241106 Council Minute
North Ayrshire Council · 18 December 2024
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 18 December 2024 and its agenda
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North Ayrshire Council 6 November 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) Nairn Angus-McDonald, John Bell, Eleanor Collier, Charles Currie, Scott Davidson, Anthea Dickson, Stewart Ferguson, Robert Foster, Scott Gallacher, Tony Gurney, Alan Hill, Mary Hume, Cameron Inglis, Christina Larsen, Shaun Macaulay, Tom Marshall, Jean McClung, Matthew McLean, Davina McTiernan, Ian Murdoch, Donald Reid, Donald L. Reid, Chloé Robertson, Ronnie Stalker and Angela Stephen. Present (Remote Electronic Participation) Marie Burns, Todd Ferguson, Margaret Johnson (agenda items 11-12), Amanda Kerr and Jim Montgomerie. 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),R. McCutcheon, Executive Director (Place); M. Boyd, Head of Service (Finance); F. Walker, Head of Service (People and ICT). A. Craig, Head of Service (Democratic), R. Lynch, Senior Manager (Legal Services); M. McColm, Senior Manager (Communications),C. Stewart and S. Wilson, Committee Services Officers, and H. Young, Senior Committee Services Officer (Democratic) (Corporate Services). Chair Provost Dickson in the Chair. Apologies Joe Cullinane, Louise McLaughlan and John Sweeney. 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. 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.
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4. Previous Minutes The accuracy of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 8 September and the Special Meeting held on 9 October 2024 were 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 9 September – 27 October 2024. Noted. 6. Leader’s Report Submitted report by the Leader of the Council for the period for 9 September – 27 October 2024. Noted. 7. Council Minute Volume Submitted for noting the Minutes of meetings of committees of the Council held in the period 11 September – 24 October 2024. Noted. 8. North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Board Submitted 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. Noted. 9. Boundaries Scotland: Second Review of Scottish Parliamentary Boundaries – Regional Proposals Submitted report by the Head of Service (Democratic Services) on the updated position regarding the Scottish Parliamentary Boundary Review. The Council agreed to (a) note the recommendations from Boundaries Scotland’s review of the proposals for regional constituencies; (b) accept the proposals in relation to West Region; and (c) receive further updates as the review progresses.
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10. Questions In terms of Standing Order 14, submitted: (1) a question by Councillor Hume to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: 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? Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for her question and advised that it is his belief as a local government representative that local authorities should be able to flexibly spend all aspects of the budget that is allocated to them, in line with the current COSLA position, however welcomed any policy which directs additional funding to North Ayrshire which this commitment by a Scottish Government has done. As a supplementary question, Councillor Hume asked what the financial offset is between any saving from reducing teaching posts and the financial penalty the government may impose given that the Council is actively considering cutting 90 posts? Councillor Macaulay responded and advised it is important to note that our current pupil to teacher ratio is about 12.3 which is close to our lowest level on record, significantly below the figure ten years ago of 13.7 and also significantly lower than the national average of 13.2. With reductions in funding this has put additional financial pressure on the service but stressed that no decision has been made around the budget to date. (2) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: To ask the Cabinet Member on his views on the contribution of entrepreneurs, and in particular start-ups, to North Ayrshire? Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and advised that speaking as someone who started their first business at the age of 22, he could assure the Member that he has nothing but admiration and a touch of sympathy for anyone starting their own business. As a supplementary question, Councillor McLean asked how the Cabinet Member supposes the people in North Ayrshire save up money in order to start up any business? Councillor Gurney responded that North Ayrshire’s business base substantially comprises of micro and small businesses which underpin our local economy and that supporting and increasing the number of entrepreneurs was critical to drive innovation, economic growth and job creation which is why business support and development was provided. Councillor Gurney advised that there is specific support for startups and outlined a number of examples. Councillor Gurney also advised there is no
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specific fund for entrepreneurs to start their own business but that is a challenge that has been around for as long as business has been available. (3) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: 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? Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “The “Ardrossan North Shore Remediation Strategy” describes the process for the remediation works at the Ardrossan Coastal Quarter. This is available from the Council’s website by searching Ardrossan Coastal Quarter or via https://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/business-licensing/ardrossans-coastal-quarter. This was informed by a Site investigation 2022, Interpretative Report, which incorporated a human health and water environment risk assessment, which is available from the same webpage. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was prepared in November 2021 covering both the remediation and subsequent enabling works. This is available from the Council’s ePlanning portal. The aforementioned documents were prepared by Envirocentre, an environmental consultancy with an extensive knowledge of the site and a proven track record in providing environmental advice. These were developed in accordance with the appropriate British Standard ‘Investigation of Potentially Contaminated Sites Code of Practice’ and will ensure that the land is suitable for its future use in accordance with Planning Advice Note 33 Development of Contaminated land. The works are being undertaken by Sanctus, an environmental consultant and contractor with circa 20 years’ experience. The remediation works involve the onsite treatment of contaminated soil to achieve the decontamination standard set by NAC as Planning Authority in conjunction with SEPA. The contractor has applied a bioremediation (enhanced biological treatment) process to the soils, as specified in the remediation strategy. Hydrocarbons are removed via specialist pump and treat operations. Following the treatment of the soil it is assessed for suitability for reuse on site and reused as infill for the works, with the balance stockpiled for future reuse. The total payment in relation to the contract to the end of September 2024 was £3.02M. These works, including the follow-on site enabling works, have a capital budget within the Council’s Capital Plan.
