250212 Council Minute
North Ayrshire Council · 26 March 2025
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 26 March 2025 and its agenda
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North Ayrshire Council 12 February 2025 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, Marie Burns, Eleanor Collier, Joe Cullinane, 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, Louise McLaughlan, Matthew McLean, Davina McTiernan, Donald Reid, Chloé Robertson and John Sweeney. Present (Remote Electronic Participation) Todd Ferguson, Jim Montgomerie, Ian Murdoch, Donald L. Reid and Angela Stephen. In Attendance C. Hatton, Chief Executive; C. Cameron, Director (Health and Social Care Partnership); D. Hammond, Executive Director, L. Mitchell, Senior Manager (Governance) (Communities and Housing); S. Anson, Executive Director (Education), L. Cree, Head of Service (Sustainability, Transport & Corporate Property) (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 Margaret Johnson, Amanda Kerr and Ronnie Stalker. 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 In terms of Standing Order 11 and Section 5 of the Councillors' Code of Conduct, Councillor McLaughlan, as a former employee of Vineburgh Community Centre,
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declared an interest in Agenda item 16 – Question 8. There were no declarations of the Party Whip. 4. Previous Minutes The accuracy of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 18 December 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 9 December 2024 – 2 February 2025. Noted. 6. Leader’s Report Submitted report by the Leader of the Council for the period for 29 December 2024 – 2 February 2025. Noted. 7. Council Minute Volume Submitted for noting the Minutes of meetings of committees of the Council held in the period 8 January 2025 – 23 January 2025. Noted. 8. Community Planning Partnership Board: Minutes of Meeting held in December 2024 Submitted report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) on the on the CPP Annual Report and overviews of the meetings of the North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Board held on 5 December 2024. A Member asked a question of clarification in respect of the Community Planning Partnership Board minutes and agendas being available on the website. At the invitation of the Provost, the Chief Executive apologised for the delay and confirmed that the issue had now been rectified. Noted. Councillor Collier joined the meeting at this point.
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9. Appointments to Committee The Council was invited, in terms of Standing Order 8.5, to note the changes in the membership of a number of committees. Accordingly, the Council agreed as follows: a) to note that Councillor Gallacher is the Depute Leader of the Conservative and Unionist Group and accordingly appointed to the Staffing and Recruitment and Appeals Committees; b) in respect of the Police and Fire and Rescue Committee, to note (i) the resignation of Councillor Kerr effective from 5 February 2025 and (ii) the appointment of Councillor Currie to fill this vacancy in terms of Standing Order 8.5, effective from 12 February 2025; c) in respect of the North Ayrshire Integration Joint Board, to note (i) the resignation of Councillor Sweeney as a named substitute effective from 18 November 2024 and (ii) the appointment of Councillor Foster to fill this vacancy in terms of Standing Order 8.5, effective from 12 February 2025; and d) in respect of the Staffing and Recruitment Committee and Appeals Committees, to note (i) the resignation of Councillor Foster as a named substitute effective from 5 February 2025 and (ii) the appointment of Councillor Hume to fill this vacancy in terms of Standing Order 8.5, effective from 12 February 2025. In terms of Standing Order 8.4, Councillor D Reid, seconded by Councillor Cullinane, moved that Councillor Hume be appointed to the Police and Fire and Rescue Committee and the Education Appeals Committee. There being no other nomination, Councillor Hume was duly appointed. 10. Appointments to Outside Bodies The Council was invited (a) to consider nominations received in respect of the Ayrshire Valuation Joint Board, Clyde, Kintyre and Islands Ferry Stakeholder Group and North Ayrshire Fairtrade Zone Steering Group and (b) note that Councillor D. Reid having been previously appointed, would now serve as a substitute member on the North Ayrshire Fairtrade Zone Steering Group. In relation to nominations to the various Outside Bodies: Councillor D Reid, seconded by Councillor Cullinane, moved that Councillors Currie and Hume be appointed to serve on the Ayrshire Valuation Joint Board. There being no other nomination, Councillors Currie and Hume were duly appointed. Councillor D Reid, seconded by Councillor Cullinane, moved that Councillor Currie be appointed to serve on the Clyde, Kintyre and Islands Ferry Stakeholder Group. There being no other nomination, Councillor Currie was duly appointed. Councillor D Reid, seconded by Councillor Cullinane, moved that Councillors Currie and Hume be appointed to serve on the North Ayrshire Fairtrade Zone Steering
