Agenda Document Pack - North Ayrshire Council - 29/03/2023
North Ayrshire Council · 29 March 2023
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 29 March 2023 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, 29 March 2023 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 (i) Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 15 February 2023 and (ii) the Special Meeting of the Council held on 1 March 2023, will be confirmed and the Minutes signed in accordance with Paragraph 7(1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 4 Provost's Report Submit report by the Provost for the period covering 6 February 2023 - 19 March 2023 (copy enclosed). 5 Leader's Report Submit report by the Leader of the Council for the period covering 6 February 2023 - 19 March 2023 (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 Meeting of committees of the Council held in the period 8 December 2022 - 8 March 2023. 7 North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Board: Minutes of Meeting held in March 2023 Submit report by the Executive Director (Communities and Education) on the Minutes of the Community Planning Partnership Board held on 13 March 2023 (copy enclosed). 8 Appointments to Committee The Council is invited to note that, following his appointment as Depute Leader of the Conservative and Unionist Group, Councillor Inglis replaces Councillor T. Ferguson on the Staffing and Recruitment Committee and Appeals Committee. 9 Appointment to Outside Body The Council is invited to consider a nomination to appoint Councillor Donald Reid to serve on the North Ayrshire Fair Trade Zone Steering Group. 10 Questions In terms of Standing Order 14, submit:- (1) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for the Economy and Climate Change in the following terms: "Can the Member give an update on the Council’s Renewable Energy strategy for home heating in North Ayrshire?” (2) a question by Councillor Kerr to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: “At the time of writing, the last published Minute of an Ardrossan Taskforce meeting was on the 29 November 2022 for the meeting which took place on the 28 June 2022. My understanding is there has been at least two task force meetings since then. Given that it is taking several months for the task force to publish public minutes, can the leader of the Council, as co-chair of the said task force, advise us what has been discussed since 28 June 2022 and what progress has been made?” 2
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE (3) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for the Economy and Climate Change in the following terms: “Recently the Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur welcomed the new East Coast Forth and Cromarty Green Freeports stating that the aim was for them to become “an internationally competitive cluster of excellence” and offering them various tax reliefs to boost the process. Noting that the recent UK Government's Budget is planning to kickstart economic growth across the UK by offering secure grants and tax cuts worth £80 million for over five years to each hub to enable Scotland to set up enterprise hub , will the Cabinet Member be proactive in supporting the claim for North Ayrshire as an area of economic deprivation on the West Coast to be offered such an opportunity.” (4) a question by Councillor McDonald to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: “The Cabinet Member for Education has announced a delay in the construction of a new primary school and early years centre in Montgomerie Park via a press interview. He will be aware that new homes are currently being built at Montgomerie Park and the existing school catchment area has been dealing with capacity issues for many years, resulting in the investment in additional space at Annick Primary. Can the Cabinet Member tell us what impact the delay on a new primary school will have on existing school rolls?” (5) a question by Councillor Inglis to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: “To ask the Cabinet Member for Education for an update on the shocking news that toilets are being locked in Greenwood Academy and St Matthew's Academy restricting pupils from using the toilet?” (6) a question by Councillor Bell to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: "At the Council’s budget meeting on 1 March, the SNP proposed no additional funding for road maintenance, the Tories proposed an additional £1m subject to the 2022-23 year-end financial position and Labour proposed an additional £2m. Can the Cabinet Member for Finance confirm what parties’ proposal she incorporated after the recess at the budget meeting on 1 March?" (7) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for the Economy and Climate Change in the following terms: “Given the completion date for the Glen Sannox as the Arran replacement ferry is now five years late and still indeterminate, the failure to agree on economic package to adapt the berthing arrangements at Ardrossan to allow for the new ferry to dock, the plan by CalMac to move the mainland port to Troon, what will be the economic impact on Ardrossan and the wider North Ayrshire economy by such a change of port and what plans do the Administration have to mitigate such?” 3
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE (8) a question by Councillor Foster to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: “Your recent budget paper included a £4m jobs cut fund under the guise of workforce planning, how many employees are you planning on leaving due to this decision within the next financial year?” (9) a question by Councillor Inglis to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: “To ask the Cabinet Member for the number of workers currently working from home?" (10) a question by Councillor Donald Reid to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: “To ask the Cabinet Member for Finance whether continued support for community Christmas Lights was included in the SNP budget proposals on 1 March at 2.15pm or the Conservatives’ Budget proposal which she incorporated in her revised motion at 4pm on 1 March?” (11) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for the Economy and Climate Change in the following terms: “Can the Member give me an update on the tenant housing consultation for this year, with specific reference to public consultation on the allocation system?” (12) a question by Councillor Sweeney to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: "There have been reports of ambulances queued outside Ayr and Crosshouse hospitals over many months. I am led to believe that this was a particular issue on Monday 13 March 2023 when, at one point every ambulance serving our area was parked outside Crosshouse hospital for several hours. As the Council representative on NHS Ayrshire and Arran, what reassurances can the Council Leader provide that with such a circumstance, our health board will be able to respond to an emergency call, for example a cardiac arrest call?” (13) a question by Councillor McLean to the Leader of the Labour Group in the following terms: “The Labour group has made a public stand against what it has described as ‘re-mortgaging’ of school PFI deals undertaken by the Council’s Finance Department and confirmed in the budget for 23-24. Can the Leader of the Labour Group please tell me how much they believe the value of this re-mortgage loan to be, the associated interest rate and financial risk to the authority?” (14) a question by Councillor McDonald to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: “As the Council’s representative on NHS Ayrshire and Arran, can the Council Leader tell us what funding gap Scotland’s Health Secretary has left the health board facing in 2023/24?” 4
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE (15) a question by Councillor Kerr to the Cabinet Member for the Economy and Climate Change in the following terms: “In 2019, Councillor Gurney opposed the Council introducing advertising on council-owned assets, such as roundabouts. Earlier this month he said “The high demand and participation of local businesses in local advertising and sponsorship opportunities has been clearly demonstrated across North Ayrshire. We will always aim to provide affordable opportunities that will be of benefit to our local businesses and residents.” Can the now Cabinet Member for Place explain his U-turn?” (16) a question by Councillor Foster to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: “To ask the Cabinet Member for Finance what impact in her opinion will balancing the Council budget with £970k from HSCP debt repayment have on HSCP services in 23/24?” 11 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 McDonald, seconded by Councillor Kerr, in the following terms: "Council expresses its disgust at the UK Government’s ‘Illegal Migration Bill’ which is effectively a ban on the victims of war, torture and modern slavery from claiming asylum in the UK due to the lack of safe and legal routes to claim asylum here. Council notes: (1) the Bill may not be compatible with the UN Refugee Convention as it will remove the right to claim asylum in the UK (2) that the UK Government’s previous hardline policies such as the Nationality and Borders Act and the Rwanda policy have not acted as a deterrent, with the number of refugees crossing in small boats reaching a record high since the Rwanda policy was announced. Council is proud to have welcomed hundreds of Ukrainians to North Ayrshire since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Council understands that no Ukrainian has had to pay a people smuggler to cross the channel in a small boat with the UK Government offering them Safe Passage. Council believes that offering Safe Passage to refugees in Calais is the kinder, compassionate and more effective alternative to the UK Government’s hardline anti-refugee policies. Council resolves that the Chief Executive write to the Home Secretary outlining our opposition to the Illegal Migration Bill and calling for the UK Government to adopt a policy of Safe Passage for refugees as the means to end small boats, put people smugglers out of business and save lives.” (2) a motion by Councillor Collier, seconded by Councillor Robertson, in the following terms: "That North Ayrshire Council: 1. acknowledges the increasing impact of the sale of single use Nicotine Vaping Products (NVPs) on the health of children and young people and the environment, and 2. agrees to instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Scottish and Westminster Governments expressing North Ayrshire Council’s support for a proposed ban on single use vapes, and to support measures to ban their sale, or to the extent that is not legally possible to effectively reduce their harmful impacts.” 6
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE (3) a motion by Councillor Macaulay, seconded by Councillor Johnson, in the following terms: “In recognition of the Council’s commitment to the Promise and our responsibility as corporate parent to take positive action to improve the lives of care experienced children and create communities where all children have the right to grow up loved, safe and respected, Council agrees: 1. to support adding “Care Experienced” to be treated as a protected characteristic in North Ayrshire’s Equality impact assessments to ensure all decisions made by Council give specific focus on how we can improve the lives of care experienced young people; and 2. to request that a report is brought to Cabinet to outline the next steps, including the Equalities Impact Assessments required, to implement this policy” 12 Urgent Items Any other items which the Provost 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 seating areas will not be filmed. However, by entering the Council Chambers, using the press or public seating area or (by invitation) participating remotely in this meeting, you are consenting to being filmed and consenting to the use and storage of those images and sound recordings and any information pertaining to you contained in them for webcasting or training purposes and for the purpose of keeping historical records and making those records available to the public. If you do not wish to participate in a recording, you should leave the meeting. This will constitute your revocation of consent. 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. 7
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE North Ayrshire Council Sederunt John Bell Timothy Billings Marie Burns Eleanor Collier Joe Cullinane Scott Davidson Anthea Dickson Stewart Ferguson Todd Ferguson Robert Foster Scott Gallacher John Glover Tony Gurney Alan Hill Cameron Inglis Margaret Johnson Amanda Kerr Christina Larsen Shaun Macaulay Jean McClung Nairn McDonald Matthew McLean Louise McPhater Davina McTiernan Tom Marshall Jim Montgomerie Ian Murdoch Donald Reid Donald L Reid Chloe Robertson Ronnie Stalker Angela Stephen John Sweeney Chair: Apologies: Attending: 8
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North Ayrshire Council 15 February 2023 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, Timothy Billings (Agenda items 1-12), Marie Burns, Eleanor Collier, Joe Cullinane, Scott Davidson, Anthea Dickson, Stewart Ferguson, Todd Ferguson, Robert Foster, Scott Gallacher, John Glover, Tony Gurney, Alan Hill, Cameron Inglis, Margaret Johnson, Amanda Kerr, Christina Larsen, Shaun Macaulay, Tom Marshall, Jean McClung, Nairn McDonald, Matthew McLean, Louise McPhater, Davina McTiernan, Jim Montgomerie, Ian Murdoch, Donald Reid, Donald L. Reid, Chloé Robertson, Ronnie Stalker, Angela Stephen and John Sweeney. Present (Remote Participation) Timothy Billings (Agenda items 13-19). In Attendance C. Hatton, Chief Executive; C. Cameron, Director (Health and Social Care Partnership); R. McCutcheon, Executive Director, Y. Baulk, Head of Service (Housing and Public Protection), D. Hammond, Head of Service (Sustainability, Transport and Corporate Property and T. Reaney, Head of Service (Neighbourhood Services) (Place); A. Sutton, Executive Director (Communities and Education); M. Boyd, Head of Service (Finance); F. Walker, Head of Service (People and ICT); and A. Craig, Head of Service, R. Lynch, Senior Manager (Legal Services); M. McColm, Senior Manager (Communications), M. Anderson, Senior Manager (Committee and Member Services) and H. Clancy, C. Stewart and S. Wilson, Committee Services Officers (Democratic Services). Chair Provost Dickson in the Chair. 1. Provost's Remarks The Provost welcomed those present to the meeting and dealt with preliminary matters, including intimation that the meeting, which was commencing on a wholly physical basis given that all Members were present in the Chambers, would be live streamed to the internet. 2. Apologies The Provost invited intimation of apologies for absence. There were none. Agenda Item 3 9
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3. Declarations of Interest In terms of Standing Order 11 and Section 5 of the Councillors' Code of Conduct, Councillors Gurney and Kerr, as members of the EIS union, declared an interest in Agenda item 18 (Motions). The nature of the interest declared was not so significant as to prejudice discussion or decision making and, therefore, the Members intimated that they did not intend to leave the meeting during consideration of the motions. There were no declarations of the Party Whip. 4. Previous Minutes The accuracy of the Minutes of the (i) Ordinary Meeting held on 14 December 2023, (ii) Special Meeting held on 14 December 2022 and (iii) Special Meeting held on 18 January 2023 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 5 December 2022 – 5 February 2023. The Provost referred to an omission from her written report, namely the annual “Reclaim the Night” walk, which took place on 6 December 2023 as part of the 16 Days of Action. Thereafter, the Provost highlighted the following elements of her written report: • some excellent school concerts in the run-up to Christmas; • a number of local activities and events, such as the Titanic Exhibition in the Heritage Centre and the Ayrshire Community Trust Volunteer Awards in Ardrossan; • various events celebrating the birth of Robert Burns; • the opening of Lockhart Campus in Stevenston; and • plans for visits to a range of community groups and voluntary organisations. Noted. 6. Leader’s Report Submitted report by the Leader of the Council for the period for 5 December 2022 – 5 February 2023. Noted. 10
