extensive, taking place early to ensure the maximum possible responses along with engagement and formal consultation on certain areas to comply with the legal framework. Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor Burns, moved the report with the following amendment: “Council instructs the Chief Executive to write to the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Finance and UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, setting out the Council’s budget position and asking that funding for Local Government be given a high priority in the budget decisions, to be taken by both Governments later this year”. As an amendment, Councillor Inglis, seconded by Councillor McLean, moved; “that Council notes the Officer report and the financial challenges facing the Council and agrees to set up a member/officer budget working group to allow for open discussion, consideration of consultation responses and the potential for political consensus on budget proposals for our communities.” 38
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As a further amendment, Councillor Cullinane, seconded by Councillor Bell, moved an amendment to the report, as follows: “Council: • Wishes to express its frustration that elected members have been called to a special meeting to “note” a report. • Believes that opposition members being asked to “note” a report which outlines a range of potential cuts that our communities will be consulted on is an attempt by the administration to create collective responsibility for decisions that they have given approval for (i.e the decision to consult on these cuts). • Notes that over £12.6million of money from reserves (including monies associated with the PPP Service Concession), the Strathclyde Pension Fund payment holiday and one-off savings have been used by the administration to balance the last two budgets but that the promised “transformation” has not been delivered, putting further pressure on the Council’s finances. • Expresses its disappointment that having used £12.6million of non-recurring funding to balance the budget, decisions that this Council has previously rejected (town centre parking charges, a £50 charge for brown bin collections, the closure of Arran Outdoor Centre and cuts to teacher numbers to name a few) have returned as part of this report. • Condemns the administration’s management of the Council’s finances and wishes to make it clear that the proposals outlined in Appendix 1 are owned by the administration not opposition members who were only advised of them a matter of days before the papers were published.” In terms of Standing Order 6.8, the Depute Provost agreed that the meeting be adjourned at 2.35 p.m. for a short comfort break to consider the motion and amendments, reconvening at 2.45 p.m. with the same Members and officers present and in attendance. There followed debate. On a point of order in terms of Standing Order 17.6, Councillor Burns sought to correct a statement made in the course of debate regarding raising Council Tax. Councillor Foster confirmed that the source of the information was taken from the Council’s social media platform. On a further point of order in terms of Standing Order 17.6, Councillor Cullinane corrected an assertion made in the course of debate, by clarifying that he did not complain about attending the Special meeting but about the waste of Council finances over the last 2 years. 39
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On a further point of order in terms of Standing Order 17.6, Councillor Foster sought clarification on a statement made in the course of debate regarding leaks to the press on council decisions being one of the reasons for calling the meeting. The Monitoring Officer provided clarification and confirmed that the Special meeting was called to deal with the consultation and engagement process. On a further point of order in terms of Standing Order 17.6, Councillor Gurney corrected an assertion made in the course of debate, by clarifying that he did not make a qualitive judgement. There followed summing up. The Monitoring Officer provided further clarification on procedure and confirmed in terms of Standing Order 17.8 that the movers of the motion and amendments summed up with their right of reply prior to the vote being taken. On a division and roll call vote, there voted for the first amendment, Councillors S. Ferguson, Inglis, McLean, D.L. Reid, Stalker (5) and for the substantive motion, Councillors Burns, Collier, Gurney, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, McTiernan, and Robertson (8) Councillors Angus-McDonald, Bell, Cullinane, Currie, Foster, Hume, Kerr, McLaughlan, Montgomerie, Murdoch, and Sweeney abstaining, and the first amendment fell. On a further division and a roll call vote, there voted for the second amendment, Councillors Angus-McDonald, Bell, Cullinane, Currie, S. Ferguson, Foster, Hume, Inglis, Kerr, McLean, McLaughlan, Montgomerie, Stalker, Sweeney (14) and for the substantive motion, Councillors Burns, Collier, Gurney, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, McTiernan and Robertson (8) Councillors Murdoch and D.L. Reid abstaining, and the second amendment was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed to: (i) note the Medium-Term Financial Outlook 2025/26 to 2027/28; (ii) note the scale of the financial challenges facing the Council over this period; (iii) note the range of areas included within a planned programme of engagement with communities; (iv) consider feedback from communities following the period of engagement, to bring forward proposals to set a balanced budget for 2025/26 and beyond; (v) express its frustration that elected members have been called to a special meeting to “note” a report; 40
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(vi) record the belief that opposition members being asked to “note” a report which outlines a range of potential cuts that our communities will be consulted on is an attempt by the administration to create collective responsibility for decisions that they have given approval for (i.e the decision to consult on these cuts); (vii) note that over £12.6million of money from reserves (including monies associated with the PPP Service Concession), the Strathclyde Pension Fund payment holiday and one-off savings have been used by the administration to balance the last two budgets but that the promised “transformation” has not been delivered, putting further pressure on the Council’s finances; (viii) express disappointment that having used £12.6million of non-recurring funding to balance the budget, decisions that this Council has previously rejected (town centre parking charges, a £50 charge for brown bin collections, the closure of Arran Outdoor Centre and cuts to teacher numbers to name a few) have returned as part of this report; (ix) condemn the administration’s management of the Council’s finances and to make it clear that the proposals outlined in Appendix 1 are owned by the administration not opposition members who were only advised of them a matter of days before the papers were published. The meeting ended at 3.20 p.m. 41
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 9 September – 27 October 2024 The attached report gives a summary and brief details to Council, of meetings and events attended by the Provost of North Ayrshire Council, Councillor Anthea Dickson. Agenda Item 4 43
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 1 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 9 September – 27 October 2024 Since the last meeting of the Council, I have taken part in many events, including: Prizegiving, Irvine Royal Academy, 11 September On 11 September, I attended Irvine Royal Academy’s Prizegiving Ceremony. It is important that we recognise the achievements of our young people and offer our encouragement and any way we can. This was a fitting ceremony to be able to do just that. I delivered a keynote speech at the event and shared my own personal journey in education, further education and employment. Robert Burns World Federation Annual Conference Dinner, Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine, 13-15 September The Robert Burns World Federation held their annual conference, in the Riverside Lodge Hotel, Irvine from 13 - 15 September. A full programme of activities and lectures were organised as well as their Annual General Meeting. I attended the celebratory dinner on 14 September and the Church Service and wreath laying ceremony on 15 September. I am always delighted to welcome visitors to Irvine and promote the area and all it has to offer. Auchenharvie Academy, Celebrating Success Ceremony, Stevenston, 18 September On 18 September, the Depute Provost attended Auchenharvie Academy’s Celebrating Success Ceremony. The event showcased the talents of our young people and celebrated their successes at a well-attended ceremony. Closing Ceremony, Garven Road Development, Stevenston, 1 October On 1 October, the Depute Provost attended the Closing Ceremony of the Garven Road Development in Stevenston. This £4.5m project was delivered by Cunninghame Housing Association with the support of the Scottish Government and North Ayrshire Council. The site was previously occupied by the former Ardeer Primary School in Stevenston which closed in 1981, therefore the site had lain vacant for many years. 44
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 2 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Three Towns Opportunities in Retirement, 35th Anniversary, Ardrossan Civic Centre, 3 October On 3 October, the Depute Provost attended a tea party in Ardrossan’s Civic Centre to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Opportunities in Retirement in the Three Towns. The Group arrange a variety of activities for people aged fifty and over. The event was very well attended, and it was a good opportunity to acknowledge the work of the volunteers behind the organisation. Kirking of the Deaon Convener of Irvine Incorporated Trades, Old Parish Church, Irvine, 6 October On 6 October, the Depute Provost attended the Kirking of the Deacon Convener of Irvine Incorporated Trades. A parade took place from the Townhouse to Irvine Old Parish Church where the traditional service took place. Many local organisations participated and supported the event. Opening Ceremony, Hub on the Prom, Ardrossan, 11 October On 12 October, the Depute Provost officially opened the Hub on the Prom in Ardrossan, which is a new community hub and café. The project is part of a wider programme of regeneration across Ardrossan being delivered by Ardrossan Community Development Trust and North Ayrshire Council. Irvine Running Club Centenary Dinner, Irvine Golf Club, 12 October On 12 October, I attended Irvine Running Club’s Centenary Dinner in Irvine Golf Club. Irvine Running Club has a remarkable history, and over the past one hundred years, it has achieved numerous accolades and seen many notable runners make their mark on the Scottish race circuit. The fact that the Club has thrived for a century is a testament to the dedication, passion, and spirit of its members. Irvine Beat FM, Soul Sunday Show, 17 October On 17 October, I was invited to record an interview for Irvine Beat FM’s Soul Sunday Show. Led by Rev. Neil Urquhart, I was given the opportunity to share my experiences of the excellent work that goes on in each of our communities and the marvellous work carried out by volunteers. 45
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 3 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION One Space, 6 Visions Exhibition, Studio 44 Gallery, Largs, 18 October On 18 October, I visited the One Space, 6 Visions Exhibition in Largs. There was a fine selection of art, ceramics, jewellery and beach craft all by local artists. The Exhibition showcased our creative community at its absolute best. Marymass Festival Photocall, Cunninghame House, Irvine, 21 October On 21 October, I met with representatives from the Marymass Festival Committee to present them with £912. This was the sum raised by my guests on Marymass Saturday this year and it will go towards the cost of next year’s Festival. I also wanted to highlight that the Festival is arranged by volunteers who work throughout the year to produce the best possible event for the local community. It is hoped that other local organisations with an interest in the Festival will get on board and support the Committee in any way they can. NAHSCP Promoting Wellbeing Together Awards 2024, Redburn Centre, Irvine, 25 October I attended the NAHSCP Wellbeing Together Awards in the Redburn Centre, Irvine on 25 October. The event recognised the positive contribution so many people make to support the wellbeing of individuals in our communities across North Ayrshire. 378th Annual Celebration (Big Pie), Volunteer Rooms, Irvine, 26 October On 26 October, I attended Irvine Incorporated Trades Annual Celebration, otherwise known as the Big Pie, in the Volunteer Rooms, Irvine. This traditional event celebrated Irvine’s cultural history and the work of the Incorporated Trades. The event was hosted by John McDonald the new Deacon Convener and was well attended. NAE Drama, Eglinton Park, Irvine, 27 October On 27 October, I attended a performance by NAE Drama Group in Eglinton Park. The performance was based on the Eglinton Tournament. This amateur group’s version of the event was very enjoyable and funny with some memorable performances from its members. 46
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 4 OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Councillor Anthea Dickson Provost North Ayrshire Council 47