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As part of the remediation approximately 15,500 litres (at the time of writing) of free phase oils have been removed from the groundwater. These currently stored in secure internally bunded containers on a designated treatment platform on the site. This material will ultimately be removed to an approved disposal facility by the remediation contractor.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Murdoch asked if the original risk assessment and EIA cover all of the additional costs, excavation and decontamination of the site to the point of starting construction? Councillor Gurney responded and advised he does not have the figures but will get them to Councillor Murdoch after the meeting. (4) a question by Councillor Kerr to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: 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? Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for her question and responded in the following terms: “Our payroll records show that the gross salary spend on supply teachers (excluding employer costs and holiday accrual costs) was c£1m in 21/22, c£1m in 22/23, c£1.3m in 23/24 and c£900k in the current financial year to September.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Kerr asked if the Cabinet Member has an explanation for the recent spike in supply teacher spend while fixed contracts are down by 33%, has there been a change in the Council’s policy on recruiting teachers and have posts been held back by future planned cuts? Councillor Macaulay responded and advised that 92% of contracts are permanent and that a certain level of fixed term posts to accommodate probationers every year are required. The other main reasons for fixed term contracts are maternity leave and long- term sickness absence cover. Supply teachers are used on a short-term basis to cover sickness in staff. Councillor Macaulay undertook to provide details on sickness absence to Councillor Kerr. (5) a question by Councillor Todd Ferguson to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and the Islands in the following terms: To ask the Cabinet Member to provide the total number of homeless applications per year for the last five years? Councillor Hill thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms:
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Year 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 Applications 1098 1004 1141 1094 1161 As a supplementary question, Councillor Todd Ferguson asked what we are planning to do to address the unacceptable level of homelessness in armed forces veterans in North Ayrshire and what stakeholders North Ayrshire is working with to try to drive the numbers down? Councillor Hill responded and advised he will prepare a response with officers and get the information to Councillor Ferguson after the meeting. (6) a question by Councillor Angus-McDonald to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: To ask the Cabinet Member what was the Council’s allocation from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme in 2024/25? Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “The allocation was £75,000 for Lochshore Improvements.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Angus-McDonald noted that the figure received by the Council was around 10% of what had been expected and published on social media asked if the Cabinet Member of Council Leader would apologise for misleading the public on this figure and take responsibility for the regeneration projects that will not go ahead due to the cuts? Councillor Gurney responded and advised that all Scottish Government and Council funding ultimately resides in Westminster. Councillor Gurney referred to the General Election and noted that it took the incoming Government over 100 days to allocate their budget and that the figures and block grant for Scotland are not yet known. (7) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Members for Finance in the following terms: 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. Councillor Larsen thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “The Headcount for the Council in 2015/16 was 6,778, now in 2023/24 this is 7,596 which is a rise of 12%.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Marshall asked why we have increased staff by such a number when current council services have diminished?