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7. Council Minute Volume Submitted for noting and for approval of recommendations contained therein, the Minutes of meetings of committees of the Council held in the period 1 September 2022 – 31 January 2023. Noted. 8. North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Board: Minutes of Meeting held in December 2022 Submitted report by the Executive Director (Communities and Education) on the Minutes of the meeting of the North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Board held on 8 December 2022. Members asked a question about CPP Board papers which did not appear to be available to view online. The Chief Executive apologised for any omission and provided an assurance that the CPP website would be updated as required. Noted. 9. Congratulatory Motion In terms of Standing Order 15.3, submitted the undernoted motion, duly proposed and seconded, which sought to congratulate, commend or recognise an individual or group in relation to their achievement or activities within North Ayrshire: “At the National Concert Band Festival (Scotland Regional Festival) held in Garnock Academy on Sunday 22 January North Ayrshire Schools Concert Band (conductor Steven Cowling) and Garnock Valley Community Concert Band (Conductor Alan Friel) respectively received a Gold and Platinum Award. The adjudicators were Heather Nicoll and Bryan Allen, distinguished musicians and adjudicators who were fulsome in their praises of both bands who now go forwarded to the UK Concert Band Festival in Manchester in April 2023. North Ayrshire Council notes both awards and wishes all the musicians and conductors well at the national finals." There being no dissent, the motion was declared carried. 11
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10. Car Parking Charges Submitted report by the Executive Director (Place) on a remit from the Cabinet meeting held on 24 January 2023, which invited the Council to consider and agree the outcome and recommendations arising from the local discussions held with Ward Members and local measures proposed following the introduction of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) and car parking charges, and to consider and agree the level of parking charges to be introduced. Information on income generated from DPE through the issue of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for other local authorities in Scotland for 2019/20 was provided at Appendix 1 to the report. Appendix 2 showed location plans of the car parks in North Ayrshire where parking charges were proposed. Options for the level of charges were set out at Appendix 3 to the report. Members asked questions and received clarification in respect of the following: • the cost of implementing a charging system and whether consideration had been given to the use of automated technology; • the budget pressure assumptions made within the financial implications section at 4.1 and elsewhere in the report; • the geographical allocation of the proposed staffing resource; • the options originally presented to Members when the introduction of parking charges was first proposed in 2018; and • whether any charges agreed by the Council now could be altered at the budget- setting meeting on 1 March 2023 Councillor Gurney, seconded by Councillor Johnson, moved approval of the recommendations in the officer’s report and the implementation of Option 2 for parking charges, as set out in Appendix 3 to the report. As an amendment, Councillor Donald Reid, seconded by Councillor Montgomerie, moved that “the Council agree Option 3 - DPE without parking charges. The subsequent funding gap shall be addressed by the following measures: • increase charging for advertising on Council assets - £100,000 • the remaining £516,303 will be funded by the recurring saving from the HSCP repaying its debt to the Council.” Members asked questions about the competence of the amendment in terms of the viability of the proposed measures to meet the funding gap arising from adopting DPE without parking charges. 12
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On a point of order in terms of Standing Order 21, Councillor Cullinane asserted that it would not be appropriate, in response to the request for clarification, to disclose confidential budget information previously shared with Elected Members. The Chief Executive clarified that, as the proposals formed part of the amendment, confidentiality did not apply and clarity on those proposals could be sought. At the invitation of the Provost, the Section 95 Officer confirmed that the terms of the amendment were competent. He provided further information on the HSCP debt repayment and the recurring nature of budget resource referred to the in amendment and that the effect of adopting Option 3 would increase the budget gap to be addressed by the Council at its budget-setting meeting on 1 March 2023. Members asked further questions of clarification in respect of the amendment, including: • the implications for the Council’s budget-setting exercise of accepting the amendment; and • the basis for the £100k of additional advertising income referred to the amendment in the context of current levels of advertising income In terms of Standing Order 6.8, the Provost agreed that the meeting be adjourned at 3.05 p.m. to allow Members to receive further advice from the Section 95 Officer. The meeting reconvened at 3.15 p.m. with the same Members and officers present and in attendance. Members were afforded a further opportunity to ask questions of clarification on the funding implications for DPE in the event that the HSPC debt was not repaid within the anticipated timescales and on the recurring nature of the financial resource. There followed debate, in the course of which, on a point of order in terms of Standing Order 12, Members expressed concern about the use of emotive language by some Members and a lack of respect/courtesy on the part of others. The Provost reminded all Members of the importance of proper conduct. The mover of the amendment and motion then summed up. In terms of Standing Order 19.7, at least six of the Members present having so requested, voting took place by means of a roll call. On a division and a roll call vote, there voted for the amendment Councillor Bell, Cullinane, S. Ferguson, T. Ferguson, Foster, Gallacher, Glover, Inglis, Kerr, McDonald, McLean, McPhater, Montgomerie, Donald Reid, Stalker, Stephen and Sweeney (17) and for the motion, Councillors Billings, Burns, Collier, Dickson, Gurney, Hill, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, Marshall, McClung, McTiernan, Murdoch, Donald L. Reid and Robertson (15), Councillor Davidson abstaining, and the amendment was declared carried. 13
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Accordingly, the Council agreed as follows: (a) to approve Option 3 (DPE without parking charges) as set out in Appendix 3 to the report; and (b) that the subsequent funding gap shall be addressed by the following measures: (i) increase charging for advertising on Council assets to realise £100,000 in the financial year 2023/24 and (ii) the remaining £516,303 will be funded by the recurring saving from the HSCP repaying its debt to the Council. 11. Appointment to Outside Body The Council was invited, in respect of Cunninghame Housing Association, (i) to note the resignation of Councillor Davidson and (ii) consider a nomination for Councillor Collier to be appointed to fill this vacancy in terms of Standing Order 8.4. Councillor Burns, seconded by Councillor Macaulay, moved that Councillor Collier be appointed as the Council’s representative on Cunninghame Housing Association. There being no further nominations, the appointment was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed as follows: (a) to note the resignation of Councillor Davidson from Cunninghame Housing Association; and (b) appoint Councillor Collier to be appointed to fill this vacancy in terms of Standing Order 8.4. 12. Committee Timetable: July-December 2023 Submitted report by the Chief Executive on a proposed timetable of meetings for the period from July until the end of December 2023. The draft timetable was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. The Council unanimously agreed as follows: (a) to approve the draft committee timetable set out at Appendix 1 to the report, subject to any minor amendments which may be agreed in consultation with the relevant Chair; and (b) to note that arrangements for Locality Partnership meetings and any ad hoc or Special Meetings will be intimated separately to Members 14
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13. Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Investment Programme, Revenue Budget and Rent Levels for 2023/24 Submitted report by the Executive Director (Place) on the proposed HRA capital investment programme and revenue budget for 2023/24 and the consequential rent levels. Full details of the proposed capital and revenue budgets were contained in Appendices 1 and 2 to the report, respectively. The Rent Level Options for 2023/24 were set out at Appendix 3. Members asked questions and received clarification in respect of the following: • gypsy/traveller site fees; and • temporary furnished accommodation Councillor Gurney, seconded by Councillor Burns, moved approval of the recommendations set out in the officer’s report. As an amendment, Councillor McDonald, seconded by Councillor Foster, moved as follows: “Council notes: The decision of full Council to not include the cost-of-living option of a rent freeze in the 2023/24 tenant consultation, instead passing an amendment, proposed by the previous Cabinet Member for Place, in the following terms; “Council also congratulates the Scottish Government on its mandatory rent freeze until March 31 2023 and looks forward to consulting with our tenants on setting rents for 23/24, and believes that the collegiate decision-making process already in place serves tenants well.” Council further notes: that the SNP Administration chose to consult tenants on three rent options for 2023/24, the lowest of which at 6.42% would still represent the largest single year rent increase in over a decade. In return for that rent increase, tenants (and residents) of North Ayrshire would receive: - no increase in the council house building programme - the full removal of the door replacement programme - longer waits for kitchen and bathroom replacements - cuts to the sub-divisional fence and infrastructure improvement funds 15
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- the removal of the tenant led budget Council acknowledges: the advice of Council officers that we are legally obliged to consult our tenants on the HRA rent setting and consider their feedback; and that any proposal outwith the options already consulted on by the administration would require to be consulted upon. Council notes: with disappointment that the Administration, that ‘looked forward to consulting tenants on rent’ back in September, chose to restrict tenants’ options on the “consultation” to the highest rent increase in over a decade during a cost-of-living crisis. Council believes: this calls into question the credibility of the consultation process. Further believes: that Council tenants, and tenants of all social landlords, have been treated unfairly by the SNP Scottish Government who announced a cost-of-living rent freeze in the social rented sector which has never applied to social rents; and now they have been let down by the SNP Administration on the Council with this consultation. Council therefore agrees to: a) approve the recommendations in the paper but noting our dissent on the options the SNP Administration consulted on. b) review our HRA rent consultation process in advance of the 2024/25 rent setting, with a paper presented to a future meeting of full Council.” On a point of order in terms of Standing Order 11, Councillor McLean sought advice as to whether, as a Council house tenant, he required to declare an interest in respect of this item of business. The Monitoring Officer confirmed that no declaration required to be made. On a further point of order, Councillor Gurney queried the accuracy of the amendment in attributing the consultation to the SNP Administration when it had been considered at an all-Member seminar. The Provost noted that the seminar was not a decision-making forum. There followed debate and summing up. In the course of debate and in terms of Standing Order 17.4, a question of clarification by Councillor McPhater was not permitted. 16
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On a division and a show of hands, there voted for the amendment 9 and for the motion 23 and the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed as follows: (a) approve the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital investment programme for 2023/24, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report; (b) approve the HRA revenue budget for 2023/23, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report; (c) approve an average rent increase of £4.99 per week for council houses in 2023/24 (equivalent to 6.42%); (d) note the indicative rent increases of 6.03% for 2024/25 and 4.29% for the remaining 28 years of the Business Plan; and (e) approve a 5% increase to garage sites/lock-ups, service charges and gypsy/travellers site fees in line with general fund increase for sales, fees and charges. In terms of Standing Order 6.8, the Provost agreed that the meeting be adjourned at 4.30 p.m. for a comfort break. The meeting reconvened at 4.45 p.m. with the same Members and officers present and in attendance, with the exception of the Heads of Service (Place). Councillor Billings, having left the Chamber during the short recess, re-joined the meeting on the remote electronic platform at this point. 14. Review of Accounting Arrangements for PFI and Similar Contracts Submitted report by the Head of Finance on a proposal to revise the current methodology used to determine the statutory repayment of debt charged to the General Fund in relation to the Council’s service concession contracts. The application of the financial flexibility referred to in the report was detailed at Appendix 1 to the report. This report was subject to initial consideration by the Council on 14 December 2022 and continued for consideration following an all-Member briefing, which took place on 20 January 2023. Members asked a question and received clarification in respect of the approach taken by other local authorities across Scotland. Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor McTiernan, moved approval of the recommendations set out in the officer’s report. 17