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Group. There being no other nomination, Councillors Currie and Hume were duly appointed. Accordingly, the Council agreed to appoint (i) Councillors Currie and Hume to serve on the Ayrshire Valuation Joint Board; (ii) Councillor Currie to serve on the Clyde, Kintyre and Islands Ferry Stakeholder Group; and (iii) Councillors Currie and Hume to serve on the North Ayrshire Fairtrade Zone Steering Group. 11. North Ayrshire Ventures Trust Ltd Submitted report by the Head of Service (Democratic Services) on the resignation of a Director from North Ayrshire Ventures Trust Ltd and the appointment of a new Director to the Board of North Ayrshire Ventures Trust Ltd. The Council agreed to (a) note the resignation of Derek McCrindle as Director; and (b) approve the appointment of Karen Craib to the Board of North Ayrshire Ventures Trust Ltd. Councillor McTiernan joined the meeting at this point. 12. Council Budget 2025-26 Engagement Findings Submitted report by the Head of Service (Democratic Services) on the findings from the recent Budget Engagement consultation to inform decisions on the 2025-26 Council Budget with a more detailed overview of responses to each of the six areas set out at appendices 1 – 6 to the report. A Member asked a question of the Monitoring Officer and was provided with clarification that the Eglinton Park petition referred to in the report related to saving the Ranger Service at the Park. Councillor Hill, seconded by Councillor Larsen, moved the approval of the Council Budget 2025-26 Engagement Findings. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. 13. Council Tax on Second Homes 2025-26 Submitted a report by the Head of Service (Finance) on the revision of the current policy on Council Tax charges for Second Homes within North Ayrshire from 1 April 2025. Members asked questions and were provided with further information in relation to: • the number of houses that could be built using the 10% extra funding for affordable housing; • consultation responses not being considered as they show that 59% were against the levy whereas only 38% were for the levy being applied; • council tax discount being applied to a second home if there is already an existing discount on the main home;
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• the appropriate checks and assessments to be carried out on the ownership of properties; and • assessment in respect of the Consumer Duty. Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor Burns, moved the approval of the revision of policy on Council Tax on Second Homes 2025-26 as set out in the report. As an amendment, Councillor Inglis, seconded by Councillor Gallacher, moved that Council does not agree to: (a) approve the revisions to the current policy to implement a 100% premium Council Tax charge on second homes from 1 April 2025; (b) approve that 10% of any additional income received under this policy is ringfenced to support investment in affordable housing; and (c) approve the extension of the current provision for a 50% Council Tax discount for up to 12 months on recently purchased. Councillor S Ferguson left the meeting at this point. Members asked questions of clarification of the movers of the amendments. There followed debate and summing up. On a division and roll call vote, there voted for the motion, Councillors Angus- McDonald, Bell, Burns, Collier, Cullinane, Currie, Davidson, Dickson, Foster, Gurney, Hill, Hume, Larsen, Macaulay, McClung, McLaughlan, McTiernan, Montgomerie, Murdoch, Reid, Robertson and Sweeney (22) and for the amendment, Councillors T. Ferguson, Gallacher, Inglis, Marshall, McLean, D.L. Reid and Stephen (7). The motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed to approve (a) the revisions to the current policy to implement a 100% premium Council Tax charge on second homes from 1 April 2025; (b) that 10% of any additional income received under this policy is ringfenced to support investment in affordable housing; and (c) the extension of the current provision for a 50% Council Tax discount for up to 12 months on recently purchased properties undergoing repairs or renovations to include second homes. 14. Non-Domestic Rates Empty Property Relief Submitted a report by the Head of Service (Finance) on the revised policy for the provision of Empty Property Relief in relation to Non-Domestic Rates. Councillor Gurney, seconded by Councillor Larsen, moved the approval of the Non- Domestic Rates Empty Property Relief set out in Appendix 2 to the report. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed to (a) note the feedback from the Budget Engagement in relation to Non-Domestic Rates set out at in Appendix 1; and (b) approve the revised policy for the provision of Empty Property Relief in relation to Non-Domestic Rates from 1 July 2025 set out at Appendix 2 to the report.
