Agenda Document Pack - Enterprise and Fair Work Committee - 29/08/2025
North Lanarkshire Council · 29 August 2025
Back to Enterprise and Fair Work Committee — 29 August 2025 and its agenda
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Clerk Name: Clare Louise McDonald Clerk Telephone: 07350 435308 Clerk Email: committee@northlan.gov.uk 20 August 2025 Members of the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee Chief Executive’s Office Rachel Blair Chief Officer (Legal & Democratic) Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell ML1 1AB www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk Notice is given that a Meeting of the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee is to be held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell, ML1 1AB on Friday, 29 August 2025 at 10:00 AM which you are requested to attend. The agenda of business is attached. Rachel Blair Chief Officer (Legal & Democratic) Members : A McVey, F McKay, M Boyd, A Bustard, J Cairns, D Crichton, G Currie, P Di Mascio, K Docherty, A Duffy-Lawson, H Dunbar, W Goldie, H Gray, A Khan, J Leckie, F MacGregor, A Masterton, B McCulloch, M McPake, L Mitchell, L Nolan, G Robinson, R Sullivan, A Thomas, C Williams. Page 1 of 128
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Agenda 1 Declarations of Interest In Terms of the Ethical Standards In Public Life Etc. (Scotland) Act 2000 Operational 2 City Deal Programme Update Submit report by the Chief Officer (Place) informing of the current status of North Lanarkshire City Deal Infrastructure Programme and its subprojects. 5 - 16 3 North Lanarkshire Town Centre Retail Business Fund Submit report by the Chief Officer (Place) seeking approval to introduce the pilot grant funding programme 'North Lanarkshire Town Centre Retail Fund' during 2025/26, to support businesses located within North Lanarkshire's town centres. 17 - 24 4 Environmental Key Fund Update Submit report by the Chief Officer (Place) providing an update on the delivery of the Environmental Key Fund (EKF) and Blacklaw Windfarm Community Benefit Funds, received from Scottish Power Renewables. 25 - 34 5 Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan and Performance Framework – Annual Progress Report Submit report by the Chief Officer (Place) providing an update on progress made towards the implementation and delivery of North Lanarkshire's Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan (ERDP) and associated Action Plan. 35 - 84 6 North Lanarkshire Employer Charter Submit report by the Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) highlighting the work of North Lanarkshire Employer Charter. 85 - 94 Page 3 of 128
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7 UK Shared Prosperity Fund Employability Programmes Submit report by the Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice and Integrated Practice) detailing the implementation and performance of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund employability programmes delivered over 2023/24 and 2024/25 and how this supports the design and delivery of the current programme. 95 - 102 Performance 8 City Deal Programme – Community Benefits Delivery Update Submit report by the Chief Officer (Place) providing an update on the delivery of community benefits related to the City Deal Programme over financial year 2024/25. 103 - 112 9 Lanarkshire Business Gateway – Performance Report Submit report by the Chief Officer (Place) providing an overview of the activities and performance achieved during the first year of an in-house delivery model of the Business Gateway Lanarkshire service. 113 - 124 Contracts 10 Contract Awards Below Committee Approval Threshold Submit report by the Chief Officer (Assets and Procurement) advising of the contracts awarded since the last meeting of the committee. 125 - 128 Page 4 of 128
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Enterprise and Fair Work Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☐ Yes ☒ No Ref LN/PH Date 29/08/25 City Deal Programme Update From Pamela Humphries, Chief Officer (Place) E-mail NobleLy@northlan.gov.uk Telephone Lyndsay Noble 07970 016256 Executive Summary The North Lanarkshire City Deal Programme Update Report seeks to inform the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee of the current status of North Lanarkshire City Deal Infrastructure Programme and its subprojects. Recommendations It is recommended that the Committee: (1) Acknowledges the status and recent progress of North Lanarkshire City Deal infrastructure subprojects and revised Programme. (2) Agrees to support the submission of the Ravenscraig Phase 1 Enabling Commercial Spaces Project to the Glasgow City Region Director of Regional Economic Growth for approval. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve economic opportunities and outcomes Ambition statement (5) Grow and improve the sustainability and diversity of North Lanarkshire's economy Programme of Work Transforming Places Item 2 Page 5 of 128