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As an amendment, Councillor Kerr, seconded by Councillor Foster, moved as follows: “Council notes: That the PFI service concession will extend the repayment period on the principal capital repayment element of North Ayrshire Councils PFI contracts onto future generations. Council further notes: That these will not be the only costs associated with these assets over this extended repayment period as the Council will also be required to cover the costs of facilities management services and the physical maintenance of the assets once the service contracts end. Council believes: That it would be wrong to place this financial burden onto future generations for the purposes of balancing the revenue budget on a non-recurring basis, which would increase the budget gap in future years, simply because the Scottish Government continues to underfund local government. Council therefore agrees to amend the recommendation in the paper to: defer approval of the PFI service concession and requests that officers bring it back to a future meeting of the council alongside a financial strategy that seeks to utilise the short-term financial benefits of the service concession to secure the councils medium to long term financial sustainability.” There followed debate and summing up. Thereafter, in terms of Standing Order 19.7, as the meeting was now proceeding on a hybrid basis, voting took place by roll call. On a division and a roll call vote, there voted for the amendment, Councillors Bell, Cullinane, S. Ferguson, Foster, Kerr, McDonald, McPhater, Montgomerie, Donald Reid and Sweeney (10) and for the motion, Councillors Billings, Burns, Collier, Davidson, Dickson, Gurney, Hill, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, McClung, McTiernan, Donald L. Reid and Roberston (14), Councillors T. Ferguson, Gallacher, Glover, Inglis, Marshall, McLean, Murdoch, Stalker and Stephen (9) abstaining, and the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed to approve the adoption of the revised accounting arrangements under Local Government Finance Circular 10/2022 for the recalculation of debt repayments arising from the Council’s service concession contracts aligned to the useful economic life of the assets under the contracts. 18
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15. Non-Domestic Rates Empty Property Relief Submitted report by the Head of Finance on the proposed policy for the provision of Empty Property Relief in relation to Non-Domestic Rates following devolution of responsibility to local authorities from 1 April 2023. The proposed policy was set out at Appendix 1 to the report. Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor Collier, 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 the policy for the provision of Empty Property Relief in relation to Non-Domestic Rates from 1 April 2023, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report. 16. Questions In terms of Standing Order 14, submitted: (1) a question by Councillor Billings to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: “Following the alarming and informative article in The Herald on 4th February 2023 about the potential closure of the Arran Outdoor Education Centre, what steps is the Council taking to ensure that this ‘World Class’ facility is able to continue its ‘transformative’ work which positively impacts every pupils’ ‘attitude, self-esteem, confidence, resilience, teamwork, ambition, determination, work ethic, achievement, mental health, independence and social and emotional behaviour’?” Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “As Members will know, North Ayrshire Council will vote and pass a budget on 1 March 2023. In preparation for this, all Members received confidential information about a range of different options based on our current estimated revenue budget for the coming year. This has always remained confidential as to not cause alarm or unnecessary upset to communities. Unfortunately, this information was leaked to the press, causing great upset and concern, particularly regarding the Arran Outdoor Education Centre. Now, considering this, and to address the extensive concerns that have been raised by many not just across North Ayrshire but across Scotland, I want to confirm today that North Ayrshire’s SNP Administration will not propose closure of Arran Outdoor Centre as part of any budget decision this year. 19
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The centre is undoubtedly a real asset for Arran and North Ayrshire. We remain committed to working to provide a sustainable and long-term future for the centre and I hope this addresses Councillor Billings’ concerns and the concerns that have been raised by his constituents and others throughout North Ayrshire.” Councillor Billings declined to ask a supplementary question, instead taking the opportunity to thank the Cabinet Member for his response and indicate his willingness to work together on a sustainable model for the centre. (2) a question by Councillor Montgomerie to the Cabinet Member for Economy and Climate Change in the following terms: “Under the last Administration, North Ayrshire is now the second highest performing local authority in Scotland for recycling. Other local authorities have introduced garden waste charges. Can the Cabinet Member tell me what impact introducing these waste collection charges has had on recycling rates in those council areas?” Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “Based on the information received from Councils who have shared their high-level data, the potential change in household recycling performance that may result from the introduction of garden waste collection charges is estimated at -1.8% in the overall recycling rate.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Montgomerie whether the Cabinet Member thought that the Council should charge for brown bin usage in the future. Councillor Gurney responded by advising that this was clearly a matter for the whole Council during the budget-setting exercise. (3) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for the Economy and Climate Change in the following terms: “Is the Cabinet Member happy with North Ayrshire Council’s procedure for dealing with potholes and other faults on roads and footways?” Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “Yes, I can confirm I am content with the procedure as it exists.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Murdoch asked whether the Cabinet Member thought it was acceptable for the same potholes to be filled over and over again and if there was a more reliable, longer-term way of dealing with recurring potholes. 20
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Councillor Gurney responded by advising that the filling of potholes was quite a complicated process and that the only guaranteed way of doing it was to re-lay the entire road, which was of course a far more expensive option and not to be undertaken lightly. Councillor Gurney reassured the Member that the Council used the best available process when filling potholes. (4) a question by Councillor Stalker to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: “As I’m sure all Councillors here I am spending a lot of time answering emails on pot holes and the state of some of our pavements. Can I ask the Cabinet Member for a total of compensation that North Ayrshire has paid out over the past year for claims against Council for vehicle repairs and personal accidents.” Councillor Larsen thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “Since 1 April 2022, the Council has received 23 personal injury claims relating to potholes and pavement defects. To date, no personal injury compensation has been paid for this period. For this period to date, there are currently 17 open personal injury claims that are being handled by the Council’s insurers. Since 1 April 2022, the Council has received 91 property claims for damage relating to potholes and pavement defects. A total of £337.38 has been paid to date for this period. There are currently 27 open claims.” (5) a question by Councillor Bell to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: "Last year the Scottish Government decided to reduce North Ayrshire’s Attainment Challenge funding by £4.4m, with the funding reducing by £1.1m each year. Can the Cabinet Member tell me what impact the £1.1m cut in 2023/24 will have on staff levels, including both teaching and non-teaching staff, and what service changes will come as a result of the cut?” Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for his question and referred to the following written response: “A reduction of £4.4m over the next four years has initiated a formal review of the Scottish Attainment Challenge fund in North Ayrshire, and this is considering the impact on all current workstream areas, including staffing implications. The Education Service held the first of a series of full-day collaborative improvement events in early May 2022, bringing together all Head Teachers, Attainment Challenge leads and senior officers to commence discussions on the future strategic direction and plans for years 2023-26. 21
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Proposals for prioritisation of areas for future spend have been developed through these collaborative sessions. Draft plans for session 2023-24 have been drawn up and include: a review of the Professional Learning Academy and Nurture delivery models; a review of project governance and leadership arrangements; and adjustments to non- staffing budgets. Discussions are ongoing with Scottish Government in respect of teacher numbers and support staff hours for next year which will further inform the implementation stage of this work.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Bell indicated that the response had not addressed his original question and again asked what the effect would be on staffing levels next year. Councillor Macaulay responded by reiterating that the Council was working with the Scottish Government to confirm the final proposals for staffing levels. The Cabinet Member undertook to share the outcome with all Members when available. (6) a question by Councillor Murdoch to the Cabinet Member for Economy and Climate Change in the following terms: “Is the Member for Place happy with North Ayrshire Council’s process for dealing with claims related to damaged vehicles as a result of Roads Faults?” Councillor Gurney thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “Yes, I am content with the process as it stands.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Murdoch asked whether the Cabinet Member agreed that there should be a review of the claims process, when constituents were saying they were not pursuing claims due to obstacles/issues associated with submitting claims and as most claims were not upheld anyway. Councillor Gurney responded by expressing his disappointment that constituents were having difficulty contacting the Council and referring to a number of alternative options for submitting claims. The Cabinet Member outlined the claims process, which aligned with industry best practice, and advised that all claims were determined on the basis of legal liability. Councillor Gurney concluded by indicating he was always happy to hear suggestions about how the Council might better serve the public and looked forward to hearing from Councillor Murdoch in this regard. 22
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(7) a question by Councillor Inglis to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: “To ask the Leader of the Council if they like me are concerned about recent reports involving female students at Kilwinning College having to remove their clothes in front of a recently convicted rapist and sex offender? Councillor Burns thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “I am not going to comment of individual cases when we don’t know all the facts. Of course, I would agree that no student should ever have to remove their clothes in front of a convicted rapist or sex offender.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Inglis asked whether the Leader would agree to engage with the college to ensure that it was sharing our values around women’s safety. On the advice of the Monitoring Officer and in terms of Standing Order 14.6, the Provost noted that the proposed action fell outwith the remit of the Council in terms of liaising with another body over its own safety policies and the supplementary question was not permitted. (8) a question by Councillor Kerr to the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care in the following terms: “Given the news that the Scottish Government have clawed back over £8 million from the reserves of the HSCP, does the Cabinet Member believe this will have a positive or negative impact on the HSCP meeting its strategic priorities?” Councillor Johnson thanked the Member for her question and responded in the following terms: “The funding which has been clawed back by the Scottish Government from IJB reserves was specifically associated with responding to the Covid pandemic. The IJB carried forward £13.3m of Covid related funding into 2022-23. The Scottish Government has retained this funding in the health and social care system. Health Boards locally and nationally also continue to incur additional costs as a result of the pandemic in services which are not delegated to IJBs and did not initially receive any additional funding to meet these costs in 2022-23. The Covid funding which has been reclaimed from IJBs has been redistributed to Health Boards across Scotland, including NHS Ayrshire and Arran, to meet these additional costs. This recovery will have no impact on the delivery of the HSCPs strategic priorities, as the funds were not associated with core service delivery and were earmarked for a specific purpose for which they are no longer required and could not be used for any other purpose.” 23
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(9) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: “How many members of staff employed by the Council have in their job description any of the following descriptors (or equivalent synonyms) of “Diversity, Inclusion, or Equality” and what is their total salaries?” In terms of Standing Order 14.4, the question and the following written response by Councillor Larsen were taken as read: “North Ayrshire Council has 24.5 employees whose job titles refer to “diversity, inclusion or equality”. The total salaries in relation to these employees equates to £885,855. All employees are bound by North Ayrshire Council’s Code of Conduct which outlines the expectations that employees should respect each other, their beliefs and opinions, behaving in an appropriate manner and in accordance with the Council’s policy on Equalities. This ensures that all employees work in an environment that is free from discrimination, victimisation, intimidation, bullying or harassment.” (10) a question by Councillor Foster to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: “Does the Leader of the Council believe that if some families or individuals living in North Ayrshire had to fork out at least an extra £28 every month on Council charges would this increase or decrease poverty levels in North Ayrshire?” Councillor Burns thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “With the greatest respect, Councillor Foster’s question is so vague that I don’t know what he is talking about. I’m sure it’s leading into a cunning supplementary question, so I’d be quite happy to answer that.” Councillor Foster was invited by the Provost to ask a supplementary question, but declined to do so. (11) a question by Councillor McLean to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: “Can the Member please advise if North Ayrshire Council has ever or continues to (i) provide referrals or signpost young people to LGBT Youth Scotland? (ii) provide any funding to this organisation?” Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: 24