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Councillor Larsen responded and advised she takes offence to Councillor Marshall’s reference to staff. Councillor Larsen advised that in terms of the increase, the HSCP have seen a significant increase in the growth of the workforce through investment in frontline care roles to respond to service demands and investment aligned to Scottish Government priorities. This includes investment in social workers roles, children’s family support, child protection and care at home services. Furthermore during this year the remainder of care at home services in North Ayrshire transferred to the inhouse care service. During 21/22 £4.6 million of additional investment was received for multidisciplinary and care at home teams which resulted in approximately 120 posts. Increases in entitlement to funded Early Learning and Childcare places in Scotland almost doubled from 600 to 1140 hours per year which had a significant impact on related staff requirements. Scottish Government figures show that workforce changes occurred across Scotland where a steep increase in the Local Authority workforce was observed between 2016/17 and 2020/21 with the numbers becoming more stable from 2021/22. Changes to our teacher workforce in recent years are largely due to additional funding from the Scottish Government to mitigate the worst impacts of the covid pandemic. At the invitation of the Provost, the Chief Executive asked Councillor Marshall to withdraw the last sentence of his supplementary question as this would constitute a breach of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. Councillor Marshall advised he was happy to withdraw his remarks in relation to Council staff. (8) a question by Councillor Currie to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: 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? Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “It is not possible to determine the precise extent of economic loss to the Arran economy due to cancelled ferry services. Within the Fraser of Allander Institute study published in September 2020 referred to, it was estimated that between August and December 2019 a single ferry journey on average contributed circa £13,200 to Arran’s economy.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Currie asked when will the Leader ensure the Ardrossan Taskforce, that she co-chairs, grasp the issue once and for all and agree the funding that is needed to upgrade Ardrossan Harbour and give the Island a ferry service that it deserves?
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Councillor Gurney responded and advised that as he is not a member of the Ardrossan Taskforce he could not comment although he had no doubt that the Leader would be attempting to persuade all involved to make progress as quickly as possible. He advised there have been some mitigations put in place, for example a one year 100% rates relief for hospitality business on the Island as well as a payment from the Islands’ cost crisis emergency fund, which North Ayrshire Council will receive £285,000. (9) a question by Councillor McLean to the Depute Leader of the Council in the following terms: 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? Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “I am not aware of any discussions with Administration Members or Council Officers in relation to the Scottish Government’s acceptance of the Cass Review’s findings.” As a supplementary question, Councillor McLean asked if North Ayrshire is not in dispute with the Scottish Government’s acceptance of the Cass review then why are we maintaining policies that potentially contradict the review’s findings? Councillor Macaulay responded and advised that this would be for consideration by NHS Ayrshire and Arran and if they do consider findings of the Cass review then he would be happy to work with them but has not had any discussions to date. (10) a question by Councillor Hume to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: 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? Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for her question and advised that the school crossing patroller was removed from this location as an agreed saving for 2024/25 and approved by full Council. This was on the basis that they already had an assisted crossing in place. Following recent correspondence, a road safety officer has attended the primary school to assess the current situation. As a result of that, several steps are being taken, the school have been contacted and asked to include how to use pedestrian crossings safely as part of the Be Bright Be Seen events in November, concerns related to phase timings have been raised with Amey, the trunk road operator, for assessment and review, works to the junction to remove the mini roundabout and signalise the Pennyburn/Whitehurst Park junctions are planned by Amey for early 2025, and which may remove current confusion with regard to traffic movements and help to improve safety for both pedestrians and drivers. The report
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of drivers proceeding through red lights when the green man is on has been discussed with Police Scotland, and they have passed to local officers to attend. Councillor Macaulay advised that this length of road is also included in plans to roll out 20 mph speed limits in residential areas, this will be carried out in consultation with Transport Scotland with implementation planned for completion by the end of 2025 and budget communications have repeatedly stressed that no decisions have yet been taken and nothing will be decided until all councillors meet next year to set the budget. As a supplementary question, Councillor Hume asked if children’s safety can be put front and centre and reverse the decision at least until the road has been remodelled and the 20mph speed limit is in place? Councillor Macaulay responded and advised he cannot reverse a decision that was made and implemented. The decision for 2024/2025 will not be made until next year however the measures being taken for St Luke’s Primary so far show this is being taken very seriously and that we are listening to the concerns of parent and pupils. (11) a question by Councillor Todd Ferguson to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: To ask the Leader for an update on rising TB cases recorded by NHS North Ayrshire and Arran in the last year? Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “There have been 94 cases in Ayrshire and Arran since 2014, the numbers over the last 10 years are reported as: 2014 – 9 2015 – 15 2016 – 12 2017 – 6 2018 – 12 2019 – 10 2020 – 7 2021 – 1 2022 – 6 2023 – 16 There has been a recent rise in cases, which mirrors the national position. Public Health have assessed that in Ayrshire and Arran the increase is mainly linked to deprivation, alcohol consumption and housing needs.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Todd Ferguson asked that we ensure we are using all social media channels to push out the message advising of the risks of TB and specifically identifying symptoms.