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Official Information Official Information LEADER’S REPORT For the period covering: 9 September – 27 October 2024 The attached report gives a summary and brief details to Council, of meetings and events attended by the Leader of North Ayrshire Council, Councillor Marie Burns. Agenda Item 5 49
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 1 Official Information Official Information LEADER’S REPORT For the period covering: 9 September – 27 October 2024 NHS AYRSHIRE AND ARRAN HEALTHCARE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE, 9 September On 9 September, I attended an NHS Ayrshire and Arran Healthcare Governance Committee where attendees received reports on patient safety and patient experiences. One of the assurance reports discussed was the “Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy –The Ayrshire Mental Health Conversation (AMHC)”. In June 2023, the Scottish Government published the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and in September 2023, the Core Mental Health Quality Standards was published. The Healthcare Governance Committee have been provided with annual updates on the activity undertaken in Ayrshire and Arran in order to progress and support the outcomes and priorities of “The Ayrshire Mental Health Conversation; Priorities and Outcomes 2019 – 2027”. These local outcomes and priorities were in response to the national Mental Health Strategy (2017 – 2027). The Committee also received annual Governance reports from each of the Health and Social Care Partnerships in North, East and South Ayrshire Councils. COSLA LEADERS MEETING, 27 September On 27 September, I attended a meeting of COSLA Leaders’ to discuss a packed Agenda. The main discussions focused on Pay Negotiations for Local Government for 2024/2025 and the National Care Service. COSLA Leaders agreed to implement a pay offer to Local Government workers. MacMILLAN COFFEE MORNING, 2 October On 2 October, I visited Vennel Gardens and spent time with the residents who were hosting a MacMillan coffee morning. It was lovely to chat with residents and other community groups in attendance while at the same time raise money for a great cause. 50
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 2 Official Information Official Information SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PLACE AND WELLBEING BOARD MEETING, 3 October On 3 October, I attended a meeting of the Scottish Government Place and Wellbeing Board. The Programme Board provides direction, oversight and a decision-making authority for the delivery of the Place and Wellbeing Programme as well as reporting to the Care and Wellbeing Portfolio Board. Attendees received various updates including one on the Population Health Framework which relates to the vision outlined by the Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care back in June of this year: “A Scotland where people live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.” This vision is supported by four key areas of work: improving population health, a focus on prevention and early intervention, providing quality services, and maximising access. Making progress towards this vision requires focusing on the Scottish Government’s core priorities of eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency, and improving Scotland’s public services. These align to the shared priorities of Scottish and Local Government set out in the Verity House Agreement. To help realise this vision, a Population Health Framework (PHF) is being developed. It deliberately takes a cross-government and cross-sector approach to improve the key building blocks of health and wellbeing. It will be a joint Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) publication and is being developed in collaboration with key system-wide partners, including Public Health Scotland and Scotland’s Directors of Public Health. The Framework will set out how the Scottish Government, COSLA, Local Government, the NHS and partners across business, the third sector and communities themselves, can increase the positive effects that social and economic drivers have on population health, mitigate those areas that contribute to negative outcomes and build a Scotland that positively supports health and wellbeing. 35th Anniversary of the Three Towns Opportunities in Retirement, 3 October Later on 3 October, I dropped into the Ardrossan Civic Centre in my role as Older People’s Champion, to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Three Towns Opportunities in Retirement community group. The Group hosted a tea party for its members and guests and it was interesting to find out more about the history of the group as well as hearing some of the activities the group have been involved in. 51
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 3 Official Information Official Information COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP BOARD MEETING, 4 October On 4 October, I chaired a meeting of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Board held in Cunninghame House. Members were split into two groups for workshop sessions which enabled closer discussion to increase understanding of partners areas of work and provide opportunities for partnership working and support. Discussions focused on the following: • Work of the Child Poverty and Cost of Living Board which links in with all Local Outcome Improvement Plans (LOIP) priorities. • Corporate Parenting, an overview and update on work taking place, linking especially with LOIP priorities Wellbeing and Work. Board members also received an overview of The North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Annual Report 2023/24 which was approved. NHS AYRSHIRE AND ARRAN BOARD ACCOUNTS MEETING, 7 October On 7 October, I attended an NHS Ayrshire and Arran Board Private session. VISIT TO ARDROSSAN PARENTAL EMPLOYABILITY HUB, 7 October Later on 7 October, together with North Ayrshire Council Cabinet Member for the Green Environment and Economy, Councillor Tony Gurney and as part of Challenge Poverty Week, I visited Ardrossan Parental Employability Hub to welcome the Scottish Government Minister for Employment and Investment, Tom Arthur MSP. The Parental Employment Hub was launched in May 2023 and provides a wide range of keyworker support, training and access to employment for parents from the key priority family groups. The service aims to prepare and progress parents to sustainable and positive destinations to reduce child poverty across North Ayrshire by increasing income from employment. The Parental Hub is occupied by the Lennox Partnership, a third sector organisation that is contracted by North Ayrshire Council to deliver specialist parental employment support and deliver the We Work for Families initiative. This was a fantastic opportunity for the Minister to meet with and hear first hand from some of the parents supported by the “We Work for Families” initiative and how they have secured employment as a result. 52
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 4 Official Information Official Information I would like to thank everyone involved in the visit and for their continued great work which is helping so many individuals in our community. EXECUTIVE OLDER PEOPLES COUNCIL MEETING, 7 October Also on 7 October, in my role as Older People’s Champion, I chaired a meeting of the Executive Older Peoples Council meeting and met with representatives from some of our elderly community groups throughout North Ayrshire. This was an interesting discussion covering topics such as fuel poverty, access to GPs and housing issues. I look forward to working with the groups and helping them to address any issues or concerns they have. VISITS TO SHELTERED HOUSING UNITS, 8, 9 and 10 October As part of Challenge Poverty Week and in my capacity as North Ayrshire Council’s Older People’s Champion, I visited several of our Sheltered Housing Units throughout North Ayrshire. These included Glencairn House in Stevenston, Barnett Court in Saltcoats, Watt Court in Dalry, St Colm’s Place in Largs, Alfred Noble House in Irvine and Friars Lawn in Kilwinning. Caring for our communities, elderly and young alike, is one of our key priorities. These visits have shown me the great work and attention to detail that has gone into each of these Sheltered Housing Units, with every consideration been given to make life for residents as comfortable and energy and cost efficient as possible. This includes renewable and sustainable energy from biomass heating systems, solar panels, low-energy lighting and high levels of insulation. In addition, providing access to services such as podiatry, hairdressing and optometry. The visits also provided another great opportunity to meet and chat with residents to hear about their experiences. I would like to thank North Ayrshire Council Housing team for organising the visits and to congratulate them on the great work being done with our elderly communities in our Sheltered Housing Units. KILWINNING LOCALITY VISIT, 22 October On 22 October, together with North Ayrshire Council Chief Executive, Craig Hatton, I took part in another one of our locality visits, this time to Kilwinning. The first visit of the day was to Abbey Croft Children’s House to meet with the Senior manager from North Ayrshire Council’s Health and Social Care Partnership, Mae Henderson and her team and to meet with some of 53
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 5 Official Information Official Information the young people there. Abbey Croft recently received a positive inspection report highlighting the interaction between staff and the young people, who are supported and encouraged to attend college and university. The second stop was a visit to NAC transport and workshop located at West Byrehill Industrial Estate. It was good to speak to the Senior Manager, Gordon Mitchell, chat with some of the team and hear more about some of the work they are involved in. To finish, I met with some members from the New Scots Community who have enjoyed taking part in some of the activities organised by our Community Development team, particularly Calum Paul. Calum spoke about the work he has been doing including the Big Class sessions and Language Buddies. It was also great to meet some New Scots from Syria, Ukraine and Hong Kong and hear about their experiences of living in North Ayrshire and how much they value the classes/support. STATE OF THE REGIONAL ECONOMY EVENT, 24 October On the 24 October, together with the other Ayrshire Council Leaders, Councillor Douglas Reid from East Ayrshire Council and Councillor Martin Dowey from South Ayrshire Council, I attended a “State of the Regional Economy Event” at Ayrshire College’s Kilwinning Campus. The event provided the opportunity for attendees to hear about the progress being made with our Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy which was launched in June 2023. The strategy is a 10-year plan which seeks to deliver significant and long-lasting economic renewal across the region and it is the first plan in Scotland to feature Community Wealth Building. I would like to thank the Scottish Government Minister for Employment and Investment, Tom Arthur MSP and The Principal and Chief Executive of Ayrshire College, Angela Cox for delivering the keynote speeches. My thanks also to attendees and to North Ayrshire Council’s Economic team for putting the event together and for their continued work in delivering this bold strategic plan. COSLA LEADERS MEETING, 25 October On 25 October, I attended a meeting of COSLA Leaders’. It was another packed agenda which included the following items for discussion: • Housing Emergency Update • Community Planning Improvement Board – Guidance for Fair Funding of the Voluntary Sector • Local Government Finance Update 54
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 6 Official Information Official Information • National Care Service • Housing Emergency • Digital Office and Digital Partnership Update • National Care Home Contract • Verity House Agreement – Annual Review and Dispute Resolution In progressing their workplan the Community Planning Improvement Board (CPIB) has identified sustainable funding for the voluntary (third) sector as a recurrent theme across its work streams and undertaken an exercise to develop a set of principles for fair funding for the voluntary sector. The guidance they have produced is an attempt, by the Board, to respond to the identified challenges in this area. The guidance has in recent weeks been circulated by the Chair to all Community Planning Partnerships with a request to consider how it might be adopted. The Board has sought views in relation to how they might implement the principles and wanted to look at what model should be used for inviting and encouraging partners to sign up to and implement these principles and how the CPIB could best frame this with Community Planning Partnerships. AYRSHIRE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP BOARD MEETING, 25 October Later on 25 October, I attended a meeting of the Ayrshire Economic Partnership Board. Board members received updates and progress reports on various projects of the Ayrshire Growth Deal (AGD). Attendees were also briefed on the business case for Phase 1 of the Great Harbour project here in Irvine, ahead of its submission to the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee for approval. The Great Harbour is a transformational project at Irvine Harbourside as part of the AGD Tourism Programme, which seeks to invest £23.5million in the development of tourism infrastructure in North Ayrshire. The Programme includes a £9million allocation towards the Great Harbour from the Scottish Government and a further £5million from North Ayrshire Council. The Outline Business case for the project was approved by the Scottish Government in June 2021. Following significant stakeholder consultation in Spring 2023, the Great Harbour Masterplan was approved by Cabinet on 5 December 2023 and Planning Committee on 24 April 2024. 55