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“Youth Services are currently working with LGBT Youth Scotland to achieve their Youth Silver Charter Mark. The set fee for the support, training and the charter is £2,100. Individual schools are in the process of achieving charter marks in conjunction with LGBT Youth Scotland. We signpost young people through social media and our LGBT support groups.” As a supplementary question, Councillor McLean asked whether, given that LGBT Youth Scotland had reported itself to the Police and was under investigation for a range of serious allegations, the Cabinet Member would (1) commit to ceasing all current funding, signposting/referrals and work with the organisation until such time as it may be cleared of any wrongdoing, and (2) have officers undertake any investigation into referrals already been made and, if any criminality was found, refer this to the Police and keep Members informed. Councillor Macaulay responded by advising that, given this was a Police matter, he would not comment on the detail of it. The Cabinet Member expressed the view, however, that one person or incident did not reflect a whole organisation and advised that he was confident in the processes the Council had in place to keep its young people safe. (12) a question by Councillor McDonald to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: “Can the Cabinet Member for Education tell us how many North Ayrshire pupils have visited Arran Outdoor Education Centre as part of a school residential since the centre reopened following Covid restrictions?” Councillor Macaulay the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “The centre returned to normal operations at the start of the 2022/23 academic year. 1,424 pupils from North Ayrshire have attended since then, accompanied by 120 teachers. A further 549 visitors from outwith the area or non-school groups have also attended.” The Cabinet Member also referred to the assurances provided in his response to an earlier question on this subject. As a supplementary question, Councillor McDonald asked whether the Cabinet Member agreed that the feasibility of the centre going forward should be a full Council decision and if he would commit to engaging with Members fully on any sustainability issues. Councillor Macaulay responded by confirming that the future sustainability of the centre would involve a range of partners, including Members of North Ayrshire Council. 25
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(13) a question by Councillor T. Ferguson to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: "To ask the Cabinet Member for Education to provide an update on the use of Facial Recognition Technology in schools following the recently published report from the Information Commissioner’s Office." Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “The facial recognition system was discontinued in October 2021 and all data held was deleted. There is no intention to reinstate this part of the system.” As a supplementary question, Councillor T. Ferguson made reference to the Information Commissioner’s findings in this matter and asked the Cabinet Member to provide all Members with information on the total cost in relation to the roll-out of facial recognition technology. Councillor Macaulay responded by confirming that he would be happy to provide the requested information. (14) a question by Councillor Kerr to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: “Anti-poverty charities such as Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) have been campaigning to reduce the Cost of the School Day, pointing out that the costs associated with sending children to school are a financial barrier to a good education for many families and their children. The last Administration introduced North Ayrshire’s Cost of the School Day policy, with £500,000 of recurring annual funding, which was warmly welcomed by those anti-poverty charities. Can the Cabinet Member tell us how, to date, the funding has been used?” Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for her question and referred to the following written response: “In 2021/22 half of the fund was spent on providing ICT devices for pupils. The balance of the expenditure was focused on the key themes identified through a process of consultation and engagement with young people, including the CoSD conference. These were: • Access to Food • Activities/ Excursions and Trips • Transport • Uniforms 26
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Schools were allocated funding for clothing and COSD activities which were determined locally. This included seasonal activities and trips and vouchers to support families at Christmas. Facilities Management provided reusable water bottles to avoid expenditure on single plastics to reduce weekly costs to families. Funding allocations were made to community partners to increase their offer to children and families, which included breakfast club support, family cooking sessions and free access to larders for families with school aged children. In 2022/23, the themes have remained consistent, with schools again being allocated funding to support locally identified priorities. Again, the largest investment has been in the continuation of a programme of purchasing IT devices for children and young people. School clothing, uniforms and equipment has this year been identified as the most valued area of spend across school communities. The Council is currently completing a procurement process to ensure best value is achieved through the spend. The ’Winter Warmer Breakfast’ was also funded from the CoSD funds and was introduced across secondary schools, beginning in winter 2022. Arrangements are being made to carry forward remaining unspent balances to be able to achieve best value from the funding across the school session, and this will be ring- fenced and spent before the end of this current academic session.” (15) a question by Councillor Billings to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: “How much has North Ayrshire Council paid to Calmac in 2022 for following ferry travel to and from Arran and Cumbrae: • Staff employed by North Ayrshire Council • Staff employed by the Health and Social Care Partnership • Waste vehicles • Other vehicles” In terms of Standing Order 14.4, the question and the following written response by Councillor Larsen were taken as read: “In 2022, payments to Calmac processed through North Ayrshire Council’s purchase ledger totalled £326,838. On some occasions, staff travel on the ferry services will not be included in these totals where they are recovered via staff expenses. This information cannot easily be extrapolated from the information held.” 27
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(16) a question by Councillor McDonald to the Leader of the Council in the following terms: “To ask the Leader of the Council in her role as our representative on the NHS Ayrshire and Arran board how many patients in the health board waiting more than 12 hours in A&E in the past year?” In terms of Standing Order 14.4, the question and the following written response by Councillor Burns were taken as read: “NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Board consider regular performance reports which are publicly available and published on their website. The most recent report which was considered by the Health Board on 31 January 2023 details the performance against key indicators for the year to December 2022, this includes the monthly Emergency Department waits over 12 hours across both acute hospital sites since February 2020. An extract of the performance information and trend is included in my written response for ease of access for members: The performance report details that in the last year, i.e. from January to December 2022 there have been 8,888 waits of more than 12 hours in EDs in Ayrshire and Arran.” (17) a question by Councillor Marshall to the Cabinet Member for Education in the following terms: “A leading Scottish athletic champion has spoken out about Scottish government regulations which permit children to enter competitions in which gender they identify with. She said at a school athletic championship in 2022 pupils there was a boy who identified as a trans girl. 28
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The advice given by local council's active schools team was that children can compete in the gender they identify on the day. The trans girl entered the girls’ events and won all her events. What advice does North Ayrshire Active Schools Team give in such a situation?” Councillor Macaulay thanked the Member for his question and responded in the following terms: “The “Supporting Transgender Pupils in Schools Guidance” says: “We recommend: “If PE classes are organised by sex, a transgender young person should be allowed to take part within the group which matches their gender identity.” The North Ayrshire Active Schools Team follows the national guidance.” As a supplementary question, Councillor Marshall referred to the original question, which had been about an athletic championship, while the response had been in respect of PE classes, and went on to ask if the Cabinet Member could provide Members with a link to the document to which he had referred. Councillor Macaulay responded by agreeing to have the document link circulated to all Members. The Cabinet Member also noted that the Council was not responsible for athletic championships and reminded the Member of the importance of encouraging children to enjoy sports and physical activity regardless of how they identified. (18) a question by Councillor Billings to the Cabinet Member for Finance in the following terms: “How many new contracts has North Ayrshire Council set up with companies and individuals based in North Ayrshire that can be directly accredited to the Community Wealth Building initiative set up in 2020?” In terms of Standing Order 14.4, the question and the following written response by Councillor Larsen were taken as read: “Procurement contracts since 2020 to December 2022 awarded to local companies, which include tender awards, quick quotes and direct contract awards, totalled 291 contracts with a total value of £31,316,759. In terms of the total value of procurement spend with local companies and suppliers, this has increased from £43.243million (19.96% of total spend) in 2019/20 to £51.220million (22.93% of total spend) in 2021/22.” 29
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(19) a question by Councillor Billings to the Cabinet Member for Economy and Climate Change in the following terms: “How many new jobs have been created within North Ayrshire that can be directly accredited to the Community Wealth Building initiative set up in 2020?” In terms of Standing Order 14.4, the question and the following written response by Councillor Gurney were taken as read: “It is not possible to directly accredit the creation of a specific new job with any one specific intervention or initiative as there are a number of factors that contribute to the creation of new jobs.” 17. Motion to Amend Standing Orders A Notice of Motion having been submitted in terms of Standing Order 24 and duly noted at the last ordinary meeting of the Council on 14 December 2022, the Council was invited to consider the proposed changes set out in the following motion. (1) a motion by Councillor Foster, seconded by Councillor McDonald in the following terms: "(a) that clause 14.1 of Standing Orders be amended as follows: the words “The question as tabled should not include supplementary or contextual text.” where they occur on the fourth to fifth lines thereof shall be deleted and the words “The question as tabled should only contain contextual information as preamble that is directly related and sufficient to facilitate understanding of the question.” substituted therefor (b) that clause 14.2 of Standing Orders be amended as follows: (i) the number “45” where it occurs on the first line thereof shall be replaced with the number “60” (ii) the words “within one hour of the meeting ending” shall be inserted between the words “provided” and “included” where they occur on the last line thereof. (c) that clause 14.3 of Standing Orders is deleted and replaced with the following: “The process for selecting the order of questions for the agenda is as follows: • Questions received are divided into lots: - Lot one - main Opposition; - Lot two - second Opposition; 30
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- Lot three - Independent Members and Opposition Parties with fewer than 2 members and - Lot four - the Administration; • Questions will be put into each lot, by list, in the order received by the Chief Executive, unless all Members of the relevant group have given prior written agreement to the Chief Executive, that the order in which questions are listed in the lot for allocation can be specified by the leader of that group. • Questions will be allocated to the agenda in turn from each lot list. • The process proceeds until all questions have been allocated to the agenda. (d) that clause 14.4 of Standing Orders be amended as follows: (i) the words “with contextual preamble” will be inserted between the words “question” and “tabled” where they occur on the first and second lines thereof. (ii) the word “further” shall be inserted between the words “No” and “preamble” (iii) the words “with contextual preamble” shall be inserted between the words “question” and “arising” where they occur on the sixth line thereof (iv) the words “use best endeavours to” will be inserted between the words “will” and “arrange” where they occur on the penultimate line thereof (v) the words “within 24 hours from the 10am deadline.” shall be added after the word “provided” where it occurs on the last line thereof (d) that clause 14.7 of Standing Orders be amended as follows: with regard to the rule contained in the third bullet point thereof, the words “unless it is seeking a progress update on a previous answer given” shall be added after the word “months” where it occurs on the last like thereof (f) clause 15.2 of Standing Orders be amended as follows: the words “For amendments proposed in relation to motions lodged under Standing Order 15.1, notice of amendment from the proposer and seconder must be emailed to the Chief Executive not later than 2pm on the Monday prior to the Council meeting and after having been checked for competency, will be circulated to Members in advance of the meeting.” where they occur on the fourth to eighth lines thereof shall be deleted 31
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(g) that clause 15.4 of Standing Orders be amended as follows: with regard to the rule contained in the eighth bullet point thereof, the words “and agreement” where they occur on the penultimate line thereof shall be deleted. (h) that clauses 6.5, 19.5, 23.1 and 25.1(i) of Standing Orders be amended as follows: the words “two thirds” where they occur within said clauses shall be deleted and the words “a majority” substituted therefor." As an amendment, Councillor Marshall, seconded by Councillor T. Ferguson, moved as follows: “That Council refuse the motion by Councillor Foster seconded by Councillor McDonald, to amend Standing Orders. Council agrees: (a) that a Member/Officer working group is established to review the content of Standing Orders for Meetings; and (b) that a report, informed by discussions at the working group, with proposals for review/amendment of standing orders will be brought to the full meeting of Council in May 2023 as part of the annual review of Standing Orders for decision.” In terms of Standing Order 16.5, Councillor Foster, with the agreement of his seconder, agreed to withdraw his motion in favour of the amendment, which became the substantive motion. There being no further amendment, the substantive motion was declared carried. 18. Notice of Motion to Amend Standing Orders (1) a Notice of Motion by Councillor Marshall, seconded by Councillor T. Ferguson, was submitted in terms of Standing Order 24 to seek to amend Standing Orders as follows: "That clause 3.4 of Standing Orders be amended as follows: the words "at least nine Members of the Council" where they occur on line 3 are deleted and the words "at least seventeen Members of the Council” substituted therefor." In terms of Standing Order 16.5, and in light of the decision on the previous item of business, Councillor Marshall, with the agreement of his seconder, agreed to withdraw the Notice of Motion. 32