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15. Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Investment Programme, Revenue Budget and Rent Levels for 2025/26 Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) on the proposed HRA capital investment programme and revenue budget for 2025/26 and the consequential rent levels. Members asked questions and were provided with further information in relation to: • the lower rent increase option choice considering the current housing stock pressure; • if the capital plan brings the Council’s social housing stock closer to carbon neutral by 2030; and • The hybrid plan for energy in housing given the Council has signed a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty which would be kept under review. Councillor Hill, seconded by Councillor Macaulay, moved the approval of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Investment Programme, Revenue Budget and Rent Levels for 2025/26. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed to (a) approve the 10 year HRA capital investment programme set out at Appendix 1; (b) approve the HRA revenue budget for 2025/26, set out at Appendix 2; (c) approve a rent increase of 3.84% in 2025/26 for council houses, garages/lock ups and temporary accommodation; (d) approve maintenance of the current rate for gypsy travellers site fees; (e) note the indicative rent increases of 3.84% for the remaining 29 years of the Business Plan; (f) approve a 5% increase to service charges. 16. Questions In terms of Standing Order 14, submitted: (1) a question by Councillor Currie to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: Residents and community groups on Arran have expressed disappointment that the Council is considering closing Arran Outdoor Centre for the second time in two years. Can the Cabinet Member give us an update on the future of the Outdoor Centre following the conclusion of the Council’s budget consultation and notice of next year’s Local Government settlement from the Scottish Government? Councillor Larsen thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: All members will have seen details of the Council’s Budget engagement feedback from our communities covered earlier in this meeting. It is now a matter for all elected members to consider this feedback when setting the Council’s budget on the 26th February. The council has already received details of the provisional Budget
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settlement for 2025/26. Details of future years settlement are not known at this time and we would expect this in December 2025. As a supplementary question, Councillor Currie advised that his original question had not been answered. Councillor Burns raised a point of order on the validity of question asked. Councillor Larsen responded by advising that she had answered Councillor Currie’s original question. She commented that budget process is multifaceted, options are brought forward every year with Members making decisions on those options as part of the budget setting process and that it is common for some services to be included in options every year which includes both saving proposals and revenue raising proposals. (2) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: To ask the cabinet member for Finance, noting that some 600,000 persons ( circa 23% of the working population in Nationalist Scotland as opposed to 17% in England), are employed in the Public Sector, should the policy of North Ayrshire Council be to seek to reduce employment costs by either adopting a policy of compulsory redundancies or a pause on recruitment to enable the poor Council Taxpayer some relief? Councillor Larsen thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: The council will continue to adapt its workforce plans in accordance to the level of funding available to deliver its services to communities. It is recognised that we continue to operate in a challenging financial environment. The council continues to operate an agreement of no compulsory redundancies and where there requires to be a change in service delivery which could result in a reduction in the workforce, we would aim to redeploy in the first instance in order to maintain employment, but where this is not successful then our release packages aim to support the next chapter of life or career for the individual affected. The council already has a process in place to provide scrutiny of vacancies and only recruit into essential posts to maintain service delivery. The level of council tax set will continue to be a matter for all elected members, including considering the impact this could have on communities. Councillor Larsen also advised that she does not accept the premise of Councillor Marshall’s question which seems to imply the lower level of public sector employees in England is something we should aspire to. Areas in England have seen libraries and sports centres closed, community centres cut back or removed altogether, councils have declared bankruptcy. The public sector employees teach our children, care for you when you are sick, clean the roads and pavements, clean the bins, staff community centres and libraries and risked their lives during the covid-19 pandemic. We are proud and thankful to all our staff who continue to deliver our vital services.