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 7 Official Information Official Information Councillor Marie Burns Leader of North Ayrshire Council 56
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 6 November 2024 Council Title: North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Board: Annual Report & Minutes of Meetings held in June and October 2024 Purpose: To submit the CPP Annual Report and overviews of the meetings of the North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Board held on 11 June and 4 October 2024. Recommendation: That Council notes the overviews and report contained within Appendices 1, 2 and 3. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 It was previously agreed that the Minutes of the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Board be submitted to North Ayrshire Council for information. The key matters arising from the minutes, as well as a copy of the CPP Annual Report for 2023/24 which is required as part of the Community Empowerment Act 2015, have been highlighted for the attention of Council and are detailed in Section 2.1 below. 2. Background 2.1 Overviews of the meetings of the CPP Board held on 11 June and 4 October 2024 are provided at Appendices 1 and 2. Both meetings took the form of rotating workshops on topics relating to the North Ayrshire Partnership Plan priorities of Wellbeing, Work and World. CPP partners were given the opportunity to attend each workshop in turn to learn about the work of each project, report or service as relevant. Meeting of 11 June 2024 Agenda Item 3 CPP partners attended the three workshops outlined below: • The new North Ayrshire Green Health Framework- (Link to LOIP priorities Wellbeing, Work and World) Greenspace Scotland and colleagues from Public Health provided CPP partners with an overview of the process to develop the new Green Health Framework along with the key themes and content. Green health is about the positive impact that nature and the outdoor environment have on our physical and mental health. It’s all Agenda Item 7 57
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about getting people out to walk, cycle, grow, garden and connect with others for their benefit. The key objectives of the Framework link to the CPP partnership priorities of Work, Wellbeing and World. CPP Partners agreed to endorse the new Framework. • The North Ayrshire Climate Change Steering Group (Links to LOIP World priority) Partners were provided an overview of the work of the North Ayrshire Climate Change Steering Group, which is the key strategic group delivering on the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan ‘World’ priority. This included community and Council support, the transition to a decarbonised fleet, utilising landfill gas and exploring hydrogen production for heating and vehicle use, strategies to support local food production and make better use of derelict land and the development of Community Climate Change Action Plans. • Community Justice Outcomes Improvement Plan (Links to LOIP Wellbeing and Work priorities) Community Justice Ayrshire is a partnership focused on preventing and reducing reoffending across the Ayrshire region. It brings together various partners to work collaboratively towards this goal. Partners were given an overview of the current work of the Partnership and the new Community Justice Outcomes Improvement Plan (CJOIP) which has four main aims: • Optimising early diversion and intervention • Ensuring consistent availability of high-quality community interventions and public protection arrangements • Providing accessible services to address the needs of accused or convicted individuals • Strengthening leadership, engagement, and partnership among community justice partners Meeting of 4 October 2024 Agenda Item 3 CPP partners attended the two workshops outlined below: • Child Poverty and Cost of Living Board- (Link to LOIP priorities Wellbeing, Work and World) An overview was provided of work around mapping current partner activity, joint working and services across child poverty priorities and an increased focus on the balance between preventative and operational interventions. A discussion followed around the governance related to Child Poverty and Cost of Living. Recognising the high priority of this work, it was agreed to formalise Child Poverty and Cost of Living as a workstream of the Community Planning Partnership Senior Officers Group, with regular reporting to the CPP Board through an updated governance framework. • North Ayrshire Corporate Parenting (Links to LOIP priorities Wellbeing and Work) Partners were provided an overview of the work of the North Ayrshire Corporate Parenting Team. This included The Promise and Promise Champions, signposting information, Care Experienced Week and weekly drop-ins, the Annual Conference 2023, the Anti-Discrimination & Stigma Policy and the Champions Board 2019 58
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Language Research. Discussion centred around opportunities for partnership working, including development of a CPP action plan focusing on Corporate Parenting. CPP Annual Report At the meeting of the CPP Board in June 2024 the CPP Board heard an update on the co-development of the Community Planning Annual Report 2023/24 with the CPP Senior Officers Group. This process includes an annual performance workshop, the collection of case studies and data for measures in use and in development. This activity fed into development of the final report, which comprises four key sections: • The Golden Thread: This section outlines how the work of our CPP links with the National Performance Framework • Local Outcomes Improvement Plan priorities: This section looks at our three LOIP priorities of Wellbeing, Work and World, setting out what we want to achieve, what national and local measures are telling us and highlighting key partnership working taking place during 2023/24. • Locality Partnerships: This section provides an overview of each of our six locality partnerships including their priorities, grant decisions and key focuses for the year ahead. • Our Impact: This section takes a look over the past 10 years and highlights key impact statements from Best Value, CLD Review and Carnegie Trusts reports. The report was then circulated to the CPP Board for final comments on the content and structure and has been provided for information at Appendix 3. 3. Proposals 3.1 That the Council notes the workshop overviews and report contained in Appendices 1, 2 and 3. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 None. Human Resources 4.2 None. Legal 4.3 None. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 None. Environmental and Sustainability 59
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4.5 None. Key Priorities 4.6 The CPP activities detailed within this report support the North Ayrshire Partnership Plan. Community Wealth Building 4.7 None. 5. Consultation 5.1 No consultation was required. David W. Hammond Executive Director Communities and Housing For further information please contact Jacqui Greenlees, Senior Manager (Policy, Performance and Community Planning), on 01294 324415. Background Papers Appendix: 1 CPP Board Overview, 11 June 2024 Appendix: 2 CPP Board Overview, 4 October 2024 Appendix: 3 CPP Annual Report 2023/24 60
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Community Planning Partnership Board Tuesday 11 June 2024 at 11.15 am Fullarton Connexions Present North Ayrshire Council Cllr Marie Burns, Elected Member (Chair) Cllr John Bell, Elected Member Cllr Scott Davidson, Elected Member Cllr Alan Hill, Elected Member Cllr Shaun Macaulay, Elected Member Cllr Margaret Johnson, Elected Member Sam Anson Executive Director David Hammond, Executive Director Rhonda Leith, Head of Service Department of Work and Pensions Pamela Holmes, Customer Service Lead NHS Ayrshire and Arran Lisa Davidson, Assistant Director (Public Health) Police Scotland Chief Supt Raymond Higgins Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Ian McMeekin, Local Senior Officer Scottish Partnership for Transport Allan Comrie, Senior Transport Planner Skills Development Scotland Claire Tooze, Area Manager In Attendance Jacqui Greenlees (NAC), Lesley Forsyth (NAC), Jennifer McGee (NAC), Jennifer Wraith (NAC), Kirsty Baker (Community Justice Ayrshire), Lynne Pearson (NAC), Jennifer Wraith (NAC), Elaine Caldow NHS), Gillian Jennings (NHS), Emma Halliday (Greenspace Scotland). Apologies Vicki Yuill (Arran CVS), Craig Hatton (NAC), Caroline Cameron, (NAHSCP), Cllr Timothy Billings, Elected Member, Julie McLachlan, (Scottish Government), Cllr Amanda Kerr (NAC), Kaileigh Brown (TSI). Angela Cox (Ayrshire College). 1. Welcome and Apologies The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and apologies for absence were noted. 2. Minute of the Previous Meeting The minutes of the Board meeting held in March 2024 were approved. 61
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3. CPP Board Rotating Workshops At this point Partners were given the opportunity to attend three rotating workshops linked with the work of the Community Planning Partnership: Green Health Framework- Gillian Jennings and Elaine Caldow, NHS Ayrshire & Arran and Emma Halliday, Greenspace Scotland (Links to LOIP Wellbeing, Work and World) Gillian Jennings and Elaine Caldow (Public Health) and Emma Halliday (Greenspace Scotland) provided an overview and update on development of the North Ayrshire Green Health Framework and sought endorsement from the CPP Board. What is Green Health and what are the benefits? Green health is about the positive impact that nature and the outdoor environment have on our physical and mental health. It’s all about getting people out to walk, cycle, grow, garden and connect with others for their benefit. Why is Green Health Important? We are currently facing rising health inequalities in our country, the past decade has seen the long- standing trend of population health improvement slow, stall and more recently move into reverse. We have the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss alongside a cost-of-living crisis and reduced public sector funding. Climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. The more we ignore the climate emergency the bigger the impact will be on health and people living in poverty in Scotland are more affected by the environmental crises than those who are not. The activities, initiatives and the infrastructure required to deliver green health can provide many co- benefits beyond improving our health and wellbeing. Many of the interventions required to mitigate and adapt bring enormous benefits for human health and wellbeing in the form of cleaner air, healthier diets, and more liveable places. Framework Development The North Ayrshire Green Health Partnership has initiated, piloted and delivered a lot over the past 5 years. The partnership has raised awareness of green health amongst individuals and health practitioners; it has increased participation in green health activities and has started the path toward mainstreaming a nature-based green health approach. Initial stakeholder mapping and policy and evidence reviews were followed by engagement sessions with the Green Health Partnership, CPP Senior Officers Group and CPP Board on key achievements and current activities as well as proposed content of the Framework. The North Ayrshire Green Health Framework The vision of “North Ayrshire people get outside and active in good quality, nature filled greenspaces that improve their wellbeing, build their skills and benefit our planet.” Has been outlined in the Green Health Framework underpinned by four principles: • Collaborative • Inclusive • Realistic • Innovative Five goals have been prioritised from the workshop feedback, conversations and meetings with multiple stakeholders. Three align to the Local Outcome Improvement Plan themes of Wellbeing, Work and World, and the remaining two are cross-cutting across all themes. 1. Wellbeing Support the development of green health across North Ayrshire enabling more people to improve their health and wellbeing. 2. Work Nurture volunteering, skills development and employment in nature conservation, food growing and citizen science. 3. World Ensure green health initiatives and infrastructure contribute to addressing the biodiversity and climate crises. 4. Continue the Green Health Partnership working approach. 62