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Accordingly, the Council agreed to note the withdrawal of the Notice of Motion. 19. Motions In terms of Standing Order 15, submitted: (1) a motion by Councillor McDonald, seconded by Councillor Kerr, in the following terms: “The decision of workers to withdraw their labour is a fundamental democratic right. With workers across many sectors and industries currently taking industrial action to protect themselves from the cost-of-living crisis, the Conservative Government is attacking the unequivocal right to strike, forcing them to work against their will with their latest anti-trade union legislation. North Ayrshire Council respects the legal right of all workers taking industrial action to defend jobs, protect their terms and conditions and for a fair wage rise. North Ayrshire Council opposes the Tories’ anti-strike legislation and asks the Chief Executive to write to: (a) the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to state the Council’s opposition to their ‘The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill”; and (b) the General Secretary of the STUC to express North Ayrshire Councillors’ support for the existing legal right to strike for fair pay, jobs and conditions.” There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. (2) a motion by Councillor Foster, seconded by Councillor Bell, in the following terms: “The revenue budget performance paper at January’s Cabinet meeting reported “underspends in employee costs as a result of the teachers’ industrial action” of £278,000 to date with further reductions if industrial action continues. This is money allocated by the Council towards teachers and their education of North Ayrshire school pupils and therefore Council agrees that any underspend relating to teachers taking industrial action should be earmarked for alternative investment in teachers’ health and wellbeing. If the earmarking of funds creates an overall overspend of the Council budget at 31st March 2023 then the balance of overspend should be met from the Council’s unearmarked reserves Council agrees to work with the teaching unions to develop proposals for a teachers’ health and wellbeing programme funded by cost reductions related to teachers’ industrial action.” 33
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As an amendment, Councillor McLean, seconded by Councillor S. Ferguson moved the direct negative. As a further amendment, Councillor Macaulay, seconded by Councillor Larsen, moved approval of the terms of the motion, subject to the following: “Deletion of all after "The revenue budget performance paper at January’s Cabinet meeting reported “underspends in employee costs as a result of the teachers’ industrial action” of £278,000 to date with further reductions if industrial action continues" and addition of "Council agrees that any budget proposal, including how to allocate any underspend, is considered at the Special Council meeting on 1.3.23" Members asked questions, and received confirmation from the Monitoring Officer, on the competence of the motion in terms of assigning underspends in employee costs in the way proposed. Thereafter, in terms of Standing Order 16.5, Councillor McLean, with the agreement of his seconder, agreed to withdraw his amendment in favour of that proposed by Councillor Macaulay. There followed debate and summing up. Councillor Murdoch left the meeting in the course of the debate. On a division and roll call vote, there voted for the remaining amendment, Councillors Billings, Burns, Collier, Davidson, Dickson, S. Ferguson, T. Ferguson, Gallacher, Glover, Gurney, Hill, Inglis, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, Marshall, McClung, McLean, McTiernan, Donald L. Reid, Robertson, Stalker and Stephen (23) and for the motion, Councillors Bell, Cullinane, Foster, Kerr, McDonald, McPhater, Montgomerie, Donald Reid and Sweeney (9) and the amendment was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed as follows: (a) to note that the revenue budget performance paper at January’s Cabinet meeting reported “underspends in employee costs as a result of the teachers’ industrial action” of £278,000 to date with further reductions if industrial action continues; and (b) that any budget proposal, including how to allocate any underspend, be considered at the Special Council meeting on 1 March 2023. 34
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20. Urgent Items There were no urgent items. Noted. 21. Provost’s Closing Remarks The Provost closed the meeting by thanking Members for their participation. The meeting ended at 5.55 p.m. 35
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North Ayrshire Council 1 March 2023 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) John Bell, Timothy Billings, Marie Burns, Eleanor Collier, Joe Cullinane, Scott Davidson, Anthea Dickson, Stewart Ferguson, Todd Ferguson, Robert Foster, Scott Gallacher, Tony Gurney, Alan Hill, Cameron Inglis, Margaret Johnson, Amanda Kerr, Christina Larsen, Shaun Macaulay, Tom Marshall, Jean McClung, Nairn McDonald, Matthew McLean, Louise McPhater, Davina McTiernan, Jim Montgomerie, Ian Murdoch, Donald Reid, Donald L. Reid, Chloé Robertson, Ronnie Stalker, Angela Stephen and John Sweeney. Present (Remote Electronic Participation) John Glover. In Attendance C. Hatton, Chief Executive; C. Cameron, Director (Health and Social Care Partnership); R. McCutcheon, Executive Director (Place); A. Sutton, Executive Director (Communities and Education); M. Boyd, Head of Service, D. Forbes, Senior Manager (Financial Management) and K. MacDonald and N. Graham, Team Managers (Financial Management) (Finance); F. Walker, Head of Service (People and ICT); and A. Craig, Head of Service, R. Lynch, Senior Manager (Legal Services), M. McColm, Senior Manager (Communications), M. Anderson, Senior Manager (Committee and Member Services) and H. Clancy and C. Stewart, Committee Services Officer (Democratic Services). Chair Provost Dickson in the Chair. 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, would be live streamed to the internet. 2. Apologies The Provost invited intimation of apologies for absence. There were none. Agenda Item 3 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. General Services Revenue Estimates 2023/24 to 2025/26 Submitted report by the Head of Service (Finance) on the Council's revenue spending requirements and anticipated funding for 2023/24 to 2025/26, the level of reserves and fund balances and options to address the funding gap. Appendices 1 and 2 to the report set out the revised expenditure requirements for 2023/24 and operational budget adjustments, respectively. Savings approved as part of the 2022/23 revenue budget and the expenditure requirements identified for 2023/24 to 2025/26, were detailed at Appendices 3 and 4. Appendix 5 summarised proposed savings, excluding the Health and Social Care Partnership, and Appendix 6 contained a list of proposed charges with effect from 1 April 2023. The budget matrix for 2023/24 was set out at Appendix 7 to the report. In terms of Standing Order 10.3, the Provost invited the Administration to move its budget proposals. Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor Robertson, moved approval of the recommendations set out in the report. Thereafter, Councillor Marshall, seconded by Councillor T. Ferguson, moved that the Council approve the recommendations set out in the report, subject to an amendment to replace recommendation (c) in the report, which stated: “notes the projected outturn position for 2022/23 and approves the earmarking of the balance of underspend to provide additional emergency support funding to citizens through the Council’s Energy Smart Scheme” with the following: “notes the projected outturn position for 2022/23 and approves the earmarking of the balance of underspend to provide revenue investment during 2023/24 of up to £1 million in the North Ayrshire Roads infrastructure.” In terms of Standing Order 16.4, the amendment was displayed to the meeting. A further element, in relation to the proposed use of any surplus to write-off of school meal debt of £76,000, was intimated verbally by Councillor Marshall. 38
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In terms of Standing Order 25.1, the Monitoring Officer advised that the matter of school debt had already been considered by the Council within the previous six months, namely at the Council meeting held on 21 September 2022. Councillor Marshall duly withdrew the element of the amendment which had been intimated verbally. Thereafter, Councillor Cullinane, seconded by Councillor Kerr, moved that the Council approve the recommendations set out in the report, subject to the amendments noted below: “(a) alternative proposals: Increase vacancy management turnover target £345,923 Increase PCN charges to maximum level £150,000 One enforcement team for PCN and Environmental fines £93,000 Total £588,923 (b) remove the following proposals from the report: Food for Life Accreditation £53,923 Christmas Lights £35,000 Cost of the School Day £500,000 Total £588,923 (c) use of the General Fund’s unearmarked reserves to: earmark the ‘savings’ resulting from the teachers’ strike for a School Staff Wellbeing Fund - £278,000 to date with ‘savings’ from future strike dates to be earmarked for the fund £278,000 Workforce Planning Fund £2.368m Total £2.646m (d) amend proposal (c) in the recommendations to: notes the projected outturn position for 2022/23 and approves the earmarking of the balance of underspend (after the earmarking of funds in 2022/23 for a School Staff Wellbeing Fund - specific to the value of teacher strike savings in 2022/23) to add to the Workplace Planning Fund. If, however, the value of funds earmarked for a School Staff Wellbeing Fund results in a Council overspend position in 2022/23, then the value of the overspend should be met from the balance of the Workforce Planning Fund as outlined in part (c) above. (e) Council notes the recent decision to approve the PFI Service concession and agrees that the re-mortgaging of assets must provide tangible benefits for North Ayrshire’s residents and communities, delivering investment that improves the lives of our residents whilst making the Council more financially sustainable. 39
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Council, therefore, rejects the proposal to use £16.146m in a non-recurring basis to unsustainably mitigate Government cuts and to establish a £4m fund to cut jobs as set out in the table at 2.5.11 (of the report). Council approves the following alternative investment of the service concession money which will tackle poverty, improve local infrastructure, grow the local economy, deliver on our climate change ambitions, and provide a greater level of financial sustainability for the Council over the medium to long term: To balance the Revenue Budget in 2023/24 £1.858m Roll-out free school meals to ALL P6 and P7 pupils from August 2023 and to develop a pilot of universal free school meals for Secondary School pupils £1.405m Reinstate holiday meal vouchers to £4 per day in 2023/24 £600,000 Energy Smart Scheme £350,000 Child Poverty Fund £1m Investment Fund (to invest in renewable energy, new commercial estate and low carbon infrastructure that generates income and lowers costs) £8m Transformation Challenge Fund (providing investment to redesign services to improve outcomes whilst reducing costs) £4m Reinstate funding for Community Wealth Building £2.333m Potholes Fund £2m Total £21.546m (f) Council further approves the following reviews for future years: Review of temporary accommodation, including charges The transfer of Redburn Grove to the HRA” The Provost then sought clarification as to whether there were any further amendments, from the Independent Members and, thereafter, from any other Member. There were no further amendments. Members then asked the following questions of clarification of the Section 95 Officer: • whether he had given any advice to Groups in respect of their amendments; and • whether there was a degree of financial risk associated with using the Service Concession on a non-recurring basis to balance the budget On a point of order in terms of Standing Order 15.4, Councillor McLean sought clarification as to the competence of the second amendment with regard to its proposed use of funds for a wellbeing fund for school staff, given that this matter had been subject to consideration within the last six months, namely at the last ordinary meeting of the Council. 40
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The Chief Executive clarified that the decision at the last meeting of the Council had been to note that any budget proposal on this matter, including the allocation of any underspend, would be considered at the Special Council meeting on 1 March 2023, meaning that consideration had effectively been deferred to the budget meeting. Members then asked the following questions of clarification of the Section 95 Officer and movers of the motion and amendments: • the risk of using Service Concessions as outlined in the budget report presented; • the impact of using the sum of c£970,000 as outlined in the budget report on the HSCP; and • whether the second amendment took into account the apparently recurring nature of the funding gap associated with some elements, or if it was anticipated that proposals, such as school meal vouchers, would be for one year only. In terms of Standing Order 6.8, the Provost agreed that the meeting be adjourned at 3.10 p.m. to allow Members to consider the motion and amendments. The meeting reconvened at 4.00 p.m. with the same Members and officers present and in attendance, (as previously, by remote electronic means or in person). In terms of Standing Order 16.7, the Provost sought clarification as to whether the mover and seconder of the motion or any amendment wished to alter or withdraw their motion or amendment. Councillor Larsen, with the agreement of her seconder, intimated that she wished to alter the motion to incorporate elements of the amendments, as follows: “That the Council approves the recommendations set out in the report subject to the amendments noted below: (a) replace recommendation (c) in the report, which states: “notes the projected outturn position for 2022/23 and approves the earmarking of the balance of underspend to provide additional emergency support funding to citizens through the Council’s Energy Smart Scheme;” with the following: “notes the projected outturn position for 2022/23 and approves the earmarking of the balance of underspend to provide revenue investment during 2023/24 of up to £1 million in the North Ayrshire Roads infrastructure and any further balance of underspend to provide additional emergency support funding to citizens through the Council’s Energy Smart Scheme;” (b) increase PCN charges to maximum level - £150,000; 41