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Councillor Macaulay responded and advised this is a matter for Public Health Scotland and the NHS to consider however we work closely with our CPP Partners so would be happy to work with them to raise awareness. (12) a question by Councillor Foster to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: 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? Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “a) The Scottish Government has made available the sum of £1.5million to support Councils with school meal debt. At the end of August 2024 a claim was submitted by the Council and we currently await confirmation of any funding support. At a meeting of full Council in June 2023, it was agreed to write off all school meal debt which had accrued at that time. This was funded from existing council budgets. £121,000 in total was written off during the financial year 2023-24; b) Since the debt write off in June 2023 no further write offs have been processed and debt for primary schools stands at £82,337 and in secondary schools £8,136. It should be noted however that no child would ever be allowed to go hungry regardless of any debt accrued; and c) Combining the above, the current total school meal debt across all schools is £90,473.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Foster asked if universal free school meals will be delivered in the next financial year? Councillor Macaulay responded and advised that it is a policy the SNP Scottish Government committed to and one he fully supported. Current financial circumstances mean that tough decisions had to be made although it is hoped that the government policy would be continued into the next financial year. (13) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: Can the Cabinet Member advise what internal discussions took place with Cabinet regarding the savings proposals prior to the report presented to Special Council? Councillor Larsen thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “Briefings with all elected members took place prior to the Special Council meeting of 9 October. The Administration received the same Briefing from officers on the Medium-Term Financial Outlook as every other elected member prior to the Special Council meeting of 9 October.”
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As a supplementary question, Councillor McLean asked the Cabinet Member to clarify the events leading to the consultation? Councillor Larsen responded and advised she would be happy to speak to Councillor McLean after the meeting on this matter. (14) a question by Councillor Montgomerie to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: To ask the Cabinet Member what was the Council’s recycling rate in 2023/24? Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “The Scottish Government published the national household waste recycling performance figures for the 2023 calendar year (not financial year) on 29th October 2024. The Council continues to be one of the top performing councils in Scotland with a recycling rate of 56.1%, making North Ayrshire Council the 3rd highest performing in Scotland.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Montgomerie asked if the Cabinet Member thinks North Ayrshire Council will remain the 3rd highest performing Council in Scotland if the proposed budget savings are implemented and will the current problems with household waste collections from problems to complete failures in waste services? Councillor Gurney responded and advised that in terms of garden waste, the majority of local authorities, including South and East Ayrshire charge for a garden waste collection service, and the local authorities ranking 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th in Scotland all charge for garden waste collection. (15) a question by Councillor Kerr to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: 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? Councillor Larsen thanked the Member for her question and advised that members were made aware of the significant financial challenges facing the council at the Special Council meeting on 9 October 2024 and were provided with the 22 questions that were in scope for public engagement and consultation. She advised that given the wide range of areas on which views are being sought it was felt that five smaller surveys would encourage greater participation rather than one long survey. This approach mirrors that of other Local Authorities across the country. Breaking down the survey into themes allows residents to focus on the areas which matter most to them while offering the option to take part in additional surveys if they wish. Each survey takes around 5-10 minutes to complete and none of the questions are mandatory. h The survey is being promoted by the Council’s social media channels, press and radio to encourage as many people as possible to take part. Support was
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on offer to help residents complete forms if required via staff in libraries and customer contact centres and in addition, paper copies of the survey are available in libraries and KA leisure facilities. Councillor Larsen advised that a robust programme of community conversations is also taking place with groups and organisations and officers will be engaging with children and young people on issues relevant to them in language which is easy to understand. The budget consultation was part of the conversation café themes at joint Cabinet which allowed pupils from secondary schools to get involved asking questions and sharing views and that it was great to see how keen our young people were to take part in this process. It is important members have a clear indication of how individuals and groups are likely to be affected by the possible options. The engagement will help ensure that surveys give the opportunity for communities to give comprehensive and informative responses. The initial response is hugely encouraging with more than 2700 responses already submitted compared to the budget consultations from when Labour were in administration, which totalled 1300 across their term, falling dramatically short of the response figures to this year’s consultation with a few weeks still to run. As a supplementary question, Councillor Kerr asked the administration to reflect on the feedback from the public and consider additional ways in which residents can express their views? Councillor Larsen responded and advised that the budget has not been set yet and is for all members to set next year. Councillor Larsen advised it was very encouraging that we have 2700 engagements so far and that once the closing date comes on 25 November 2024 the responses will be collated and members can use the responses to bring forward budget proposals for next year. (16) a question by Councillor Hume to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and the Islands in the following terms: 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? Councillor Hill thanked the Member for her question and responded in the following terms: “We fully appreciate the significance of longstanding and traditional celebration events for our communities. Due to the impact of increasingly acute resource pressures, a reluctant operational decision was made not to accommodate Hogmanay celebration events in our facilities last year, and, as a result, the event referred to did not take place in 2023. The limited resources we do have available on 31st December each year are prioritised for the provision of lets to drug and alcohol recovery groups who rely on the important support provided at this time of year.