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1. Background 1.1 The Glasgow City Region (GCR) City Deal is an agreement between the UK and Scottish Governments and the eight GCR Local Authorities, with the sole focus of creating additional economic growth. The 20-year GCR Deal was accepted by GCR Council Leaders on 20 August 2014 and incorporated: • implementing a £1.13bn Infrastructure Fund to improve the regional transport network, regenerate sites for economic use and improve public transport provision; • supporting growth in the life sciences sector; • helping small and medium enterprises to grow and develop; • establishing programmes to support the unemployed; and • piloting new ways of boosting the incomes of low wage employees. 1.2 As Committee is aware, a strategic review and prioritisation of all projects within the North Lanarkshire City Deal programme has been carried out and formed part of the consideration of the council’s Strategic Capital Investment Programme 2024/25 to 2028/29 approved by Policy & Strategy Committee on 14 March 2024. 1.3 The review of City Deal Programme was to ensure the Programme remained fit for purpose and aligned to the Plan for North Lanarkshire and Programmes of Work and to manage project delivery and, importantly, to assess cost pressures on the projects. Following Committee approval in May 2024 and Glasgow City Region Cabinet approval in August 2024, the revised Programme now allows for a stronger focus on strategic connectivity, and new road infrastructure to enable regeneration and development. 1.4 The City Deal Programme for North Lanarkshire, as part of the infrastructure fund comprises the following sub projects: • A8/M8 Corridor Access Improvements o Strategic Active Travel o Orchard farm Roundabout • Glenboig Link Road (complete) • Pan-Lan Orbital Transport Corridor o East Airdrie Link Road o Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure South (Motherwell to Ravenscraig and Airbles Road Improvements) o Motherwell Town Centre Transport Interchange (complete) 2. Report East Airdrie Link Road 2.1 As Committee is aware, the East Airdrie Link Road (EALR) will provide a new strategic link between the M8 and south of Cumbernauld. The proposed link road will also provide access to the Monklands Replacement Hospital at Wester Moffat, Airdrie. The EALR project team continue to liaise with NHS Lanarkshire through regular technical meetings and a Project Interface Board provides governance around coordination, manage risk, secure efficiencies, and maximise benefits. Page 6 of 128
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2.2 With the approval of the EALR Outline Business Case in August 2024 and the project in DMRB Stage 3 (preliminary design and planning), the agreed programme is progressing at pace with the final road alignment design being concluded by the end of 2025. Engagement with stakeholders, survey work and further design, has allowed a greater focus on the positioning of the road structures, better integration of the new road with local roads, and importantly, more refinement of the alignment to lessen the impact on land, ecology, landscape and woodland. The current road proposal now comprises a well-defined road alignment including structures, associated road infrastructure and interfaces with the local road network. 2.3 An additional access to the proposed hospital at Wester Moffat, namely the Towers Road link, has been identified by the council and NHS Lanarkshire as an option that offers the Monklands Hospital and the EALR significant benefits. The Policy and Strategy Committee (June 2025) approved the inclusion of the Towers Road link into the wider East Airdrie Road Link Project (subject to conclusion of viability assessment and funding). 2.4 This link from Towers Road to the EALR offers additional construction access to both projects, provides a corridor for some of the hospital’s public utilities but more importantly, will create a second permanent direct route to the hospital for patients, staff, public transport, active travel and emergency services and a valuable east west link for the EALR to enhance the connectivity to the local road network. The Towers Road link also benefits the immediate local road network with road improvements to Towers Road. The link would divert hospital-related traffic away from other local roads, with the potential to relieve pressure on existing junctions in particular at the A89. Detailed traffic modelling is taking place and will form part of the Environmental Impact Assessment supporting the Planning Application. 2.5 A Pre-Application Notice (PAN) for the EALR was submitted in May 2025, in advance of the planning application for the Link Road proposal being submitted late 2025. The statutory consultation which comprised the EALR including the Towers Road Link, as part of the PAN, has taken place over summer with a second consultation planned for autumn 2025. The in-person consultation was well attended and provided an opportunity for the project team to discuss the latest proposals with local residents, landowners and other interested parties. The 3 in person consultation events were supported by an online consultation that ran for 8 weeks between 16 June and 10 August 2025. Both have allowed further consultation on the proposed road alignment and comments to be considered and incorporated into the design where possible. 