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(c) remove Christmas lights savings proposal - £35,000; (d) remove free food waste liners saving - £22,500; and (e) balance of £92,500 to contribute towards the underspend position In terms of Standing Order 16.5, Councillor Marshall, with the agreement of his seconder, withdrew his amendment in favour of the motion. A further question of clarification was directed to the Section 95 Officer on the impact of using c£970,000, as outlined in the budget paper, on the HSCP budget. There being no further valid questions of clarification, there followed debate and summing up. Thereafter, on a division and roll call vote, there voted for the amendment by Councillor Cullinane, seconded by Councillor Kerr, Councillors Bell, Cullinane, Foster, Glover, Kerr, McDonald, McPhater, Montgomerie, Donald Reid and Sweeney (10) and for the revised motion by Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor Robertson, Councillors Billings, Burns, Collier, Davidson, Dickson, S. Ferguson, T. Ferguson, Gallacher, Gurney, Hill, Inglis, Johnson, Larsen, Macaulay, Marshall, McClung, McLean, McTiernan, Murdoch, Donald L. Reid, Robertson, Stalker and Stephen (23), and the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council, having considered (i) the equality and children’s rights impact of proposed service change and (ii) feedback from the community engagement sessions to help inform budget plans; agreed as follows: (a) to note the anticipated funding available to meet expenditure requirements and notes the financial risk to the Council from not maintaining teacher numbers at the levels outlined in the 2022 Census; (b) to approve the Council's expenditure requirements for 2023/24 and note the indicative requirements for 2024/25 and 2025/26; (c) to note the projected outturn position for 2022/23 and approve the earmarking of the balance of underspend to provide revenue investment during 2023/24 of up to £1 million in the North Ayrshire Roads infrastructure and any further balance of underspend to provide additional emergency support funding to citizens through the Council’s Energy Smart Scheme; (d) to (i) increase PCN charges to maximum level - £150,000, (ii) remove Christmas lights savings proposal - £35,000, (iii) remove free food waste liners saving - £22,500; and (iv) apply the balance of £92,500 to contribute towards the underspend position; 42
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(e) to note the level of reserves and fund balances held by the Council and approves any use and contributions to and from these, including the proposed investments to support the Child Poverty and Cost-of-Living Board outlined in section 2.5.10 of the report; (f) to approve the additional contribution to the HSCP noted at section 1.9 of the report; (g) to approve efficiencies and savings to ensure a balanced budget for 2023/24, consequentials and new proposals in future years subject to, and in accordance with, paragraph (d) above; (h) to approve the schedule of Council fees and charges detailed in Appendix 6 of the report, subject to, and in accordance with, paragraph (d) above; (i) to approve a Council Tax increase of 5% for 2023/24; (j) to note the anticipated funding gap for 2024/25 and 2025/26; (k) to note progress to date on the Council’s Sustainable Change Programme and corporate Workforce Planning; and (l) to approve the budget matrix for 2023/24. 5. Capital Investment Programme 2023/24 to 2030/31 Submitted report by the Head of Service (Finance) on the Capital Investment Programme from 2023/24 to 2030/31. The current capital programme to 2030/31, details of the proposed changes to the programme following the refresh, and the revised Capital Investment Programme covering the period from 2023/24 to 2030/31, were set out at Appendices 1-3 to the report, respectively. The revised Capital Investment Strategy was provided at Appendix 4 to the report. Members asked questions, and received clarification, on the following within the officer’s report: • the position in relation to the Pit Stop project, which was not included in the report as its funding related to financial year 2022/23; and • whether any reassurance could be given as to the likelihood of the B714 being completed, given current financial pressures. Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor Robertson, then moved approval of the recommendations set out in the report. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. 43
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Accordingly, the Council agreed as follows: (a) to approve the refreshed Capital Investment Programme to 2030/31 as set out at Appendix 3 to the report; (b) to note that the programme would be reviewed on an ongoing basis, with the next major review in 2023/24; and (c) to approve the refreshed Capital Investment Strategy set out at Appendix 4 to the report. Councillor Glover left the meeting during consideration of the following item of business. 6. Revenue Estimates 2023/24 – Common Good Funds and Trusts Submitted report by the Head of Service (Finance) on the anticipated annual income and expenditure of the Common Good Funds and Trusts administered by North Ayrshire Council and seeking approval for the level of grant funding to be made available for disbursement in 2023/24. The 2023/24 revenue estimates for the Common Good Funds and registered Charitable Trusts were detailed in Appendix 1 to the report. Appendix 2 listed the remaining smaller trusts administered by the Council. Members asked questions, and received clarification, on the following within the officer’s report: • the difference between Largs Common Good and Largs Charitable Trust and whether these funds could be combined; and • arrangements for encouraging applications to the smaller grant funds with a view to ensuring their disbursement. The Head of Finance undertook to liaise with (i) the Council’s Legal Services on the feasibility of seeking to combine the Largs Common Good Fund and Largs Charitable Trust and advise Members of the outcome and (ii) the Executive Director (Communities and Education) on arrangements to promote the disbursement of the smaller grant funds via the Locality Partnerships. Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor Robertson, then moved approval of the recommendations set out in the report. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed as follows: (a) to approve the 2023/24 revenue estimates for the Common Good Funds and registered Charitable Trusts detailed at Appendix 1 to the report; 44
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(b) to approve the carry forward of funds from Irvine Common Good Fund to meet the costs of essential works required at Seagate Castle, as noted at section 2.2 of the report; (c) to approve the amounts available for disbursement noted at sections 2.12 and 2.13 of the report; (d) to approve capital spend from the dormant and low value Trusts and the Irvine, Largs and Saltcoats Common Good Funds, and instructs officers to seek approval from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) prior to the disbursement of any grant which would result in the winding up of a Trust; (e) to note that OSCR had approved changes to the constitutions and trustees’ powers for the James Dyer Simpson Fund, H Watt Trust and J H Watt Trust, held within North Ayrshire Charitable Trust, to allow the disbursement of the remaining capital and the winding up of the Trusts, where this was considered the most appropriate way of achieving the Trusts’ purposes; and (f) that the remaining capital in the James Dyer Simpson Fund, H Watt Trust and J H Watt Trust be disbursed for the Trusts’ purposes and approve the winding up of these three Trusts thereafter. Councillor Glover re-joined the meeting during consideration of the following item of business. 7. Treasury Management and Investment Strategy 2023/24 Submitted report by the Head of Service (Finance) on the proposed Strategy for Treasury Management and Investment activities within the Council for the financial year 2023/24. The draft Strategy document was attached as an appendix to the report. Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor Robertson moved approval of the recommendations set out in the report. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Council agreed as follows: (a) to approve the Treasury Management and Investment Strategy for 2023/24 set out at Appendix 1 to the report; and (b) to note that updated performance in relation to the treasury management and prudential indicators would be reported Cabinet as part of the Revenue and Capital Monitoring arrangements throughout the year. The meeting ended at 4.45 p.m. 45
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PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 6 February – 19 March 2023 The attached report gives a summary and brief details to Council, of meetings and events attended by the Provost of North Ayrshire Council, Anthea Dickson. Agenda Item 4 47
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 1 PROVOST’S REPORT For the period covering: 6 February – 19 March 2023 Since the last meeting of the Council, I have taken part in many events, including: Afton Court Groundbreaking Ceremony, Stevenston, 6 February On 6 February, I was delighted to officially mark the start of construction work on the new development in Stevenston. This will see the creation of one and two-bedroom homes on the site of the former Afton Court Sheltered Housing Unit. The £1.3 million development is expected to be completed in late summer. Burns Art Competition, Dalry Primary School, 7 February On 7 February, I had the privilege of judging the Burns Art Competition in Dalry Primary School. The entries were very impressive, and the young people got the opportunity to show their artistic skills while learning about our National Bard, Robert Burns. Beith Community Trust Awards, Geilsland Estate, Beith, 10 February I attended the Beith Community Trust Awards in Geilsland Estate on 10 February. It was great to see so many individuals recognised for the tremendous work they carry out in their local community. It was also an opportunity to acknowledge the work and ambitions of the Board and members of the Trust. Ministerial Visit, Lochshore Community Hub, 13 February On 13 February, Tom Arthur MSP, Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth visited Lochshore Community Hub. I was delighted to welcome the Minister and show what an incredible facility we have in the Garnock Valley. Since officially opening late last year, the Lochshore Park Hub has already proven to be a popular destination for local residents and visitors alike. Not only is it an attractive, vibrant facility but as we move on to the next stages of its development, the benefits it provides will become even greater. This would not have been possible without close collaboration with the local community who have been integral to its development from the initial stages. 48
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 2 North Ayrshire Young Instrumentalist of the Year and Young Singer of the Year Competition, Ardrossan Academy, 15 February On 15 February, I attended the North Ayrshire Young Instrumentalist of the Year and the Young Singer of the Year Competition held in Ardrossan Academy. The event was a great success, with some excellent performances. The dedication of all the performers was admirable and they are all great ambassadors for the youth of North Ayrshire. There is also a great support network in the background from teachers and support staff who inspire these young people to perform confidently with great ability and flair. Beith Community Trust Ceilidh, Geilsland Estate, Beith, 17 February Beith Community Development Trust held a fundraising ceilidh on 17 February in support of the Garnock Campus Parent Council and the Garnock Valley Pipes and Drums Trust, a project which provides free piping and drumming tuition to young people residing in the Garnock Valley. I was happy to go along and support both causes that do so much for the young people of the Garnock Valley. Opening of “Doon the Beach”, Stevenston, 18 February On 18 February, I attended the official opening of Doon the Beach Community Café and Hub in Stevenston. This is an excellent community driven project by Raise Your Voice Ardeer. This project will not only create jobs but hopefully encourage many visitors to the beach area. The work that has gone on behind the scenes over the last few years by volunteers has been admirable and the opening of this marvellous facility is testament to this work. North Ayrshire Traditional Musician of the Year Competition, Ardrossan Academy, 22 February I attended the North Ayrshire Traditional Musician of the Year Competition, in Ardrossan Academy on 22 February. This was another successful event with amazing performances from our talented young people who represent schools throughout North Ayrshire. Opening of Clyde Coast and Cumbrae Men’s Shed, Brisbane Centre, Largs, 4 March On 4 March, I was delighted to officially open the Clyde and Cumbrae Men’s Shed at the Brisbane Centre, Largs, with David Gardner, Chairman of the Scottish Men’s Shed Association. Men’s Sheds are a crucial pillar of our community, at the forefront of the Council’s priority to build active and strong communities while ensuring our people enjoy good life-long health and wellbeing. The group has been hugely successful in the challenge of establishing a 49
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 3 facility to the highest of standards. The project is a fitting example of the marvellous work carried out by volunteers in our local community in partnership with the Council. International Women’s Day Walk, Saltcoats and Ardrossan, 8 March International Women’s Day is a day celebrating the achievements of women and gender equality throughout the World. On 8 March, I joined the North Ayrshire Women’s Aid in their walk through Saltcoats and Ardrossan to highlight issues faced by women today and to celebrate the achievements of others. The Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships, McIlvanney Campus, Kilmarnock, 12 March On 12 March, I attended the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships in Kilmarnock and a reception hosted by the Provost of East Ayrshire Council. Young people from all over Scotland attended, and it was good that we had representation from Ardrossan, Largs and Arran. I was pleased to be there to give them support. There were many great performances and I was delighted and proud that the Isle Arran Schools Pipe Band were winners of the Eilidh MacLeod Endeavour Award. Provost’s visit to Millport Town Hall, 15 March I visited Millport Town Hall on 15 March as phase one of the renovation works nears completion. It was good meeting with the Chair and volunteers of the charity. They have done a superb job of breathing new life into the town. It is so inspiring to see this type of community empowerment in action and it has been a privilege to speak to some of the team behind the most recent developments which include a new accessible entrance, the creation of multi-use flexible spaces which are to be used to host vibrant community events and clubs. Well done to everyone involved, this project really is a triumph of which the whole community should be so proud. I look forward to seeing the second phase of the Heritage and Conservation Centre coming to fruition over the coming months. 50
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PROVOST’S REPORT • • • 4 Councillor Anthea Dickson Provost North Ayrshire Council 51
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LEADER’S REPORT For the period covering: 6 February – 19 March 2023 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 53
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 1 LEADER’S REPORT For the period covering: 6 February – 19 March 2023 COSLA SPECIAL LEADERS MEETING, 10 February On 10 February, I attended a special meeting of COSLA Leaders to discuss ongoing Scottish Government Education Interventions, Local Government Settlement and Teachers Pay Negotiations. TACKLING CHILD POVERTY BOARD MINI ENQUIRY ARRAN, 13 February I was delighted to visit Arran on 13 February to attend a public mini enquiry hosted by North Ayrshire Council and community partners at the Ormidale Sports Pavilion in Brodick. The event was well-attended by Arran residents, businesses and community groups who were asked to share their views on what they believe are the contributing factors to the cost-of-living crisis. Its aim was to explore what can be done, collectively, to help improve life on Arran for its residents. People who attended flagged up the need for some changes, including: • more social and affordable housing • easier access to benefits advice • A review of local transport to better meet the needs of communities • more ‘warm rooms’ to help people combat the cold weather and loneliness, like the one at Whiting Bay and Kildonan Parish Church and • the need for organisations to pool their resources for the common good. This event was the latest in a series of mini enquiries that are part of the work of the Child Poverty and Cost of Living Board. Feedback will also help develop the Council’s Child Poverty Strategy. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to come along to the event and be involved in the discussion. COSLA SPECIAL LEADERS MEETING, 14 February On 14 February, I attended another special meeting of COSLA Leaders to continue discussions on the Teachers Pay Negotiations. 54