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As was the case last year, we remain committed to assisting communities in identifying alternative ways to celebrate Hogmanay that align with the resources available.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Hume asked what message we are sending to our communities that they are being denied celebrations due to cuts? Councillor Hill responded and advised the limitations around events at Hogmanay are down to staffing as it is a public holiday. Apart from our own staff there is also limited availability of contractors including those for repair and maintenance, fire safety and security. Councillor Hill advised that officers are engaged with Blacklands Community Association to look at alternatives and would be happy to speak to Councillor Hume further on this matter. 11. Motions In terms of Standing Order 15, submitted: (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.
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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 defences in many of our towns. 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. Councillor Johnson joined the meeting at this point. Members asked questions of clarification of the movers of the motion. As an amendment, Councillor McLean, seconded by Councillor Inglis moved the direct negative. There followed debate and summing up.
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On a division and a roll call vote, there voted for the amendment, Councillors S. Ferguson, T. Ferguson, Gallacher, Inglis, Marshall, McLean, D.L. Reid, Stalker, Stephen (9) and for the motion, Councillors Angus-McDonald, Bell, Burns, Collier, Cullinane, Currie, Davidson, Dickson, Foster, Gurney, Hill, Hume, Johnson, Kerr, Larsen, Macaulay, McClung, McTiernan, Montgomerie, D. Reid and Robertson (20), Murdoch abstaining and the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed to endorse the motion. On a point of clarification, Councillor Inglis asked what this means for the Council’s position on mixed energy usage. At the invitation of the Provost, the Chief Executive provided clarification that this supports the direct of travel around our climate ambitions and any policies necessary to meet obligations will be brought forward. (2) a motion by Councillor Inglis, seconded by Councillor 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. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. 12. Urgent Item The Provost advised that she had received a request that the Council consider a late motion in terms of Standing Order 10.8. 12.1 Motion In terms of Standing Order 23.1, Councillor Foster, seconded by Councillor Hume, intimated that they wished to move suspension of Standing Orders to allow consideration of a motion to write to the First Minister and Finance Secretary at the earliest opportunity, enclosing a copy of the budget options currently being consulted
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upon and to seek assurances from the SNP Government that, with record funding delivered by the UK Government, North Ayrshire Council’s budget for 2025/26 would be a budget for growth not cuts. Councillor Hill seconded by Councillor Macaulay moved the direct negative to the motion to suspend standing orders on the basis that the issue was discussed at the previous Council meeting and a decision taken On a division and roll call vote, there voted “not proceed” with suspension of Standing Orders, Councillors Burns, Collier, Davidson, Dickson, T. Ferguson, Gallacher, Gurney, Hill, Inglis, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, Marshall, McClung, McLean, McTiernan, Murdoch, D.L. Reid, Robertson, Stephen (20) and “to proceed” with suspension of Standing Orders, Councillors Angus-McDonald, Bell, Currie, S. Ferguson, Foster, Hume, Kerr, Montgomerie, D. Reid and Stalker (10) and the amendment to “not proceed” was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed not to proceed with suspension of Standing Orders to allow consideration of the motion. The meeting ended at 3.30 p.m.