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5. Sustain the current level of communications about green health activities and services. Partners were positive about the contents of the Green Health Framework and the development work with partners and key stakeholders. Partners were happy to endorse the new North Ayrshire Green Health Framework. The document and appendices can be accessed at https://northayrshire.community/reports/na-green-health/ Climate Change Steering Group- Jennifer Wraith (Links to LOIP World) Jennifer Wraith, Senior Manager (Energy & Sustainability) provided each group with a session on the Climate Change Steering Group. The presentation highlighted: Community and Council Support: • The council provides significant support through various funds and strategies, including the Community Regeneration Enablement Fund and initiatives for solar farms. • Community climate change action plans are in development, drawing on lessons learned from projects like the Stevenson Carbon Neutral School, with a focus on expanding community groups and enhancing carbon literacy. Carbon Neutral and Renewable Energy: • Efforts include integrating renewable energy and aiming for carbon neutrality. The council is working on strategies to support local food production and make better use of derelict land. • The Nature and Biodiversity Office is part of this team to address climate change. Transportation and Infrastructure: • Transitioning to a decarbonised fleet, including upgrading to HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and increasing electric vehicle charge points. • A £3.2 million investment for more charge points in East and South Ayrshire is planned, with a long-term lease arrangement. Waste Management and Energy: • Utilising landfill gas and exploring hydrogen production for heating and vehicle use. • Assessing options for green hydrogen production and split. Adaptation and Community Involvement: • A Scotland project involves mapping environmental issues and promoting active travel and green spaces. • Emphasis on community involvement, carbon literacy training, and filtering lessons to local groups. Opportunities and Support: • Identifying ways to better support community climate action, understanding needs, and addressing barriers to effective support. The focus overall is on enhancing community engagement, advancing renewable energy, improving infrastructure, and promoting sustainable practices to address climate challenges. Community Justice Outcomes Improvement Plan- Kirsty Baker (Links to LOIP Wellbeing and Work) 63
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Kirsty Baker, Manager Community Justice Ayrshire provided each group with a presentation which focussed on working together to break the cycle of offending. The presentation highlighted: Community Justice Ayrshire Partnership Community Justice Ayrshire is a partnership focused on preventing and reducing reoffending across the Ayrshire region. It brings together various partners to work collaboratively towards this goal. Definition and Approach Community justice is an approach where individuals who have broken the law are held accountable while being supported to reconnect with and contribute to their communities. This can involve various methods such as unpaid work, fines, addiction treatment, or restrictions like curfews and electronic tagging. Statutory Requirements Each Community Justice Authority in Scotland is required to develop a partnership plan. In Ayrshire, this takes the form of the Community Justice Outcomes Improvement Plan (CJOIP) for 2024-2029, published in April 2024. This plan outlines how partners will collaborate to achieve national aims and outcomes for community justice across Ayrshire. The CJOIP Aims The CJOIP focuses on four main aims: 1. Optimising early diversion and intervention 2. Ensuring consistent availability of high-quality community interventions and public protection arrangements 3. Providing accessible services to address the needs of accused or convicted individuals 4. Strengthening leadership, engagement, and partnership among community justice partners Imprisonment Rates and Effectiveness Scotland has one of the highest imprisonment rates in Western Europe, with 131.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. Evidence suggests that short custodial sentences are less effective at reducing reoffending compared to community sentences. Individuals released from short custodial sentences (12 months or less) are more likely to be reconvicted than those serving Community Payback Orders (CPOs). Presumption Against Short Sentences The Presumption Against Short Periods of Imprisonment (Scotland) Order 2019 extended the presumption against short sentences from less than 3 months to 12 months or less. This aligns with the government's aim to reserve prison for serious or dangerous offenders and to use short imprisonment only when no alternatives are available. Employment and Reoffending The presentation emphasised the significant role employment plays in reducing reoffending. Being employed is associated with improved self-esteem, resilience, positive social connections, and a lower likelihood of reoffending. Ongoing Initiatives. 64
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The presentation also touched on ongoing work related to community reintegration and emergency release, highlighting the partnership's commitment to supporting individuals throughout their justice journey K Baker asked Partners to consider four key questions: • What support do partners already provide to people at different stages of the justice system? • What could be done to raise awareness and confidence in community justice? • Are there further opportunities for partnership working? • Is there anything else we should be focussing our efforts towards? Throughout the group discussion the following matters were discussed: Cllr Johnson queried what North Ayrshire Council’s position was on recruiting those who have convictions. K Baker highlighted that the Council has recently achieved "Recruit with Conviction" Ambassador status and will work to break down barriers between ex-offenders and job opportunities. Those applying for roles will be asked at interview whether they have any convictions rather than beforehand and an online module has been created for all hiring managers. R Leith highlighted that education/literacy levels can link with offending and it is a conversation needed with SPS to address need around this matter. D Hammond highlighted that the importance of the Housing First approach and how this needs to continue for those leaving prison setting. D Hammond also queried the process for having a piece of work carried out by the Community Payback Team. K Baker highlighted that the Team at the CPO office will be able to advise further 4. Partner Updates There were no partner updates highlighted. 5. AOCB No items were raised. The next meeting of the North Ayrshire CPP Board will be held on Friday 4 October 2024 at 9.00 am with venue tbc. 65
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Community Planning Partnership Board Friday 4 October 2024 at 9am Garnock Committee Room, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE Present North Ayrshire Council Cllr Marie Burns, Elected Member (Chair) Cllr Shaun Macaulay, Elected Member Cllr Margaret Johnson, Elected Member Sam Anson Executive Director David Hammond, Executive Director Rhonda Leith, Head of Service Ayrshire College Angela Cox, Principal and Chief Executive Department of Work and Pensions Pauline Craig, Regional Lead NHS Ayrshire and Arran Linda Semple, Interim Chair NHS Ayrshire & Arran Board Lisa Davidson, Assistant Director (Public Health) Police Scotland Supt Stephen McGovern Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Ian McMeekin, Local Senior Officer Scottish Partnership for Transport Allan Comrie, Senior Transport Planner Skills Development Scotland Claire Tooze, Area Manager In Attendance Jacqui Greenlees (NAC), Jennifer McGee (NAC), Lynne Pearson (NAC), Jennifer Lewis (NAC) Apologies Vicki Yuill (Arran CVS), Craig Hatton (NAC), Caroline Cameron, (NAHSCP), Cllr Charles Currie (NAC), Cllr Amanda Kerr (NAC), Cllr John Bell (NAC) Kaileigh Brown (TSI), Chief Eleanor Passmore (Scottish Government), Cllr John Bell, Elected Member, Cllr Alan Hill, Elected Member, Cllr Scott Davidson (NAC), Claire Burden (NHS Ayrshire & Arran), Ashley Pringle (KA Leisure), Dean Anderson (DWP) 1. Welcome and Apologies The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and apologies for absence were noted. 2. Minute of the Previous Meeting The minutes of the Board meeting held in June 2024 were approved. 3. CPP Board Rotating Workshops 66
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At this point Partners were given the opportunity to attend two rotating workshops linked with the work of the Community Planning Partnership: 1. Corporate Parenting – Jennifer Lewis, North Ayrshire Council (Links to LOIP Wellbeing, Work and World) Jennifer Lewis provided the CPP Board with an overview of the work of the North Ayrshire Council Corporate Parenting Team, a topic which has been requested by senior partners. Jennifer highlighted key areas of work: • Communication • Support for staff • Creating and supporting spaces for young persons voice Overviews were also provided on: • The Promise and Promise Champions • Signposting information • Care Experienced Week • Weekly Drop Ins • Annual Conference 2023 • Anti-Discrimination & Stigma Policy • Champions Board 2019 Language Research Discussion followed around how partners can link in with this work, including links with CPP Groups for example the Safer North Ayrshire Partnership and Community Engagement Network as well as wider areas of work with Chamber of Commerce and Local Employability Partnership. Several connections were made for further discussion, including links between the Corporate Parenting Team and SFRS. It was agreed that the CPP will develop an action plan around Corporate Parenting, with development starting at the next meeting of the Senior Officers Group with a session led by the Corporate Parenting Team. 2. Child Poverty & Cost of Living Board- Sam Anson (North Ayrshire Council) and David Hammond (North Ayrshire Council) (Links to LOIP Wellbeing, Work and World) Sam Anson, Executive Director (Education) and David Hammond, Executive Director (Communities & Housing) updated the CPP Board on the work and plans of the Child Poverty and Cost of Living Board, as well as seeking discussion and endorsement of the approach going forward. They highlighted: • North Ayrshire has the 2nd highest rate of child poverty in Scotland. • The Child Poverty Board was established in 2022. • An overview of achievements of the Board to date. • Funding secured through Scottish Government Fairer Future Partnership. Funding will be provided for three full time posts for 18 months. • An overview of the work to date around Single Shared Assessment. An overview was provided of work starting around mapping current activity, joint working and services across child poverty priorities and an increased focus on the balance between preventative and operational interventions. 67
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It was highlighted that Glasgow Community Planning Partnership have developed a new Local Outcomes Improvement Plan which focuses solely on family poverty as a single priority for the CPP. It was agreed that a watching brief would be kept on this approach and the new document would be shared with the Board for information. A discussion followed around the governance related to Child Poverty and Cost of Living. Recognising the high priority of this work, it is proposed to formalise Child Poverty as a workstream of the Community Planning Partnership. This would include standing agenda items and regular reporting to the CPP Board through an updated governance framework. Partners were supportive of this proposal. 4. Draft Community Planning Annual Report 23/24 Jacqui Greenlees provided an overview of the co-development of the Community Planning Annual Report 2023/24 with the Senior Officers Group, including the annual performance workshop and collection of case studies and data for measures in development. The information and guidance collected at the performance workshop has been used to develop the report, which includes case studies focusing on partnership, high level and local data, overviews of locality partnership achievements and sections on the golden thread and long term CPP impact. The CPP Board approved the approach and agreed to provide any final comments on the draft report once circulated by email. 5. Partner Updates There were no partner updates highlighted. 6. AOCB J Greenlees reminded the CPP Board that North Ayrshire CPP have agreed to take part in a national self-assessment checklist led on by the Improvement Service to support the CPP to ensure that areas such as governance, accountability, leadership and performance management are fit for purpose to achieve the outcomes of the LOIP. The checklist is due to be circulated to Board members on 30th October for completion. The next meeting of the North Ayrshire CPP Board will be held on 5 December 2024 at 11.15am. 68
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1 North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Annual Report 2023/24 69
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2 Contents 1. Introduction 2. Our Partnership Plan 3. The Golden Thread 4. Priority 1: Wellbeing 5. Priority 2: Work 6. Priority 3: World 7. Locality Planning a. Arran b. Garnock Valley c. Irvine d. Kilwinning e. North Coast f. Three Towns 8. Our Impact 9. The Year Ahead 10. Contact us and link to evaluation survey 70
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3 1. Introduction Welcome to the North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Annual Report 2023/24! Community Planning is the statutory framework through which local public services work together with communities and third sector organisations. We work to plan and deliver services that will improve long term outcomes and tackle inequalities. It is a legal duty within the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. There are main duties in the legislation that Community Planning Partnerships need to fulfil: This annual report outlines how North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP) is meeting these duties, provides an overview of our achievements across community and locality planning in 2023/24, and contains a summary of our plans for the year ahead. Partners work together in a Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Produce a Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP) Develop Locality Plans Review and report publicly on progress 71