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 2 NHS BOARD WORKSHOP, 16 February On 16 February, I attended an NHS Board workshop to discuss finances and cost pressures for NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Attendees looked at viable solutions to alleviate cost pressures including pay uplifts and cost of supplies. VISIT TO THE WEE HOUSE COMPANY, 17 February I was delighted to visit “The Wee House Company” in Cumnock on 17 February, together with North Ayrshire Council’s Head of Service for Housing, Yvonne Baulk. The visit provided the opportunity to see first-hand some of the houses that have been completed, fresh off the production line to be used in some of our latest housing developments including the new amenity homes at Afton Court in Stevenston. This will be the second time North Ayrshire Council has partnered with The Wee House Group to deliver new affordable housing using their innovative modular construction method. In 2019, The Wee House Company constructed 31 modular, affordable homes for North Ayrshire Council on Ardrossan Road, Seamill. The project will deliver modern, energy efficient homes which will be built using cutting-edge and environmentally-conscious techniques. The modular construction method employed by the company takes the home-building process offsite and into a controlled factory environment. All bungalows will be constructed inside Connect Modular’s Ayrshire-based manufacturing facility with kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing and electrics all pre-fitted. In addition, tenants of the bungalows are expected to benefit from energy efficient homes thanks to the ultra-insulated building envelope and the installation of air-source heat pumps and photovoltaic (PV) panels. One of the main advantages of this modern construction method is its environmental sustainability with there being much less waste compared to traditional building methods, while there is 67 per cent less energy required to produce a modular building. The houses will then be split into modules, transported to site and craned into position for the final part of the building work to be completed. AYRSHIRE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP BOARD MEETING and AYRSHIRE ECONOMIC JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING, 20 February On 20 February, the Ayrshire Economic Partnership Board met followed by a meeting of the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee. Both Board and Joint Committee members received updates on the following: 55
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 3 • Ayrshire Growth Deal – discuss and approve Draft Ayrshire Growth Deal Annual Report 2021/22. • Ayrshire Growth Deal – Programme Update - to advise the Economic Partnership Board members of the progress of the Ayrshire Growth Deal and the development of its component projects as of 31 January 2023. • Visitor Economy Workstream Update – discuss and approve the Ayrshire Visitor Economy Strategy and Draft Action plan. The report outlines arrangements for future reporting on delivery and resource impacts related to the delivery of the Strategy and Draft Action Plan. • Extension of Food Tourism Co-ordinator Ports – to discuss the efforts being made by the Food Tourism Co-ordinators in pursuit of the ongoing recovery and renewal of that sector. • Levelling Up Fund and Shared Prosperity Fund – to provide the Board with an update in relation to the Levelling Up Fund and Shared Prosperity Fund for each of the three Councils. COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING EXPERT ADVISORY PANEL, 22 February On 22 February 2023, I attended a meeting of the Community Wealth Building (CWB) Expert Advisory Panel where members were asked to discuss North Ayrshire Council’s input into the consultation response on the Scottish Government CWB Legislation. https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-community-wealth-scotland-consultation- paper/documents/ There was also a wider discussion on the potential of the consultation to facilitate a transformational approach to CWB and their views on the role of National Agencies in terms of supporting a CWB Duty. The Scottish Government consultation will close on 25 April 2023. NORTH AYRSHIRE TRADITIONAL MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR COMPETITION, 22 February Later on the 22 February I was delighted to go along to Ardrossan Academy to see the North Ayrshire Traditional Musician of the Year Competition. The event brought a wealth of talented young musicians from our North Ayrshire schools to perform traditional music and compete. It was a lovely evening with some first-class performances. Congratulations to all those who took part. 56
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 4 TRADE UNION AND PRESS BUDGET BRIEFINGS, 23 February On 23 February, I attended two separate budget briefings; the first with Trade Unions and the second with the Press. The Council is facing unprecedented budget challenges due to factors that are largely beyond its control, including increased energy costs, inflation, and the Cost-of-Living crisis. These issues are being faced by councils across the country and are significantly impacting the 2023/24 budget. COST OF LIVING INTERVENTIONS CONFERENCE, 23 February Later on 23 February, I was delighted to welcome Mary McAllan, Director of Covid Recovery and Public Service Reform from the Scottish Government to North Ayrshire to attend a Cost- of-Living Interventions Conference held at Fullarton Connexions. The event provided the opportunity for Mary and her team to hear first-hand about some of the incredible collaborative work that is being done here in North Ayrshire by community partners, to identify the key drivers into poverty and more importantly, the solutions that are being implemented to combat poverty in all its forms. I would like to highlight the Mini Public Enquiries that have been held over the past few months, which form a key element of the work of the Tackling Child Poverty Board. These sessions have enabled partners to discuss how we can join up the support available and ensure that no matter which way our residents turn for help and advice, they will be directed and supported to access the help required. In addition, our partners will share information so we can better understand how best to support all our residents. There is “No Wrong Door” for anyone struggling with poverty and I look forward to continuing to build on the great work being done by the Tackling Child Poverty Board in the coming months. COSLA LEADERS, 24 February COSLA Leaders met on 24 February to discuss a packed agenda, including the following items: • COSLA-Police Scotland-SPA Partnership Agreement • Joint Working Group on Sources of Local Government Funding and Council Tax Reform • Local Government Finance Update • Scottish Government Education Interventions Update 57
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 5 • National Care Home Contract Negotiations • Levelling Up Fund • Digital Boost Funding Position • Managing Pressures from Humanitarian Protection Schemes • CELCIS – Protecting Children Programme • Local Governance Review COSLA, Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority have prepared a draft Partnership Agreement to frame the relationship between the organisations and partnership work going forward. The purpose of the partnership agreement is to strengthen collaborative working in respect of several shared goals: • Local scrutiny and accountability • Prevention and early intervention • Health and wellbeing • Resource and investment The parties will develop a partnership delivery plan setting out how the three organisations will drive forward progress in these areas, setting out ownership and key milestones. By formalising this agreement, the parties aim to strengthen existing collaboration and engagement to further strengthen local accountability in policing. The partnership agreement is intended to complement local authorities’ scrutiny of policing under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012. NHS HEALTHCARE GOVERNANCE MEETING, 27 February I attended an NHS Ayrshire and Arran Healthcare Governance meeting on 27 February. Attendees received updates from various services and several annual reports from teams. There was also discussion on the impact of current system pressures on the quality and safety of services provided for patients. 1st TIER JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE AND CORPORATE HEALTH AND SAFETY GROUP MEETING, 28 February On 28 February, I chaired a meeting of the 1st Tier Joint Consultative Committee immediately followed by a meeting of the Corporate Health and Safety Group. Attendees received Health and Safety reports from various Directorates. There was also an update on the work of The LiveWell Group which continues to promote wellbeing activities and campaigns via a range of 58
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 6 communication channels including email, News in Brief, SharePoint and Social Media platforms. The LiveWell programme is split into five key themes which are: PlayWell, BeWell, WorkWell and EatWell. During September 2022, a fifth theme called SaveWell was added to the LiveWell programme and provides a range of information on debt, food and advice to help with the cost of living. COSLA SPECIAL LEADERS, 3 March I attended another special meeting for COSLA Leaders on 3 March for further discussions on the Local Government Settlement for Teachers. COSLA BUSINESS GATEWAY BOARD MEETING, 3 March Later on 3 March, I attended a COSLA Business Gateway Board meeting. The DigitalBoost Programme has been successfully managed and delivered through COSLA’s Business Gateway National Unit and Local Authority Business Gateway services since its launch in 2016-17. The Programme is funded by Scottish Government. IRVINE LOCALITY PARTNERSHIP MEETING, 6 March On 6 March, I attended a meeting of the Irvine Locality Partnership at Dreghorn fire station. Attendees received various updates from community partners for the Irvine area and there were two applications for Community Investment Funding from Community Housing Advocacy Project (CHAP) and Irvine Angling Club. CHAP has been established in North Ayrshire for over 20 years, and provides free, impartial, and confidential advice and guidance to individuals experiencing issues with welfare rights, housing, and debt. CHAP services are available to all residents in North Ayrshire over the age of 16 and in the last operational year, helped 863 individuals with 1,096 issues relating to debt, housing, and welfare rights achieving financial gains for clients of £1.92m. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, 8 March I was proud to support International Women’s Day on 8 March which focused this year on embracing equity. The theme seeks to get the world talking about why equal opportunities are no longer enough and the difference between “equality” and “equity”. 59
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 7 I also took part in the march organised by North Ayrshire Women’s Aid which had an international theme, celebrating women’s achievements globally and a reminder that we still have a way to go, particularly in addressing violence against women. NORTH AYRSHIRE COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP MEETING, 13 March I chaired a meeting of the North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership on 13 March. Attendees received updates on the following: • Wellbeing Alliance update from Malcolm McPhail and Laura Barrie at KA Leisure. • Police and Fire Wellbeing update from Supertintendent Derek Frew from Police Scotland and Ian McMeekin, Local Senior Officer from Scottish Fire and Rescue • Child Poverty and Cost of Living update from Audrey Sutton, Executive Director (Communities & Education), North Ayrshire Council. The pandemic, energy crisis andcost of living crisis has accelerated the appetite for local authorities and their partners to look at leisure services more broadly and re-examine purpose of their provision. The key consideration is aligning the broader strategic outcomes, particularly Health and Wellbeing. North Ayrshire has been a champion of wellbeing in its approach to improving the lives of its residents and communities. This is seen clearly in its approach, via the Community Partnership Plan, in naming wellbeing as one of the three key pillars. The establishment of the Health and Wellbeing Alliance (HWBA) by consensus is the chosen approach to actively deploy transformational change in relation to strategy, partnership relationships, programming and monitoring. The HWBA Steering Group has had its initial scoping meeting in January with further timetabled meetings taking place over the next few months. NHS AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE, 15 March On 15 March, I attended an NHS Ayrshire and Arran Audit and Risk Committee where attendees received updates on the following: • Internal Audit Progress Update Report • Risk Management Report • Recruitment Report • Organisational Culture Report • Review of PMO (Part 2) • Microbiology Point of Care Testing Report • Quality and Cost Improvement Report 60
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 8 • Internal Audit Plan 2023-24 • Counter Fraud Attendees also received a presentation from Audit Scotland summarising work undertaken for the NHS in Scotland during 2022. Councillor Marie Burns Leader of North Ayrshire Council 61
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 29 March 2023 Council Title: North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership (CPP) Board: Minutes of Meeting held in March 2023 Purpose: To submit the Minutes of the meeting of the North Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership Board held on 13 March 2023. Recommendation: That Council the Council notes the Minutes contained in Appendix 1. 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 have been highlighted for the attention of Council and are detailed in Section 2.1. 2. Background 2.1 Minutes of the meeting of the CPP Board held on 13 March 2023 are appended. This meeting focused on the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan ‘Wellbeing’ priority. Particular matters for the Council's attention include the following: Meeting of March 2023 Agenda Item 5 CPP partners received an update on the Wellbeing Alliance from KA Leisure, which is the strategic group supporting the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan ‘Wellbeing’ priority. This included an overview of progress to date, an update on finalising governance, and a video showcasing achievements. Agenda Item 6 Partners received a joint update on the key work taking place across Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in North Ayrshire with a focus on wellbeing. This included Community Wellbeing in the Local Police Plan, the importance of campus officers and dedicated wellbeing resources through Police Scotland and organisational development, the importance of volunteering and partnership and post pandemic innovation including shared spaces through the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Agenda Item 7 63