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On a point of order, Councillor Inglis advised that the question has not been answered. On a further point of order, Councillor Inglis advised that Councillor Larsen does not know what Councillor Marshall thinks. As a supplementary question, Councillor Marshall asked if lack of productivity applies within North Ayrshire Council? Councillor Larsen responded that it did not apply in North Ayrshire Council and that our public sector workers are highly valued. (3) a question by Councillor Cullinane to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: Can the Cabinet Member list any new projects that were added to the Capital Programme in 2023/24 and 2024/25? Councillor Larsen thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: New investments across these years included £5.4m to support decarbonisation of the Council’s vehicle fleet, an additional £5m to support delivery of the B714 project, £2.5m property investment to support the Council’s property review and an additional £3.6m investment in Schools ICT. The Council continues to manage high levels of construction cost inflation and this has been impacted further with a significantly increased cost of borrowing from higher interest rates. This is set within the context of major capital development projects within North Ayrshire at critical stages. Last year saw the completion of the new Moorpark primary and Montgomerie park primary schools as well as major flood prevention works in Upper Garnock and Millport. This year major projects include progressing the new Ardrossan Campus development and various Ayrshire Growth Deal projects as well as sustained levels of core infrastructure lifecycle investment, including roads, lighting, vehicles and footpaths. The capital programme will continue to remain under review and further investment will be considered but any plans have to be affordable. As a supplementary question, Councillor Cullinane asked the Cabinet Member to confirm that there had been no new projects added to the Capital Programme in 2023/24 and 2024/25? Councillor Larsen responded and advised that the Capital Programme can be reviewed at any time and Councillor Cullinane is welcome to bring a motion to make changes. Inflation, material and labour cost rises have all increased, while other councils have withdrawn projects from their Capital Programme, under this administration we have not and that is something we should be proud of.
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(4) a question by Councillor Inglis to the Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy in the following terms: Can the cabinet member provide an update on what is going to happen at Auchenharvie Leisure centre since its roof was ripped off during storm Eowyn? Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: Immediately following Storm Eowyn on Saturday 25 January Building Services attended the site and made the building perimeter secure with Heras fencing. This was a precautionary safety measure for clear segregation from members of the public. A roofing contractor was also contacted on Friday 24 January and they inspected the Auchenharvie Leisure Centre with representatives from KA Leisure and North Ayrshire Council on Monday 27 January. The visit was primarily to assess the extent of damage and agree measures to make the building safe. During the week commencing 27 January, contractors attended site, and have removed the damaged roof sections, including flashing and insulation in order to make the building safe. While this was being undertaken internal checks were being made by KA Leisure in preparation for a partial opening of the building to the general public. Following receipt of a report from the roofing contractor on Friday, KA then opened the building with partial facilities available for building users, which included ice skating, dance suite and fitness suite for operation on the morning of Saturday 1st February. We have requested a quotation from the roofing contractor to replace the area of damaged roof which had to be removed. The loss adjuster has visited the building on Friday 31 January to assess the storm damage and we await receipt of their report. A structural engineer has been appointed and will visit the property on Thursday 6th February to assess the condition of the remainder of the roof and the sub-structure. We have also asked for mechanical & electrical, and pool-plant advice on the internal damage which may have occurred as a result of the storm. As a supplementary question, Councillor Inglis asked if members could be updated on the works at Auchenharvie Leisure centre to keep their constituents up to date. Councillor Gurney responded and advised that he would be more than happy to keep members updated. (5) a question by Councillor Hume to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and the Islands in the following terms: Can the Cabinet Member advise us what was the last contract awarded for a Council house development, how many houses will be built in the development and what the total cost of the contract was?