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4 2. Our Community Partnership Plan North Ayrshire CPP is made up of organisations and communities working together to plan and deliver better public services and to reduce inequality in North Ayrshire. Our key Community Planning Partners include: 72
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5 We work together on the three shared priorities of Wellbeing, Work and World set out in the North Ayrshire Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (LOIP). We call this our ‘Community Plan’. It is an eight-year plan that identifies how we as Community Planning partners will work with local communities, local businesses and the third sector to improve our agreed upon outcomes and achieve our vision of “North Ayrshire – Fair for All. We used the North Ayrshire strategic needs assessment, partner resources and expertise as well as public feedback to develop the LOIP. It was agreed by the Community Planning Board on 3rd March 2022. The Community Planning Board report on LOIP gives an overview of the development process and rationale for the plan. We also carried out a health impact assessment and equality impact assessment of the draft plan. Working in Partnership North Ayrshire Locality Conference 2024 and Democracy Matters In 2018, the Scottish Government launched Democracy Matters, a national conversation about how democracy can best work for our communities. The Scottish Government published a discussion paper in 2021 to prepare for phase two of Democracy Matters, which unfortunately had to be put on hold because of the pandemic. The second phase of the Democracy Matters national conversation gave people across Scotland the opportunity to come together in their communities to imagine how new and inclusive democratic processes can best help their town, village or neighbourhood. In February 2024 North Ayrshire CPP worked with the Scottish Government Democracy Matters team to deliver such an engagement session as the focus of the North Ayrshire Locality Conference, with over 50 community members and partners in attendance. This gave attendees the opportunity to learn more about the consultation and plans for local democracy at a national level, as well as give their views directly to the Scottish Government team. The views from the day formed the official North Ayrshire response to Democracy Matters 2, and a follow up session will be arranged once the outcome of the consultation is published. 73
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6 3. The Golden Thread In addition to monitoring our impact locally, we want to ensure our approaches link nationally. The National Performance Framework measures Scotland’s progress against national outcomes. To do this, it uses ‘national indicators’ covering a wide range of themes including economy, community and environment. This infographic shows how our work as a CPP links in with national outcomes. 74
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7 We can also use the Improvement Service’s Community Planning Outcomes Profile (CPOP), a collection of measures designed to measure local outcomes and compare against similar communities using nationally available data. Our performance across the range of CPOP indicators shows general improvement across the ten-year period from 10/11 to 21/22 – 61% of measures within the CPOP have stayed stable or seen an improvement for North Ayrshire over the past 10 years. 75
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8 4. Priority 1: Wellbeing What do we want to do? We will reduce inequalities through targeted support to improve individual, family and community health and wellbeing. How are we delivering this? Established in December 2022, North Ayrshire’s Health Wellbeing Alliance builds on the existing efforts of partners across North Ayrshire to develop the strategic vision of the wellbeing agenda in North Ayrshire. The North Ayrshire Wellbeing Alliance will provide a multi-level leadership body in the development and delivery of the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) 2022 -2030 for North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (NACPP). Three priorities have been identified: Wellbeing, Work and World. The main objective of the ‘Wellbeing’ priority is to reduce inequalities through targeted support to improve individual, family and community health and wellbeing. The remit of this multi-level working body includes: • Tackle the inequalities related to wellbeing with a clear focus on early intervention and prevention and a whole system approach • Identify and create opportunities for innovation, improvement and efficiency • Facilitate co-produced solutions to promote equality and reduce health inequalities 1.1 Address Inequalities 1.1.1 Partnership working mitigates the health challenges for those most vulnerable in our communities. 1.1.2 Partnership working mitigates the financial challenges for those most vulnerable in our communities. 1.1.3 Children and young people’s wellbeing is improved through partnership working. 1.2 Enable Community Wellbeing 1.2.1 We have strong relationships within our communities to reduce social isolation and loneliness 1.2.2 A whole system approach is in place to ensure that people can access the right support at the right time (No Wrong Door). 1.2.3 People feel heard and that they have influence and a sense of control. 76
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9 • Provide visibility for the community health and wellbeing agenda for the residents and communities of North Ayrshire • Enable shared planning and identify gaps and overlaps in provision, whilst considering potential savings in activities where appropriate • Identify opportunities to access funding • Align all communication to the vision ensuring that the Wellbeing Alliance brand is recognised throughout North Ayrshire by its residents and communities. KA Leisure is leading on this pillar and building upon their well-established, sector leading Health and Wellbeing Service. A series of engagement events have been delivered since June 2023. Contributions, feedback and insight have been captured in this paper view here. To support the paper a short explainer animation can be viewed here. 77
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10 What is the data telling us? High Level Measures You can find more information about child poverty and demographic data in the North Ayrshire Child Poverty Action Plan 2023. Local Measures A more detailed overview of the grant funding decided by our Locality Partnerships is provided in the Locality Partnership profiles in chapter 7. Child Poverty 2022/23: 29.2% 2021/22: 29% 2020/21: 24.7% Life Expectancy 2019-21: Female- 52.1 years Male- 56.5 years 2017-19: Female- 52.1 years Male- 56.5 years 2016-18: Female- 52.1 years Male- 56.5 years People Living with Long Term Conditions 2023: 46,900 2022: 51,900 2021: 45,600 Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) 2024: 50.76 2022: 50.03 2020: 51.34 % feel neighbourhood a very good place to live 2024: 58% 2022: 59% 2020: 50% Local grant funding decided through locality partnerships (£) 2023/24: £158,148 2022/23: £154,750 2021/22: £92,167 Funding distributed through CIF (£) 2023/24: £564,007 2022/23: £648,804 2021/22: £648,298 78
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11 Working in Partnership Garnock Valley Taskforce Following a trend in youth disorder across the Garnock Valley a Wellbeing Task Force was established to develop the delivery programme of the North Ayrshire Health & Wellbeing Alliance and to align: • Diversionary opportunities for young people • Educational messaging on life choices and the dangers of substance misuse • Better links with local partners to provide more opportunities for young people to find their future pathway The main objective was to establish a new delivery team that can effectively reduce youth disorder. Using local intelligence, it was identified that an initial focus should be given to those disengaged within the education setting. These young people are often the same as those who are making bad choices within their communities, including anti-social behaviour. Stage 1 (Dec 23 – Apr 24) A pilot commenced in December 2023 using KA Leisure coaches and instructors who have focused on building relationships and developing trust. • Gather information on the young people’s interests and goals • Build confidence using sport and physical activity • Use fitness and sports delivery to develop transferable skills such as- o Goal setting o Discipline o Routine o Teamwork o Resilience All young people have completed KA Leisure’s Elevate Academy and received a 3- month fitness membership to continue their wellbeing journey out with school. Stage 2 (May – Jun 24) The second stage of the project will include support for the young people to develop projects for their local area and wider school community. This aim of this stage is to give the young people a sense of responsibility, a connection to their community, and new skills and experiences. This stage will also create opportunities for the community to see the qualities of our young people and bring them closer to our school community. Next Stages Working with further partners of KA Leisure to increase the engagement, range of opportunities and pathways for our young people. We will also explore further opportunities to promote pathways to community activities and learning. “Our programme has been devised to support young people in our community who find engaging with learning and the life of school a challenge. It is our aim to work in collaboration with KA staff to build confidence in these young people by helping them further develop their existing skills and discover new ones. 79
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12 Whilst the initial stages of the project have focussed on relationship building and basic fitness and teamwork, we aim to further embed their skills by encouraging them to give back to our Campus and Community through a variety of events and projects that they will plan, organise, promote and lead.” Debbie Gardner, Depute Head Teacher “The project has allowed us to use sport and physical activity as an outlet for pupils requiring additional support. As well as allowing the young people to release energy by being active, the time lets us engage them in educational messages. We are excited to further develop this project in the new academic year. This will involve the inclusion of further partners who will enhance the wellbeing of those involved and further integrate the school with the community.” PC Caroline Duffy, Garnock Community Campus Officer The North Ayrshire Community Directory The Community Planning Partnership website has been developed as a useful resource for community members to access key information and resources relating to the work of the Partnership, Locality Planning and community news, which was vital during Covid 19 pandemic. Building on the work developed during this time, including locality specific ‘Community Books’ that included information and contacts for community members in crisis, a Cost-of-Living section has been added to the CPP website including easy to access information and support. Building on this a unique community led North Ayrshire directory has been developed. The Directory uses open data through ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland) to provide an up-to-date interactive directory of services, groups and contacts that can be updated locally by the community and used by those in crisis or looking for local support and services. The resource is hosted on the Community Planning website, and is being made available through the North Ayrshire Libraries app which will be re-launched as the ‘North Ayrshire Communities’ app to further ensure wide and easy access for our communities. Child Poverty & Cost of Living Board Our Partnership vision of ‘Fair for All’ is about championing and developing the positive aspects of life in North Ayrshire, whilst also tackling poverty and disadvantage in all its forms. The Tackling Child Poverty and Cost of Living Board, which is chaired by the Leader of the Council and includes membership from across the CPP, was set up to help improve life for people and is supported by a Child Poverty and Cost-of-Living fund that was allocated by the Council in the 2023-24 budget. 80