2.6 The outcome of the Pre Application Notice and Pre Application Consultation will lead to a third and final road alignment design being concluded to allow for the submission of the planning application. 2.7 To support the design work and planning application, environmental surveys continue to take place across the extent of the proposed link road. Additional Ground Investigation work will take place from August to November 2025 to confirm the final design and structure locations. It will also inform the construction methodology for the link road and provide further certainty of construction costs and overall project budget. 2.8 As reported previously, the council will require to acquire the land to construct the EALR. As the road alignment becomes finalised, this allows the land take required to be better understood and for the land strategy to be implemented. Given the scale and length of the EALR, the number of landowners is substantial and the risk of acquiring Page 7 of 128
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all the land at the same time is considered by the EALR project team to be of a level that will require a compulsory purchase order (CPO). 2.9 It is intended to bring further information back to Committee on the land strategy including the potential for voluntary acquisition and CPO for the EALR. In time, a proposal for consideration and approval to promote a CPO for the necessary land for the link road delivery would be submitted to this Committee. Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure 2.10 As committee is aware, the Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure project, following the removal of the RAI N sub project, now comprises 2 sub projects: • a new road connection between Motherwell and Ravenscraig from Airbles Road, passing under the West Coast Main Line railway, and on to the Regional Sports Facility • completing the dualling of Airbles Road between Airbles Farm Road and Hamilton Road and improving facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. 2.11 The first phase of work comprised the demolition of the buildings acquired for the road scheme – at Manse Road (formerly Cook & Indis and Yesss Electrical), the former Evans Halshaw dealership and the adjacent vacant commercial unit at Windmillhill Street. The demolition works are now complete, and the sites have been secured. 2.12 With the former Evans Halshaw site being cleared, a temporary car park for North Lanarkshire Council employees has been created. This parking facility (in the region of 100 spaces) provides much needed car parking for the council. It is proposed that it will be available for approximately 18 months. Providing this temporary car parking arrangement, should take the pressure for parking away from local residential streets and town centre car parks. This car park however will be removed when the site is needed for the link road into Ravenscraig. 2.13 A Value Engineering Review has taken place to ensure the design and layout of the Motherwell to Ravenscraig road link remains fit for purpose and links in with ambitions across the road network especially the Motherwell to Ravenscraig and Wishaw Corridor, and to where possible, improve drainage provision to support wider development opportunities for Motherwell and Ravenscraig. The Review was also an opportunity to examine the design and construction methods to manage costs and where possible create efficiencies in the delivery phases to minimise disruption and impact on the town centre. 2.14 The Value Engineering Review has identified the need for further design work to maximise the infrastructure. The detailed design will allow us to progress the main works contract and form the basis for taking forward the enabling works. As reported previously the enabling work comprise accommodation works, service diversions and land remediation within Ravenscraig. Further information on the detailed design will be reported to future committees. 2.15 Environmental and geotechnical surveys have been commissioned to build on the work to date and support the detailed design and delivery of the works. It is also intended to commission noise and air quality surveys. Page 8 of 128
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2.16 It is also intended to carry out a public consultation in late August/September on the proposed changes following the Value Engineering Review. This builds on the local member briefing that has taken place prior to summer. 2.17 This RAI S programme will be continuously reviewed and updated. The programme for the proposed remaining works phases currently is: • Enabling works - November 25 to September 2026 • Main Works – October 2026 to August 2027 2.18 These dates may change to allow for further design work, to facilitate the efficient delivery of the enabling works and main works and to co-ordinate with other planned works within Motherwell to minimise disruption. Committee will be updated of any changes to the programme in due course. 2.19 Design work will continue for the Airbles Road Improvements with the delivery of the works now programmed for February 2028 to March 2029 as per the approval at the May Committee 2024. A8/M8 Corridor Strategic Active Travel 2.20 2.3.1 The provision of 10km of Strategic Active Travel Links, connecting Eurocentral/Maxim Office Park/Newhouse and Mossend to surrounding local communities and local rail stations was approved by GCR Cabinet on 30 August 2022 as the new preferred option for the Eurocentral sub-project. 