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Agenda Item 7 This is currently a standing item. CPP partners received an update on the work of the Child Poverty and Cost of Living Board including the importance of participative, thematic and place-based locality approaches. Strategic actions have been drafted for the action plans related to each mini-enquiry and will be reviewed by partners, and real life case studies are being developed. Agenda Item 8 An update on progress with the new Local Outcomes Improvement Plan Impact Measurement Tool was received, including a new proposed performance review process for the Partnership. 3. Proposals 3.1 That the Council notes the Minutes contained in Appendix 1. 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 4.5 None. Key Priorities 4.6 The CPP activities detailed within this report support the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan. Community Wealth Building 4.7 None. 5. Consultation 5.1 No consultation was required. 64
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Audrey Sutton Executive Director Communities and Education For further information please contact Jacqui Greenlees, Senior Manager (Policy, Performance and Community Planning), on 01294 324415. Background Papers Appendix: 1 CPP Board Minutes, 13 March 2023 65
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Community Planning Partnership Board Monday 13 March 2023 at 1.30 pm Via Microsoft Teams Present North Ayrshire Council Cllr Marie Burns, Elected Member (Chair) Cllr Timothy Billings, Elected Member Cllr Scott Davidson, Elected Member Cllr Alan Hill, Elected Member Cllr Shaun Macaulay, Elected Member Craig Hatton, Chief Executive Audrey Sutton, Executive Director Rhonda Leith, Head of Service Ayrshire College Angela Cox, Chief Executive & Principal North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership Bob Martin, Chair North Ayrshire IJB Thelma Bowers, Head of Service (Mental Health) sub for Caroline Cameron, Director Department for Work and Pensions Pamela Holmes, Customer Service Lead sub for Sheila Lynn, Service Lead NHS Ayrshire and Arran Lesley Bowie, Chair, NHS Ayrshire and Arran (Vice Chair) Claire Burden, Chief Executive Ruth Mellor, Consultant in Public Health Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain Superintendent Derek Frew Scottish Enterprise Brian Connolly, Engagement Partner Scottish Government Sam Anson, Location Director Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Ian McMeekin, Local Senior Officer Skill Development Scotland Shona Mitchell, Head of Operations South West Scottish Partnership for Transport Allan Comrie, Senior Transport Planner Third Sector Interface Kaileigh Brown, Executive Director, The Ayrshire Community Trust In Attendance Jacqui Greenlees (NAC), Jennifer McGee (NAC) 66
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Apologies Cllr John Bell (NAC), Cllr Amanda Kerr (NAC), Caroline Cameron (NA HSCP), Sheila Lynn (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 on 8 December 2022 were approved and the following updates were provided: • Scottish Police Authority Pilot – Derek Frew and Audrey Sutton advised the Board that this work was ongoing, and a report would be brought to a future Board meeting. • Cost of Living – Audrey Sutton advised that the next regular report on the Cost of Living would be presented to the Cabinet in May 2023. A copy of this report will be shared with the Board also for information. Action: A Sutton 3. Health and Wellbeing Alliance Malcolm McPhail provided the Board with an update on the work of the Health and Wellbeing Alliance. M McPhail highlighted that the Covid-19 pandemic, energy crisis and cost of living crisis has accelerated the appetite for local authorities and their partners to look at leisure services more broadly and re-examine purpose of their provision. The key consideration is aligning the broader strategic outcomes, particularly Health and Wellbeing. In North Ayrshire, the establishment of the Health and Wellbeing Alliance (HWBA) by consensus is the chosen approach to actively deploy transformational change in relation to strategy, partnership relationships, programming and monitoring. M McPhail advised that a HWBA Steering Group has been formed and is making good progress in shaping the landscape for the new HWBA Board. The Terms of Reference for the Board have generally been accepted with a few minor adjustments to be approved. It is anticipated that the Steering Group will be looking to establish the HWBA Board by mid-summer and the Working Group soon after with initial pilot programmes in place by late summer/early autumn. The key aim of this work is to support all public services in North Ayrshire to be access wellbeing through: • Identifying what is needed to target services, transform workforces and physical assets into Key Alliance partners. • Identify how public leisure can pivot to support prevention and self-management of priority long term conditions through active wellbeing. • Bring together the knowledge from all parts of the system, all roles, and localities so the solutions are designed by the many, for the many in order to maximise best fit for the range of N.A needs (scalability) and optimize uptake (sustainability). • Using meaningful data to articulate service usage and capture effects on this new whole systems approach and how this adjustment has the potential to create transformation. Develop a set of KPI’s that then measures these changes at a population level. • Articulating issues, immediate risks and opportunities facing public services delivery partners within the alliance. • Identify practical steps to reduce costs, improve efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability. 67
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M McPhail then shared a short video with the Board highlighting the impacts KA Leisure have made within the community. Thelma Bowers commented that having a collective knowledge will ensure this work is sustainable and will have the biggest impact for people in North Ayrshire. Kaileigh Brown asked M McPhail how could some smaller grassroots groups and organisations get involved? M McPhail highlighted that this is something that has been raised at the Steering Group and the Team have been reaching out to Third Sector Agencies directly. Audrey Sutton commented that in the past this work operated via Active Community Strategic Partnership which links in the smaller groups such as community sports clubs. M McPhail and Lesley Forsyth are in the process of re-energising this partnership which will sit alongside the HWBA. Faroque Hussain asked M McPhail asked whether there has been any benchmarking and learning from other areas across the UK, such as Coventry who have adopted a health and wellbeing strategy. M McPhail commented that from discussions he has had with other organisations across the UK, North Ayrshire’s propose model and scaling this up from pilot to core delivery is where the impact will be felt. The Chair thanked M McPhail for his update. 4. Police and Fire Wellbeing Police Scotland Derek Frew provided the Board with an update on Police Scotland’s approach to wellbeing. D Frew advised that through the journey taken with Police Scotland’s trauma informed work and do things with compassion, kindness and lead to better outputs in the community Community Wellbeing is part of Local Police Plan and there are two dedicated officers to this support this work in North Ayrshire and deliver better outcomes. PCs Fiona Gibson and George Bradbury carry out a phenomenal amount of work around wellbeing in North Ayrshire. The Campus officers also link in with this work, with an officer based in each of the secondary schools (excluding Arran) to support young people. D Frew also commented that Police Scotland have a mental health resolution team to support people in an active way, getting direct support from mental health practitioners. This in turn can reduce demand on not only the Police but other services. PCs Gibson and Bradbury proactively engage with children’s houses once/twice per week. They engage with the staff and young people and explain the importance of managing safety. D Frew highlighted that two years ago, 175 young people were reported as missing from children houses, within the last year this has reduced to 85. This shows the positive impact the work PCs Gibson and Bradbury have made. D Frew highlighted that over last two months they have carried out 42 engagements with wide range of people to get better outcomes and pathways and they are also proactively supporting people and looking at ways to collectively come together for better outcomes. Scottish Fire and Rescue Ian McMeekin with an update on Scottish Fire and Rescue’s approach to wellbeing. 68
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I McMeekin advised the Board that Scottish Fire and Rescue purpose is to work in partnership with organisations to improve the safety and wellbeing in our communities. In North Ayrshire there are 75 whole time employees, 144 on call employees and a dedicated community action team. Through working in partnership SFRS have focussed on who are our communities and issues impacting our communities. SFRS have also brought in a number of agencies to speak with staff around a wide range of topics such as domestic violence and dementia. This ensures officers understand community needs through the lens of the agencies working with those groups closely. I McMeekin advised the Board that a new revised Local Fire Plan for North Ayrshire is in development. I McMeekin highlighted that in terms of land and assets in North Ayrshire, there are 14 community fire stations. There has been investment in creating community gardens at community fire stations alongside the Green Health Partnership. Three safe spaces have been created across Ayrshire with the North Ayrshire base being Kilwinning Community Fire Station. I McMeekin highlighted that in terms of employability development activity: • they have launched a second youth volunteer scheme in Ayrshire which looks at supporting young carers and care experienced young people. • Linking in with Ayrshire College with the uniformed services course. • Delivering CPR training • Step into Business – first member of staff joining next week and working 2.5 days per week for six months contract to learn new skills and build confidence. • Reinvigorate the positive steps for partners programme with TACT. I McMeekin advised that around 800 home safety visits were carried out over the last three-quarter period in North Ayrshire. The main cause of accidental dwelling fires is relating to cooking, visits include information on this also. All stations across Ayrshire now have crisis boxes to support people in crisis. In terms of next steps there is a need to let innovation grow within the Service and have the ability to link with different fora is key. Thelma Bowers commented that there is a phenomenal amount of community prevention work taken place and how the police triage pathway has helped shape the vision for mental health assessment hub at Woodland View to help prevent hospital admission. Craig Hatton commented that he really welcomes this work and reflects what we are about as a Community Planning Partnership. Chair thanked both D Frew and I McMeekin and commented that the role of Police and Fire is less traditional and contribution both organisations make to the local community is amazing. 5. Cost of Living and Child Poverty Audrey Sutton provided the Board with a presentation on Child Poverty and Cost of Living. A Sutton advised the Board that North Ayrshire’s approach to Child Poverty and Cost of Living has been participative with communities and partners. It has been agreed that there will be shared responsibility for actions with some being thematic and locality based. Child Poverty and Cost of Living Board sits at the heart of the work we do. The last report provided to Cabinet and the North Ayrshire IJB on this work, there was a commitment to make a step change. The strategic actions within the Child Poverty and Cost of Living work based 69
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on mini-enquires has meant that through the Community Planning Partnership the team have been able to design actions which (a) form the critical mass of the work we do together and (b) add to the work we can individually do as partners. A Sutton highlighte the regular overview to the CPP Board with an invitation to all Partners to contribute to this report. A Sutton advised the Board that in terms of progress, the mini enquiry action plans have been drafted based on the three thematic approaches: - No Wrong Door, Employability, Food and two locality approaches; – North Ayrshire Islands: Arran and Cumbrae. A Sutton advised that an invitation from the Council Leader will be issued to Partners to pledge their support to the No Wrong Door. A Sutton highlighted that the Council are developing a ‘tell us once’ approach where information is shared between services and partners to prevent duplication alongside automation of benefits and the use of data. A Sutton highlighted that in terms of resources being developed for all partners: • Postcards for use by all partners • Video case studies • Roadshows in localities – welcome support of all partners • Support Q&As ext steps: • Review of mini-enquiry action plans with partners • Report on progress • Identify appropriate KPIs • Child Poverty Report and Action Plan to Cabinet, IJB and CPP Board before summer recess • Locality mini-enquiries and local action plans. Thelma Bowers commented that having the collective evidence and data will help prioritise and target our approach accordingly around this work. Craig Hatton commented on the importance of data that improves outcomes for the people in North Ayrshire. The Chair thanked A Sutton for her update. 6. LOIP Action Plan Jacqueline Greenlees provided the Board with a presentation on the development of the LOIP 2022 -2030 Action Plan. J Greenlees advised the Board of the key focus for each of the LOIP priorities: Wellbeing • Addressing inequalities • Enabling Community Wellbeing Work • Increase employment. • Developing volunteering • Better support for young people to develop the skills they need to play a strong role in our local economy. 70
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World • Work together to reduce carbon emissions. • Increase Active Travel • Increase carbon literacy with our organisations and communities. J Greenlees highlighted that in term of reporting arrangements it is proposed that: • There will be a performance focused special CP SOG meeting every 6 months to discuss progress on LOIP measures, actions, achievements, and gaps with an update on the outcome delivered to the Board. • Thematic reports continue regularly to CPSOG and Board • Power BI dashboard to be developed for the Impact Measurement Tool, with detailed performance report available for circulation. • Overarching CPP Performance Report published annually. • Refresh of Locality Partnership Achievement documents annually The Board agreed to this approach. Action: J Greenlees J Greenlees highlighted that in terms of next steps, measures are to be agreed with partners for LOIP Impact Measurement Tool. This will be done virtually. Annual reports are under development for last year of LOIP 17-22 and first year of LOIP 22-30. The Chair thanked J Greenlees for her update. 7. Partner Updates Scottish Fire and Rescue - Ian McMeekin advised that the industrial action ballot mentioned at the December meeting was averted. Scottish Partnership for Transport – Allan Comrie highlighted that the uptake for the under 22 bus travel was saving the average family over its lifetime around £3000. The Chair commented that the difference this initiative has made to families was mentioned at mini enquires. NHS Ayrshire and Arran – Ruth Mellor highlighted that with the implementation on the United Nations Rights of the Child coming into place, is there is anything CPP should be doing together. The Chair welcomed this. 8. AOCB No other business was discussed. The next meeting of the North Ayrshire CPP Board will be held on Thursday 22 June at 11.30 am in the Council Chambers, Cunninghame House, Irvine. 71
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