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13 It is one of the key groups that support the North Ayrshire Local Outcomes Improvement Plan priorities of Wellbeing, Work and World. The Board regularly reports to the CPP Board, the CPP Senior Officers Group. More detail on key achievements and focuses on child poverty can be found in the North Ayrshire Child Poverty Action Plan 2023. CHAP Community Investment Funding CHAP is an OSCR registered charity and is a private limited company by guarantee, which has been operating in North Ayrshire for over 20 years, providing free, independent advice and advocacy services relating to housing, welfare rights, and debt issues. Following community engagement about the cost-of-living crisis, communities strongly expressed their need for support and a preference for outreach in community settings. At the start of 2023, Community Investment Funding through Three Towns Locality Partnership provided a fully trained advice worker to be based within 3 different community-based locations within the Three Towns area one day a week (with the other 2 days each week being office based for case work, training, etc.). This allowed individuals in the Three Towns area to access services in various established and trusted environments throughout their local area. CHAP advice services complement all the community work that is already taking place within the Three Towns area, including food provision services, the ‘warm hub’ at the Church of Nazarene in Ardrossan, West Coast Furniture and Ardrossan Community Sports Hub. In late 2023 Community Investment Funding via the Irvine Locality Partnership then delivered further CHAP services in North Ayrshire by establishing new advice worker outreach within local community settings throughout the Irvine area. Making these services accessible locally, in established and trusted environments, means that people can gain assistance with a variety of benefits, housing, and debt issues on their doorstep. This model has now proven successful in Kilwinning, Kilbirnie and the Three Towns areas. 81
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14 5. Priority 2: Work What do we want to do? We will address the causes and effects of poverty through a strong local economy and skills base. How are we delivering this? The North Ayrshire Local Employability Partnership (LEP) was re-established in 2017 and tasked with overseeing and guiding employability provision in North Ayrshire. The LEP is chaired by North Ayrshire Council, meets every 6 weeks, and is attended by the following partners: • North Ayrshire Council – employability and skills, business development, children/families/justice, community learning & development and education • Department For Work & Pensions • Skills Development Scotland • Ayrshire College • TACT - Third Sector Interface • Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce 2.1 Increase Employment 2.1.1 CPP partner and other local organisations contribute to an increased employment rate in the following groups: - People with a disability/long term health condition - Low income families - Long term unemployed people - People with convictions - People living in 0-15% SIMD Areas 2.2 Develop Volunteering 2.2.1 Our Community Planning Partnership provides opportunities for local people to gain experience and skills across our partner organisations. 2.3 Better support our young people to develop the skills they need to play a strong role in our local economy 2.3.1 The number of young people employed by CPP partner and other local organisations is increased. 2.3.2 Young people have access to a wide variety of employability opportunities in North Ayrshire. 2.3.3 Across our partnership care experienced young people are supported. 82
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15 The North Ayrshire LEP reports to the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) and uses intelligence from the Provider Forum, chaired by Skills Development Scotland and the Practitioners Forum, Chaired by North Ayrshire Council to inform activities and priorities. Operational Delivery Groups around Young People, Inclusive Growth and Closing the Disability Employment Gap have been established and local organisations report to the LEP to maximise expertise and knowledge to identify gaps, opportunities and develop specific proposals and recommendations. This partnership structure and governance helps deliver transparency and accountability in ensuring citizens of North Ayrshire receive the best service and resources are used most effectively, where the greatest need exists to ensure no one is left behind. 83
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16 What is the data telling us? High Level Measures More detailed information of the labour market profile in North Ayrshire is available via NOMIS. Local Measures The number of volunteering opportunities collected are currently through North Ayrshire Connected Communities and the TSI, however the Community Planning Team are working on expanding this measure across the partners for 2024/25. Working Employment Rate 2023/24: 70.1% 2022/23: 71.3% 2021/22: 67.3% Unemployment Rate 2023/24: 4.3% 2022/23: 4.6% 2021/22: 5.3% Youth Employment Rate (Age16-24) 2023/24: 69.8% 2022/23: 69.8% 2021/22: 53.2% Number of Volunteering Opportunities 2023/24: 2,773 2022/23: 2,999 2021/22: 964 Positive Destinations 2023/24: Not yet available 2022/23: 96.5% 2021/22: 96% 84
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17 Working in Partnership Parental Employment Programme Almost 30 parents are on the road to workplace success thanks to a partnership with Third Sector employers. Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire teamed up with TACT to source a range of Third Sector employers to offer parents paid work experience placements. This initiative, called the Parental Employment Programme (PEP), secured placements from 18 different organisations including Ardrossan Community Development Trust, Beith Community Association, Beith Community Development Trust, Cunninghame Furniture Recycling, Irvine Community Sports Club, the Salvation Army and The Lennox Partnership. Following completion of the 6 months placement almost 50% of the participants were offered a contract of employment immediately. Successful participant Pamela Boyce is a mother-of-three who spent 12 years raising her family before deciding she would like to explore her work options. Pamela was matched with Beith Community Development Trust as secured the position of Business Support Assistant. Following her placement, Pamela was offered employed with Beith Community Development Trust. She said: “I am excited about the future, and I would highly recommend the Parental Employment Programme to any parents who want to access employment. “It has made a positive impact on my life and my family, and my children have commented on how proud they are of me and how much more energy I now have. They even joke about how my computer skills have improved! “The care and support I have received all through the process have been fantastic.” Employability Week North Ayrshire’s first ever Employability Week was just the job for people looking for work and training opportunities. The special week of activities to help people into employment was a resounding success as almost 1000 people attended events. Employability Week featured a series of events to showcase the wide range of partners and services available to offer support for people looking for employment and highlighted job vacancies, new careers, training, volunteering and college courses on offer. The calendar of events over the week included: 85
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18 • An open day and barbecue at Eglinton Community Gardens in Eglinton Park, hosted by TACT, Criminal Justice and the Equal Programme, all offering different opportunities at the garden. • A Modern Apprenticeships recruitment day highlighting the range of opportunities available and providing support to young people to prepare for and secure one of these opportunities. • DWP arranges a jobs fair to showcase the range of jobs available and lots of employers attended and all partners were there to provide • The official launch of the Parent Hub at Glasgow Street, Ardrossan. This is run by Council-funded service We Work for Families, which was set up in 2017 and covers all of North Ayrshire. The team offers help with CVs, confidence building, accessing childcare, training and employment opportunities. At Eglinton Park, 110 people turned up to enjoy a barbecue in the sunshine and find out about new opportunities. Feedback included that the event showed “excellent partnership working” and offered “great networking”. The MA recruitment day was a hit, with almost 140 young people attending and comments being made on how helpful everyone was and how great the advice offered was. The DWP job fair attracted almost 500 claimants and, of these, eight people found work straight away, 34 interviews were arranged or conducted, and 141 job applications were filled in. The feedback from attendees, employers and providers was very positive. At the Parent Hub, more than 100 people went along and four new parents registered to get support in finding employment. Feedback focused on how informative the session was and how welcoming the atmosphere was. Everyone involved in staging Employability Week agrees that it was a productive week and hopes to see it become a regular feature on the events calendar. Laura Neill, Senior Manager for Employability, said: “I would like to thank everyone – all the Council staff, charities and partners – involved in making this week one to remember by showcasing all the wonderful opportunities that are right here on our doorstep. “Everybody worked really hard to make these events a great success and, more importantly, many people found out about new opportunities they might never have known existed. “In fact, Employability Week was so valuable to people in our communities who are searching for the right job, training or volunteering opportunity, we are looking at making it an annual event. Thanks again to my own team and all the Council staff involved.” 86
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19 Care at Home Training Academy The Care at Home Training Academy is just one of the training opportunities delivered as part of Your Next Move Working North Ayrshire. This initiative, targets parents, and provides a range of interventions and ongoing support from a dedicated keyworker to help individuals develop their confidence and skills for work. This Training Academy provides underpinning skills for employment in the care sector as well as tips to prepare for the guaranteed interview. Hours of employment within the care sector can often be a barrier for parents, so following a focus group discussion, the Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership considered how flexible working arrangements can support their recruitment challenges and we have delivered a pilot to introduce flexible hours to meet the needs of parents as part of this Care at Home Training Academy by offering flexible working arrangements suitable for family commitments. A better off in work calculation is also completed with a choice on hours worked so parents can make choices which suit family circumstances and maximise household incomes. This is another excellent way to break down barriers and help parents progress into suitable employment Hear from our parents, training providers and the employer how flexible working has supported parents to prepare and sustain employment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5eJZvB9YeA 87
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20 6. Priority 3: World What do we want to do? We will work more closely and effectively together to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. How are we delivering this? The North Ayrshire Climate Change Steering Group (CCSG) Act as a sounding board and critical friend to support and challenge the implementation of the North Ayrshire Sustainability Strategy. They bring ideas, lessons learned and best practice from elsewhere in the UK and internationally around climate change mitigation and adaption. The CCSG contribute wider policy knowledge on the sustainability and climate change agenda, promote North Ayrshire’s actions on climate change and contribute to the review and refresh of the North Ayrshire Council Environmental and Climate Change Strategy as required. Members of the CCSG include representatives from: • The Council • Ayrshire College • Police Scotland 88
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21 • Scottish Fire & Rescue Service • NHS Ayrshire & Arran • K:A Leisure • Community Groups • Industry Sector • Transport Sector • Youth Groups 89
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22 What is the data telling us? High Level Measures We see some positive trends in this area, with overall carbon emissions reducing over a three-year period from 21,791 to 20,570 and public EV charging points increasing by 14. More detailed information can be found in the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy. Local Measures Overall Carbon Emissions (Tonnes) 2023/24: 20,570 2022/23: 20,754 2021/22: 21,791 Number of Electric Vehicle Charging Points Publicly Available 2023/24: 65 2022/23: 59 2021/22: 51 Number of Participants Taking Part in Active Travel Hub Activities 2023/24: Data not yet available 2022/23: 2,874 2021/22: 441 % of People Walking/Cycling Instead of Other Transport Forms Daily 2023/24: 42% 2022/23: 42% 2021/22: Not yet collected NEW: Number of Climate Training Opportunities Provided through CPP Senior Officers Group Climate emergency training has now been delievered to 26 partners from across the CPP since 2021. Plans are in place to collect further data on partner training options for 24/25. 90
