NAC 221214 LeadersReport
North Ayrshire Council · 14 December 2022
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 14 December 2022 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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LEADER’S REPORT For the period covering: 24 October – 4 December 2022 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.
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 1 LEADER’S REPORT For the period covering: 24 October – 4 December 2022 COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING COMMISSION MEETING, 26 October On 26 October I chaired a meeting of the Community Wealth Building Commission. Attendees received various presentations on - Land and Assets Workstream - Procurement Workstream Update - Ayrshire Growth Deal Community Wealth Building Fund - Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy Following a meeting of the Lead Officers Working Group (LOWG) in August 2022, it was agreed that the LOWG would initially focus on three workstreams: Procurement, Fair Employment and Land and Assets. The LOWG includes relevant officers from Commission Members (and wider regional Anchor Institutions as required) who are responsible for progressing CWB actions and will report on progress to the Commission. The Commission will meet again on 13 December. LIVING WAGE VISITS, 27 October On 27 October, in the run up to Living Wage Week 2022 (week beginning 14 November), I was delighted to visit two organisations recognised as Accredited Real Living Wage Employers, 1st Alliance Community Bank in Kilwinning and North Ayrshire Women’s Aid. Paying staff the Real Living Wage is always important but even more so now given the current cost-of-living crisis with many families struggling to make ends meet. Both organisations realise the benefits to both employers and employees with higher staff morale and better productivity as staff feel valued and supported by their employer. North Ayrshire Council has paid the Real Living Wage since 2011 and once again this year has committed to paying its staff the new rate of £10.90 per hour.
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 2 COSLA CONVENTION, 28 October On 28 October I attended the COSLA Convention where Convention delegates were asked to approve appointments to outside bodies. Delegates were also asked to consider and agree the new COSLA Plan drafted earlier this year in June. The Plan covering 2022 – 2027 presents a high-level framework setting out the strategic direction and ambitions for COSLA for the current Local Government term and is based on the Blueprint for Local Government, as agreed previously by Convention. COSLA LEADERS, 28 October Later on 28 October I attended a meeting of COSLA Leaders where attendees discussed a packed agenda including the following items: • Local Government Finance Update • Accounts Commission – Future Engagement • 16 Days of Action Against Gender Based Violence • Free School Meals • Ukraine • COSLA & Improvement Service Partnership Working • Health and Social Care Winter Planning 2022-23 PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY STATE FOR SCOTLAND MEETING, 2 November On 2 November, together with North Ayrshire Council Chief Executive, Craig Hatton, I had an introductory meeting with the Parliamentary Under Secretary State for Scotland, Lord Offord to discuss several issues including Levelling Up and the failed STEP bid at Ardeer. NHS PERFORMANCE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE, 3 November On 3 November I attended an NHS Performance Governance Committee where members discussed various financial management reports and financial planning for the foreseeable future.
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 3 “THE PROMISE” AWAY DAY, 4 November I was delighted to be invited along to “The Promise” Away Day on 4 November and to welcome the Scottish Government Minister for Children and Young People, Clare Haughey who came along to deliver the keynote speech. It was an informative event with much discussion on what has been done so far in North Ayrshire to keep The Promise - ensuring that we are doing everything we can to ensure every careexperienced child grows up feeling loved, safe and respected so they can realise their full potential. Thanks to all the speakers and to those involved in making the day such a success, but a special word of thanks to Oisín King and Tasha Gills, who did a brilliant job of being the young hosts for the duration of the Conference. NHS GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MEETING, 7 November I attended an NHS Ayrshire and Arran Governance Committee meeting on 7 November where attendees received updates on the following: • Ayrshire Mental Health Conversation (AMHC) and discussion on Priorities and Outcomes 2019-2027 Patient Safety • Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAI) report • Quality and Safety report – Neonatal There was also discussion around various reporting relating to Annual Governance reports. JOINT YOUTH CABINET MEETING, 8 November On 8 November, North Ayrshire Council Cabinet Members attended a Joint Youth Cabinet meeting at Redburn Community Centre in Irvine. The meeting was well attended with pupils from our schools with discussion themes on the following: • Police Scotland and Wellbeing Support for Young People • Supporting the Needs of Young People Disengaging from Education • Young People and Families Affected by the Cost of Living • Public Health and Young People • Young Peoples Voice – Communities and Schools As always, I am proud of the interest shown by our young people in current and local affairs. These meetings provide the opportunity for our young people to raise concerns with Cabinet
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 4 members and senior officers but, more importantly, it allows Cabinet members to listen to their views on a range of matters. Thank you to all the young people who took part and for their valuable contribution in making the day such a success. TACKLING CHILD POVERTY – EMPLOYABILITY WORKSHOP, 15 November I attended an Employability Workshop at Whitlees Community Centre in Ardrossan on 15 November. The workshop was part of the continued strategy of the Tackling Child Poverty Board of which I am Chair. The aim of the workshop was to look at what was being done well in our communities, look at where things could be improved and to highlight any gaps in services. The three key drivers of child poverty are income from employment, income from social security and the cost of living. As a local authority, we are determined to make sure that residents are aware of the support that is available to them from North Ayrshire Council and our partner organisations. It was great to have everyone coming together, to share ideas at what we can do better by identifying challenges and barriers. I would like to thank everyone who attended and a special word of thanks to Laura Neil, Senior Manager for Employability at North Ayrshire Council for her input. TACKLING CHILD POVERTY BOARD MEETING, 16 November I Chaired a meeting of the Tackling Child Poverty Board on the 16 November where much of the discussion focused on the outcomes from the “No Wrong Door” mini enquiry and an updated Cost of Living report. Actions from the “No Wrong Door” Officer Workshop and Mini Public Enquiry identified potential gaps in provision and opportunities to improve our delivery for our residents. It is hoped to identify leads and specific timescales for each action subject to approval by the Child Poverty and Cost of Living Board. These will then form the basis of our Child Poverty Action Plan 2023-26. OFFICIAL OPENING OF BRATHWIC TERRACE, 18 November I travelled to Arran on the 18 November to attend the official opening of the new housing development at Brathwic Terrace in Brodick. The new 34-unit development provides high