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Councillor Hill thanked the Member for her question and responded in the following terms: The last contract awarded as part of our Strategic Housing Investment Plan was for the delivery of 202 new homes at the Ayrshire Central Hospital site in Irvine which commenced on site on 4 November 2024. The contract was awarded to Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd at a contract value of £42,892,194. The development will deliver a mix of general needs, amenity and wheelchair user homes with an expected completion date of winter 2027. As a supplementary question, Councillor Hume asked for clarification on the cost of 202 houses at the Ayrshire Central Hospital site and what North Ayrshire is doing to reduce the cost of homes to enable more to be built in the area? Councillor Hill responded and advised that headline figures on different developments should not be compared as they are all very different. Land acquisition costs, demolition costs, incidentals are all different, with more accessible housing is being built on the Ayrshire Central Hospital site which cost more. Councillor Hill advised he could arrange a meeting for Councillor Hume and officers to discuss any queries. (6) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: To ask the cabinet member for Education, noting that the January Cabinet report records that 37.9% of pupils miss more than 10% of possible attendance in 2023-24 (that being the highest rate in Scotland) what practical steps are being taken to increase school attendance? Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: The Cabinet paper presented by the Education Service in January sets out clearly the actions already underway to improve attendance and reduce persistent absence across North Ayrshire schools. The Service had identified attendance as a priority area for improvement and the Member will be aware that this has featured in the annual Education Service Improvement Plan for the last two years. The Cabinet report gives detailed descriptions of the specific, practical steps being undertaken collaboratively across the Education Service. There are currently four workstreams which focus the Service’s actions to improve attendance across all schools. This work is already beginning to show positive impact on school attendance. In a snapshot of data for the current school year at the end of December, there has been an improvement in overall attendance and a reduction in persistent absence this year, when compared to the same periods over the last two school years. The Service recognises that there is still significant scope for further improvement. In addition to current actions, the Service will build on the progress to date through
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continued collaboration, including with national agencies, enhanced professional learning, further support for vulnerable groups, and strengthened partnerships. In addition, attendance improvement will remain a service-wide priority embedded in school and service quality improvement plans. As a supplementary question, Councillor Marshall asked what the current overall attendance rate was for schools? Councillor Macaulay responded and advised that he would get the information and pass to all members. He further advised that we recently accepted an opportunity to participate in national improvement work and are working to improve attendance. (7) a question by Councillor Foster to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: In 2023-24, the SNP administration cut the Council’s Cost of the School Day fund which provided £500,000 of funding annually to support families with costs associated with school education. A one-off fund of £1.2million replaced the COSD fund, representing a significant reduction in anti-poverty funding. Two years in and having recently made the decision to scrap the Leaders Child Poverty Board, can the Leader tell us how the £1.2million has been spent? The Leader of the Council thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: Following creation of a £1.2m child poverty and early intervention fund as part of the Council budget setting process in March 2023, the Board has administered and allocated £251,322 from this fund to an initial phase of year one projects to tackle child poverty in the 2024-25 financial year. The allocations were as follows: • £50,000 committed to the provision of computer equipment for our communities to tackle digital exclusion • £20,000 to explore sustainable childcare provision building upon views shared as part of the mini enquiries • £61,322 to remove school meal debt • £50,000 to explore initiatives to support travel for training and employment • £20,000 for our targeted Active Schools programme which removes poverty as a barrier to accessing sport • £50,000 to support our No Wrong Door initiative. Further work is planned in early 2025 to evaluate the impact of funded supports to ensure that an effective evidence base informs the allocation of remaining funding. The Leader of the Council advised that the question suggests there has been a significant reduction in anti-poverty funding but this is not the case. The Council has a wide range of measures to address poverty and should be flexible and change to ensure we have the maximum impact when necessary. This approach applies to structures, which again should be flexible and adapt to change. Following 2 years working with partners on the Child Poverty Board, a self-evaluation exercise concluded that joint working could best be delivered as a work stream under the
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Community Planning Partnership as it requires partnership working and now child poverty has been formalised as a priority for the CPP. The structure has changed but the work, and if anything has grown in the last 2 years. As a supplementary question, Councillor Foster remarked on his assertion of policy failure and asked if the Leader would ask partner organisations to provide funding or will just be council funding? The Leader of the Council responded and advised that we value the contribution made by partner organisations, but that it is not always an issue of money and is often about joint working, targeting joint support to those who need it most. She further advised that this will not be solved overnight but we are building strong foundations, with support of other organisations, including the Fairer Futures Fund, CHES and the Scottish Government. The Leader disagreed with any assertion of policy failure. (8) a question by Councillor Gallacher to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and the Islands in the following terms: To ask the cabinet member for an update on the reopening of the Vineburgh Centre in Irvine? Councillor Gallacher thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: Officers have been working through a range of checks on the Vineburgh Centre building, with a target re-opening date of early February 2025. However, an issue has arisen with the utility connection which we are working to resolve with the supplier. The timing of this is unfortunately and frustratingly outwith our control. In the meantime, previous building users continue to be supported with lets in alternative Council premises and officers are working to facilitate re-opening of the building as soon as possible. Once a revised date has been confirmed for re- opening, groups will be contacted to update them, and officers will work with the local community regarding the future operation of the building. As a supplementary question, Councillor Gallacher asked what the issue was with the utility companies? Councillor Hill responded and advised that he ask officers to provide an update to Councillor Gallacher after the meeting. The Monitoring Officer confirmed that as Councillor McLaughlan had declared an interest in the agenda item, she would not be able to raise a point of order. The Monitoring Officer also confirmed the position in relation to standing orders, that there is no provision for any Member, other than the Member who has submitted the question and the Cabinet Member responding to take part in this part of the meeting.