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23 Working in Partnership North Ayrshire Green Health Partnership and Framework The benefits and value for people and places of spending time in nature and enjoying the greenspaces around us is clear. There is a huge volume of green health-based activity already being delivered in North Ayrshire by a variety of partners and community groups. Many groups that the North Ayrshire Green Health Partnership has had the pleasure in supporting through participatory budgeting and small grants over the years, recognising the dedication and commitment from the staff and volunteers who deliver these activities. The North Ayrshire Green Health Partnership (NAGHP) and Greenspace Scotland developed North Ayrshire Green Health Strategic Framework 2024-2030, serving as a legacy for the Partnership and a vision for the future. The Framework defines the future of green health in North Ayrshire with the vision that North Ayrshire people get outside and active in good quality, nature filled greenspaces that improve their wellbeing, build their skills and benefit our planet. By unifying local and national learning, it sets out key principles and goals for integrating green health activities into North Ayrshire policy and practice ensuring continued green health action that benefits the people of North Ayrshire. It also identifies the key achievements of the North Ayrshire Green Health Partnership, outlines the current policy context and highlights relevant evidence supporting green health activity. In June 2024 the Green Health Framework was endorsed by the North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership and work will continue to influence and embed it into the work they do to deliver on their three themes of Wellbeing, Work and World. Trinity Active Travel Hub The Active Travel Hub aims to encourage and support people to be more active by: • walking and cycling at home, school or work • walking, cycling or using public transport for everyday journeys and everyday lives. The Hub’s main aim is to support and encourage walking, cycling and scooting in and around North Ayrshire for short local journeys via activities, events, raising awareness and information gathering. They also offer certified training courses like cycle ride leader, walk leader, first aid and Velotech. The Trinity was realised with support from European Regional Development funds under Transport Scotland’s Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund and North Ayrshire Council. 91
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24 Click here to find out more about what’s on at The Trinity North Ayrshire Solar Farms Work is now under way on North Ayrshire Council’s plans to build its first two solar PV farms. It will be the first of the two Council solar farms, with works commencing at the second site at Shewalton in Irvine at a later date. These projects are believed to be the first solar farms to be owned and operated by a local authority in Scotland and mark a major milestone in the Council’s bid to cut carbon emissions. As well as raising revenue for the Council which can be reinvested into North Ayrshire, Nethermains alone is expected to create enough energy to power more than 2,000 homes. The creation of the two solar farms – which represent a £12.465 million investment – are key elements of delivery of the Council’s Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy and will have the bonus of earning income for the Council to help sustain local services and provide community benefits by selling the electricity generated via a Power Purchase Agreement. The Nethermains solar farm will feature more than 12,000 solar panels once installation is complete later this year. It is expected to generate approximately 7,700MWh of electricity annually. Work on the Shewalton solar PV farm, like Nethermains, is on track to begin producing energy later this year. It will generate around 5,400MWh to supply the local electricity grid once operational. The annual reduction in CO2 emissions is estimated at 2,700 tonnes of CO2 per year based on the combined annual energy generation of over 13,000 MWh. 92
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25 7. Locality Planning in North Ayrshire At a local level, there are six Locality Partnerships (LPs) in North Ayrshire which cover the whole local authority area. Our LPs are the way we fulfil duties under the Community Empowerment Act (Scotland) 2015 to have locality arrangements. Their membership comprises: • Elected Members, • Community representatives, • Community Council Chairs, and • Community Planning partners. The LPs agreed their first set of local priorities following consultation, use of the Place Standard and consideration of local statistical profiles in 2017. The LPs meet quarterly with interim working groups/workshops as required. Their remit is to focus on tackling local issues and inequalities as well as to develop, review and implement the priorities of the Locality Plan for their area. As the original priorities were in place since 2016/17, it was agreed in 2020 that the priorities should be refreshed. This process consisted of research and analysis on local issues followed by 14 weeks of public consultation, and the LPs agreed their refreshed priorities at the June 2021 round of meetings. Additionally, the Terms of Reference and Standing Orders for Locality Partnerships were reviewed and refreshed in 2022. 93
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26 Arran Locality Partnership Since its inception in 2016, locality planning on Arran has seen significant progress. The Arran Locality Partnership has developed strong connections with the Health and Social Care Partnership, leading to a more unified approach to addressing the needs of the island's residents. In recent years, the focus of the Arran Locality Partnership has shifted towards aligning its initiatives with the Arran Local Island Plan. This alignment enhances how North Ayrshire Council tailors its services to better support the objectives outlined in the Arran Plan. In 2021, the Arran Locality Partnership adopted the key themes of the Arran Island Plan after engaging extensively with the public. This ensures that locality planning remains attuned to the unique priorities of the island community. The partnership is now exploring ways for North Ayrshire Council to customise its services specifically for Arran residents, reinforcing the overarching goals of the Arran Plan. This evolution reflects a commitment to creating a cohesive and responsive approach to community planning on Arran, tailored to its distinct context and needs. You can find the Arran Island Action Plan here. Arran Locality Priorities Communities Economy Environment During 2023/24 Arran Locality Partnership: Awarded £7,851 In Grant Funding Awarded £79,853 Community Investment Funding Co-opted the Island Plan Leads as members of the Locality Partnership to strengthen the links of the Partnership and Island Plan work. 94
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27 Key discussion themes during 2023/24 Partnership focuses for 2024/25 Community Engagement and Support Skills Development Enhancing Partnership Working Refresh annual Locality Action Plan Support the work of the Arran Island Plan and its Sub-groups Continue to enhance community wellbeing and partnership working 95
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28 Garnock Valley Locality Partnership The Garnock Valley is comprised of several vibrant towns and villages, including Keith, Dalry, Kilbirnie, Gateside, Burnhouse, Longbar, and Greenhills. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the valley was a significant centre for industrial activity, featuring a wide variety of manufacturing sectors such as textiles, wooden furniture, silk scarves, leather goods, weaving, iron and steel production, foundry work, coal mining, and brickmaking In 2021, an extensive public engagement revealed that the community still found the priorities established in 2016 to be relevant. As a result, the Partnership has continued to advance these priorities. To maintain focus on these objectives, a subgroup has been created to concentrate on each priority area, providing quarterly updates to the Locality Partnership on their progress. The Garnock Valley 2023/24 Action Plan can be found here. Garnock Valley Locality Priorities Moving Around Work & The Local Community Facilities & Amenities During 2023/24 Garnock Valley Locality Partnership: Awarded £15,707 In Grant Funding. Awarded £79,298.04 Community Investment Funding. 2 Streets Named for new housing development in Kilbirnie. 96
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29 Key discussion themes for 2023/24 Partnership focuses for 2024/25 Supporting Community Engagement and Development Improving Local Infrastrucutres Supporting Community Projects Refresh annual Locality Action Plan Enhance engagement opprtunites with local community for Our Garnock Valley and Travel Needs Analysis Implement changes following feedback from Our Garnock Valley and the Travel Needs Analysis 97
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30 Irvine Locality Partnership The Irvine Locality Partnership includes the central town of Irvine and the nearby villages of Springside, Dreghorn, and Drybridge. The town's scenic harbour area reflects its rich industrial history and is home to the National Maritime Museum. Irvine's beach serves as a year-round natural resource for locals and visitors alike, promoting health and activity within the community. The residents of Irvine and its surrounding villages form dynamic, engaged communities that collaborate to ensure inclusivity and support for all, fostering unity and shared goals. In 2021, an extensive public engagement initiative revealed that the community felt the priorities established in 2017 needed updating due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. To address this, the Locality Team hosts chit chat events across each of the community settlements in Irvine to discuss issues relating to the priorities and how the Partnership can provide support. The 2023/24 Irvine Locality Action Plan can be found here. Irvine Locality Priorities Supporting Skills and Work Opportunities Alleviating Poverty Enhancing our Mental Health & Wellbeing Championing Green Health and the Natural Environment During 2023/24 Irvine Locality Partnership: Awarded £54,630.68 In Grant Funding. Awarded £350,423 Community Investment Funding. 2 Streets Named for new housing developments in Irvine. 98
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31 Enhancing Community Infrastructures Community Engagement Enhancing Local Investment Refreshing annual Locality Action Plan Support work of the Irvine Town Board Encourage funding opportunities and organise Community Chit Chats to enhance engagement with local communities. Key discussion themes during 2023/24 Partnership Focuses for 2024/25 99
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32 Kilwinning Locality Partnership Kilwinning, a vibrant town in North Ayrshire, is located along the River Garnock, just north of Irvine. Kilwinning boasts a rich history, having been a centre for various industries over the years, including weaving, coal mining, and ironworks, which significantly contributed to Scotland's industrial growth. In the 20th century, it became part of Scotland's last New Town initiative, reinforcing its status as a key economic and cultural centre. In 2021, a comprehensive public engagement initiative was conducted to reevaluate the community's priorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The insights gathered indicated that the priorities set in 2017 needed updating to more effectively meet the changing needs and challenges of the community. The 2023/24 Kilwinning Locality Action Plan can be found here. Kilwinning Locality Priorities Supporting Skills and Work Improving Our Local Environment Alleviating Poverty and Promoting Equity of Access to Opportunities Improving Community Wellbeing During 2023/24 Kilwinning Locality Partnership: Awarded £7,746.86 In Grant Funding. Awarded £36,000 Community Investment Funding. 4 Streets Named for new housing developments in Kilwinning 100
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33 Community Development and Wellbeing Community Investment and Support Local Develoment and Infrastructure Refresh annual Locality Action Plan Promote funding opportunities and Community Chit Chats to foster more engagement with communities Creation of Locality Sub-Groups Key discussions Topics for 2023/24 Partnership focuses for 2024/25 101
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34 North Coast and Cumbraes Locality Partnership The North Coast Locality includes the island of Cumbrae and the picturesque seaside towns of Largs, Fairlie, Skelmorlie, and West Kilbride. Largs, the largest town, is a popular seaside resort offering a wide range of amenities and activities for visitors, including ferry access to Cumbrae for exploration. While Fairlie, Skelmorlie, and West Kilbride are smaller, they feature excellent amenities such as restaurants, shops, and beautiful rural walks. The sea front at Seamill boasts a long sandy beach, and Portencross has a charming harbour with stunning views. In 2021, a comprehensive public engagement initiative was conducted to reassess community priorities following the COVID-19 pandemic, yielding valuable insights that shaped a refreshed set of targeted priorities. Cumbrae also has its own Island Plan which will be used to help drive the development of Cumbrae. The Plan focuses on three key themes – Community, Economy and Environment. The 2023/24 North Coast & Cumbraes Locality Action Plan can be found here. North Coast and Cumbraes Locality Priorities Improving Access to Financial Services Increasing Social Inclusion Improving Mental Wellbeing Supporting Skills and Work Opportunities During 2023/24 North Coast & Cumbraes Locality Partnership: Awarded £23,000.26 In Grant Funding. Awarded £6,750 Community Investment Funding. 9 Streets Named for new housing developments in Largs and West Kilbride. 102