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 5 quality and modern general needs houses, amenity bungalows and homes for wheelchair users. KIRKING OF THE COUNCIL PARADE AND SERVICE, 20 November On 20 November I attended the Kirking of the Council Parade and Church service together with other Elected Members, senior officers from North Ayrshire Councils and representatives for the clergy and other community groups. OFFICIAL OPENING OF HARPER HOUSE, 21 November I was delighted to be invited by Phoenix Futures Charity to the official opening of Harper House in Saltcoats on 21 November. Officially opened by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Harper House was awarded £8 million in Scottish Government grant funding last year to establish a family rehabilitation service, accepting referrals from across Scotland. The facility can support up to 20 families at any one time for placements between three and six months long, meaning up to 80 families will be supported annually. The service is designed to make it easier for parents to access treatment by allowing them to care for their family while in recovery with the help of the Centre’s staff who support child development, parenting skills and the overall health and wellbeing of all family members. NHS AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE MEETING, 23 November On 23 November I attended the NHS Audit and Risk Committee meeting where attendees received a detailed presentation on Counter Fraud and reviewed some internal audit reports. Counter Fraud Services (CFS) receive referrals directly from members of the public, via Crimestoppers or through contact with NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s Fraud Liaison Officer. The presentation also highlighted some of the work from International Fraud Awareness Week which ran from 13-19 November. CFS provided excellent promotional materials helping to raise awareness of personal and organisational fraud prevention for all NHS staff at a time of financial pressure. COSLA LEADERS, 25 November I attended a meeting of COSLA Leaders on 25 November, where Leaders discussed a packed Agenda covering the following items: • Presidential Statement – 16 Days of Action Against Gender Based
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 6 • Revised COSLA Plan 2022-2027 • Barriers to Elected Office • Ukraine • Scottish Attainment Challenge • National Care Service- Mental Health, Neurodiversity and Dementia • Additional Cost of Living Support – DHP route proposal • COSLA Governance Meetings 2023 • Asylum and humanitarian protection The United Nation international 16 Days of Action against gender-based violence runs annually from 25 November through to 10 December. COSLA participates in this campaign with the action plan for 2022 approved by the Community Wellbeing Board. COSLA marked the first day of the 16 Days of Action on 25 November 2022 with an opening Presidential statement by COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, aligned to this year’s ‘What Next‘ theme. The North Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership has developed a robust action plan and communication framework in support of the campaign which will run throughout the 16 days of action. NHS BOARD MEETING, 28 November I attended an NHS Board meeting on 28 November where attendees received an update from the Chief Executive and presentations on the following Healthcare associated infection (HCAI) Women and children’s services - neonatal Corporate Governance learning and improvement plan The Board also discussed key issues arising from the various committees including the Audit and Risk Committee, Healthcare Governance Committee, Information Governance Committee, Integrated Governance Committee and the Performance Governance Committee. TACKLING CHILD POVERTY – EMPLOYABILITY MINI ENQUIRY, 28 November On 28 November I attended the Employability Mini Enquiry as part of the continued work of the Tackling Child Poverty Board. The event held at Saltcoats Town Hall was attended by many of our partners, including NHS, CEIS and representatives from community groups and the Third Sector.
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 7 Tackling poverty, in particular child poverty, is one of our key priorities in North Ayrshire. The responsibility for leading this work and for reporting to Scottish Government in relation to child poverty lies with North Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire and Arran. This event enabled attendees to take part in a discussion to understand how residents, especially families, are supported into fair work. The focus was on what areas are working well, identified areas for improvement and gaps in work. Again, I would like to thank all the attendees for taking the time to come along and participate in the discussions. 1ST TIER JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING AND HEALTH AND CORPORATE HEALTH AND SAFETY GROUP MEETING, 1 December On 1 December I chaired a meeting of the 1st Tier Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meeting and the Corporate Health and Safety Group. Attendees at the 1st Tier JCC meeting were provided with an update on the support available to North Ayrshire communities to cope with rising energy costs. There was also an update on the Under 22 free bus travel scheme and the uptake by young people throughout North Ayrshire. Attendees at the Corporate Health and Safety Group meeting received an update on the LiveWell Healthy Working Lives Programme. The LiveWell Group continues to promote wellbeing activities and campaigns via a range of communication channels and is split into four key themes which are PlayWell, BeWell, WorkWell and EatWell. During September 2022, a fifth theme called SaveWell was added to the LiveWell programme. AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING, 2 December On 2 December I Chaired a meeting of the Ayrshire Shared Services Committee where attendees received an update on the Ayrshire Civil Contingencies Plan. The Ayrshire Civil Contingencies team (ACCT) Service Plan for 2023 has provided the civil contingencies services on behalf of the three Ayrshire Councils since it was established in 2008. The team has a responsibility to ensure the provision of the key requirements on behalf of the North, South and East Ayrshire Councils. FINALLY
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LEADER’S REPORT • • • 8 On behalf of all the Elected Members, I would like to thank all the staff in North Ayrshire Council for their invaluable work during the year and for their continued support in helping to deliver on a range of Council priorities. In these challenging times, I hope that everyone can enjoy their Christmas with friends and loved ones. Councillor Marie Burns Leader of North Ayrshire Council