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(9) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: To ask the cabinet member for Education, noting that the Commission on School Reform using SQA national data recently stated that in 2024 40.1% of the S4 cohort of pupils achieved an Award A-C in Mathematics, what is the equivalent pass rate in North Ayrshire? Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: The National 5 Mathematics pass rates A -C for S4 candidates in 23-24 was 76% of all S4 presentations. This equates to 26.6% of the relevant school roll. The equivalent figures for National 5 Applications of Mathematics are 68% and 36.2% respectively. Overall, 42.6% of the school roll achieved a A-C pass in National 5 Mathematics courses in 2024. (10) a question by Councillor T Ferguson to the Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands in the following terms: To ask the portfolio holder for Communities and Housing to provide an update on the council's resilience response to Storm Eowyn on Cumbrae? Councillor Hill thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: Firstly, I would like to thank all of the staff across the Council, Health and Social Care Partnership and Emergency Services who have worked tirelessly across the initial response and subsequent recovery phase of the recent Storm Eowyn. The Council’s resilience response on Cumbrae centred on supporting the Cumbrae Resilience Team (CRT) who must be applauded for a sterling and comprehensive response to supporting the Cumbrae community, alongside various local businesses. Throughout the storm event contact was maintained with the CRT and staff on the island - this allowed the Council’s Emergency Management Team to continuously review the need for any specific support requirements A summary of the Council supports provided to the residents of Cumbrae directly and via the CRT are as follows: - Dispatch of additional senior care staff to the island - Calls to families of vulnerable people to check-in and additional visits to all care at home service users - Dispatch of food provision - Dispatch of 50 flasks
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- Supply and installation of a generator to allow the local church to act as a drop-in centre for vulnerable people identified by the resilience group - Distribution of a number of power banks to staff and volunteers for mobile phone charge etc. - Distribution of hot meals from our FM team The Ayrshire Local Resilience Partnership, which met on regular basis during the response to the storm, have agreed to arrange a separate de-brief with community groups who were involved in providing support throughout Ayrshire. This will be a valuable opportunity for the groups in Arran, Cumbrae and the wider North Ayrshire area to contribute to any lessons learned, recommendations and outcomes which can feed into future responses to such incidents. Alongside this exercise, a de-brief for internal Council services is scheduled to capture any further lessons learned in as part of the response and recovery efforts. The storm has caused a significant amount of damage in the local area. Officers are taking a risk-based approach to prioritising the property, tree and other remedial works required and we appreciate the support and patience from members of the public as attend to these. As a supplementary question, Councillor T Ferguson asked if the lack of equipment on the island such as chainsaws could be looked at as part of the lessons learned and any future contingency plans to secure lighting at the ferry slip. At the invitation of the Provost, the Chief Executive advised that resilience was very much an operational matter and provided clarification that a lessons learned exercise would be undertaken and that it was also important to recognise the widespread extent of the storm. The Council was dealing with both Islands being under significant pressure along with many areas on the mainland. The response of the community resilience teams was outstanding. We had many council staff responding heroically but we could cover everywhere. Lessons learned and feedback will be gathered from various areas and we will act on that accordingly. (11) a question by Councillor T Ferguson to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: To ask the portfolio holder for Education if the Scottish Government have provided any updated guidance on gender neutral toilets in Schools? Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: Historically, toilet provision in schools has been provided in accordance with the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1967. The 1967 regulations have not been amended since 1973 and therefore do not take into account developments in Human Rights and Equalities legislation and societal change.
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In recognition of the historical nature of the regulations, a Scottish Government consultation was undertaken to review them in 2017 with findings published in 2018, and which to date, have not been advanced. As a supplementary question, Councillor T Ferguson asked when the Scottish Government consultation comes around could all elected members be consulted on this? Councillor Macaulay responded and advised that if a consultation comes forward he will engage with other elected members along with school staff, children and parents. 17. Urgent Item The Provost intimated that she had received a request that the Council consider an urgent item in terms of Standing Order 10.8, but that the matter did not meet the test for urgency and would not, therefore, be considered. Noted. The meeting ended at 3:55 p.m.