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35 Community Development and Wellbeing Local Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability Enhancing Local Investment Key discussion themes during 2023/24 Partnership focuses for 2024/25 Refresh annual Locality Action Plan Support the work of the Cumbrae Island Plan Promote funding opportunities and Community Chit Chats to foster more engagement with communities 103
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36 Three Towns Locality Partnership The Three Towns comprises of the communities of Saltcoats, Stevenston. It’s scenic landscapes and coastal allure make it a favoured destination for leisure and tourism. The Three Towns provide a wide range of leisure and tourist attractions to meet various interests. Notable sites include Clyde Marina, the impressive ruins of Ardrossan Castle, the Arran ferry at Ardrossan Harbour with easy access to train and bus services, Auchenharvie Leisure Centre and Golf Club, Ardeer Golf Club, Ardeer Quarry Local Nature Reserve, and the historic ruins of Kerlaw Castle. In 2021, an extensive public engagement took place to reassess what the community needed after the COVID-19 pandemic. The feedback collected during this initiative gave important insights into the changing needs of residents and as a result, new priorities were set, allowing for a more focused and effective way to meet the community's evolving requirements. The 2023/24 Three Towns Locality Action Plan can be found here. Three Towns Locality Priorities Promoting the Local Economy & Tourism Regenerating Community Facilities Increasing Civic Pride and Community Engagement Improving Community Wellbeing During 2023/24 Three Towns Locality Partnership: Awarded £49,213 In Grant Funding. Awarded £175,588 Community Investment Funding. 3 Streets Named for new housing developments in Stevenston & Saltcoats 104
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37 Local Community Development Partnership Working Improving infratrstucture and Services in the area Key Discussion Topics for the Partnership during 2023/24 Partnership focuses for 2024/25 Refresh annual Locality Action Plan Continue to increase Community Engagement Maximising the impacts of community funding 105
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38 The council’s Local Government Benchmarking Framework analysis of 69 comparable indicators showed that, in the five years from 2014/15 to 2018/19, performance improved for 49 per cent of indicators in absolute terms. North Ayrshire’s performance across the range of Community Planning Outcomes Profile indicators shows a general improvement in outcomes over the ten years 2007/08 to 2017/18 . Best Value Assurance Report 2020 There has been £880,060.80 in grants and funding invested in North Ayrshire through local grant making and the Community Investment Fund in 23/24. Since the start of the CIF fund in 2017/18, funding of £3.451,993 has been invested in the area through our Locality Partnerships. This amounts to over £3 of external funding leveraged per £1 of CIF funding. “The council works effectively with a wide range of partners including the CPP, the IJB and private business. There is joint ownership of, and commitment to delivering agreed strategic priorities. The Council Plan, the Local Outcome Improvement Plan and local community plans are all clearly aligned and focussed on addressing North Ayrshire's key challenges.” Best Value Assurance Report 2020 "CLD practices and principles are embedded within the work of the North Ayrshire Council and the Community Planning Partnership (CPP). CLD is highly valued. Leadership of CLD is effective and supported by well-established reporting structures. The CLD plan reflects both council and local outcomes improvement plan priorities. Staff understand their role well in delivering against CLD plan priorities. Shared aims and objectives are evident in partnership groups such as Locality Planning Partnerships (LPPs) and work is driven by council, CPP and local priorities. Senior leaders, the CLD service and partners have a clear commitment to partnership working with the communities they serve...Third sector and community representatives are well represented across community planning structures and feel heard and valued. This supports services to understand the needs of communities." Community Learning and Development Progress Visit Report 2023 "In March 2019, the Trust extended its partnership with North Ayrshire Council, seeking to build on the principles set out in the Kindness Promise and to integrate practical changes across the local authority’s services – to embed radical kindness. The second phase of Kindness in North Ayrshire ran for a further 12 months, conducted under challenging circumstances that included internal restructure and job losses, a snap general election, a Best Value Audit, and the emergence of a global pandemic. During this time, the Associate worked across the Community Planning Partnership to encourage a shift in organisational culture and ways of working, and challenge public sector leaders to embrace the principles laid out in the Promise." North Ayrshire: A Case Study on Kindness, Carnegie Trust 8. Our Impact While this report focuses on the focus and achievements of the CPP in 2023-24, it is helpful to frame this in the context of our wider journey as a partnership. Reflecting on our local impact and influence over the past 5-10 years: 106
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39 9. The Year Ahead Some of our key focuses for the year ahead are outlined below: For further information about any of the above please contact us at communityplanning@north-ayrsire.gov.uk Review of Locality Planning National CPP Self- Assessment North Ayrshire CPP Conference 24/25 Increased pan- Ayrshire working Local grants and funding development Mainstreaming CPP Child Poverty focus 107
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40 10. Tell us your views Please take a few minutes to tell us what you think about the North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Annual Report 2023/24 by completing our survey online: https://forms.office.com/e/jArtnqVE92 Alternatively, you can email us at: communityplanning@north-ayrshire.gov.uk with any questions or comments. Thank you! 108
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 6 November 2024 North Ayrshire Council Title: Boundaries Scotland: Second Review of Scottish Parliamentary Boundaries – Regional Proposals Purpose: To advise Council of Boundaries Scotland’s updated position regarding the Scottish Parliamentary Boundary Review. Recommendation: That Council: i) notes the recommendations from Boundaries Scotland’s review of the proposals for regional constituencies; ii) agrees to accept the proposals in relation to West Region; and iii) agrees to receive further updates as the review progresses. 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Boundaries Scotland has published its further proposals for county constituency boundaries and provisional proposals for new regional constituency boundaries for the Scottish Parliament. The consultation period runs from 26 September to 26 October 2024. 1.2 There are no additional changes to the county constituency boundary proposals for Cunninghame North and Cunninghame South from the revised proposals published in April 2024 which were agreed by Council on 26 June 2024. These proposals mean that Cunninghame South will incorporate areas which are currently in the Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley constituency, including Stewarton and Dunlop and which will be administered by North Ayrshire Council for Scottish Parliamentary elections. 1.3 Proposals for revised boundaries for the Regional Constituency of West Scotland include incorporation of the additional area which will form part of the new Cunninghame South constituency. This area is currently within the South Scotland Regional constituency. 1.4 Council is recommended to accept the proposals which will ensure that the entirety of the new Cunninghame South constituency is incorporated into the West Scotland regional constituency. 2 Background 2.1 Boundaries Scotland is an independent advisory non-departmental public body responsible for reviewing and making recommendations for constituencies and regions of the Scottish Parliament; the number of councillors on each council in a local government area; the number of wards for local government elections and their boundaries; and the extent of council areas. Agenda Item 8 109
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2.2 Boundaries Scotland is distinct from the Boundary Commission for Scotland which is a separate body responsible for reviewing the boundaries of the UK Parliamentary constituencies in Scotland. 2.3 The Second Review of Scottish Parliamentary Boundaries is required by the Scotland Act 1998. The last review was in 2010 and the existing constituencies and regions have remained unchanged since 2011. Since the review in 2010 there has been significant change to the electorate, including the extension of the franchise for Scottish Parliamentary elections to those age 16 and over as well as changes within the population. 2.4 The Council has supported Boundaries Scotland in publicising their proposals via press releases and by sharing these via our corporate and communities social media channels as well as displaying the proposals in public facing offices. Links to the consultation have also been shared with Community Councils. 2.5 The settled recommendation of Boundaries Scotland is that the new Cunninghame South constituency will be as shown on the plan annexed at appendix 1 and which recommendation was approved by Council in June 2024. This will incorporate part of the current East Ayrshire Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley constituency and will be administered by North Ayrshire for the purposes of Scottish Parliamentary elections from May 2026. 2.6 The rules governing the boundary setting process for regions state that “a constituency must fall wholly within a region”. For this reason, it is proposed that the area which will be incorporated into the new Cunninghame South constituency will also be included in the West Scotland region as that area is currently within the South Scotland regional constituency. The proposals for the new West Scotland Region are shown on the plan attached at appendix 2. 2.7 The current consultation period expires on 26th October. Boundaries Scotland have been advised that the Council’s meeting schedule does not enable a response by that date. The Council will therefore provide a formal response to the regional proposals after the Council meeting of 6th November 2024. It is recommended that Council accepts the proposals for the incorporation of the new Cunninghame South constituency into the West Scotland regional constituency. 2.8 Further consultation is proposed in early 2025 with final proposals being submitted to Scottish Ministers by 1 May 2025. If subsequently approved by the Scottish Parliament, the new boundaries will be effective for the Scottish Parliamentary election scheduled for May 2026. 3 Proposals 3.1 That Council: i) notes the recommendations from Boundaries Scotland’s review of the proposals for the regions; ii) agrees to accept the proposals; and iii) agrees to receive further updates as the review progresses. 110
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4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 There are no financial implications arising from this report. Human Resources 4.2 There are no human resource implications arising from this report. Legal 4.3 Cross boundary agreements will require to be in put place with East Ayrshire Council for the conduct of the Poll/Count for the revised constituencies of Cunninghame South and West Region after the review of boundaries has been ratified by the Scottish Parliament. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 There are no equality/socio-economic implications arising directly from this report. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 There are no climate change implications arising directly from this report. Key Priorities 4.6 Supporting an effective boundary review directly links to our key priorities of Communities and Local Democracy as well as a Sustainable Council. Community Wealth Building 4.7 There are no Community Wealth Building implications arising directly from this report 5. Consultation 5.1 Consultation has taken place with East Ayrshire Council. Previous consultation took place with the Electoral Registration Officer and East Ayrshire Council. Aileen Craig Head of Service (Democratic Services) For further information please contact Tracy O’Hara, Elections Manager, on tracyohara@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or 01294 324042. Background Papers Boundaries Scotland’s full proposals are available at Second Review of Scottish Parliament Boundaries 111
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EAl NAl •• 1� Boundaries ··Scotland Criochan na h-Alba Revised Proposal Existing Constituency Ward Boundary East Ayrshire Ward Number North Ayrshire Ward Number Second Review of Scottish Parliament Boundaries - Revised Proposals Cunninghame South County Constituency - Electorate 59,525 I 1 km 1 mile I Appendix 1 112
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Appendix 2 113
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