2.21 The routes identified are to the south of Eurocentral between Bellshill Rail Station/town centre and the M8 cycle route at North Road; Bellshill town centre, Mossend and Holytown, connecting into Eurocentral from Holytown and between Holytown and Newhouse. 2.22 To the north of Eurocentral, a route has also been identified from Whifflet rail station to the M8 cycle route at Shawhead. These routes are designated as Strategic Network Routes within the North Lanarkshire Active Travel Strategy. 2.23 The routes importantly link with other planned active travel route improvements as part of the East Airdrie Link Road project and with other projects under the Active Travel Strategy being taken forward by the Infrastructure and Transportation team. 2.24 Due to the scale of the project, a phased approach will be taken to design and delivery. Detailed design work is well under way and will be progressed over 2024 and 2025. 2.25 The delivery programme has been adjusted to take into account the need to undertake additional topographical survey work to ensure detailed design information is robust prior to issue of works tenders. Subject to Committee agreement, it is now proposed to submit a first phase Full Business Case in April 2026. It would be intended to commence construction in June 2026, with completion of the first phase of work by November 2026. Enabling Commercial Spaces Project (ECSP) 2.26 As Committee agreed in May 2025, £11,287,602 of City Deal funding through the Glasgow City Region (GCR) Enabling Commercial Spaces Programme was allocated to support projects at Ravenscraig and Westfield Point, Cumbernauld to be delivered Page 9 of 128
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by Fusion Assets. It has now been confirmed by the GCR that both these projects can proceed to Full Business Case. This funding is to support economic growth by addressing market failure, creating flexible business space, providing opportunities for employment and attracting inward investment. 2.27 It is proposed to take forward the overall North Lanarkshire Enabling Commercial Space project in 3 sub projects - Ravenscraig phase one and two and Westfield Point. The 3 sub projects will be submitted as 3 separate Full Business Cases. This approach has been adopted by other City Deal projects and aids programme, cost and risk management. 2.28 To secure approval to move forward with the main works of the Phase 1 Ravenscraig ECSP a Full Business Case (FBC) is now being prepared and will be required to be submitted to the Glasgow City Region. Ravenscraig Phase 1 comprises new build construction of 2 buildings totalling 29,210sq ft. The detail design is underway and subject to FBC approval, it is proposed that the works would commence in January 2026 and anticipated to be complete by February 2027. 2.29 It is proposed to submit the Ravenscraig phase 1 FBC to the GCR Project Management Office for evaluation and, subject to a positive recommendation, approval by the Director of Regional Economic Growth under delegated approval arrangements in Autumn 2025. Committee is therefore asked to support the submission of the FBC which will reflect the previously reported scope, timescales and estimated works value of up to £4.5m. It is proposed that c£3m of the £11.2m of City Deal Funding is allocated to Ravenscraig phase 1 and supplemented by £1.4m of VDLF. 2.30 Ravenscraig Phase 2 and Westfield Point Full Business Cases will follow over 2026 and 2027 respectively. Agreement will be sought from Committee for submission to the Glasgow City Region in due course. 3. Measures of success 3.1 The North Lanarkshire City Deal Programme construction timescales have been updated following a programme review and approval of the Strategic Capital Investment Programme are as follows (construction only): Glenboig/Gartcosh Community Growth Area: • Glenboig Link Road – May 2017 to June 2018 (complete) Pan Lanarkshire Orbital Transport Corridor: • Muir Street – January 2022 to June 2023 (complete) • Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure – March 2022 to March 2029 (no longer including RAI N but including the reprofiling of Airbles Road) • East Airdrie Link Road – May 2028 to Sept 2030 A8/M8 Transport Corridor: • Orchard Farm Roundabout – October 2026 to October 2027 • Eurocentral Strategic Active Travel – June 2026 – August 2027 (delivered in phases) Page 10 of 128
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3.2 The Programme and its sub projects have been developed to ensure that at a North Lanarkshire level, North Lanarkshire’s residents and businesses will directly benefit. 3.3 Each project at Outline Business Case stage and sub-project at Full Business Case stage has to demonstrate how it will deliver the direct and indirect benefits. As part of the business case process, through the Economic Impact Assessment, outputs and wider benefits are identified and are set out in a Benefits Realisation Profile. The Business Cases identify the economic impacts and the Benefits Profile quantify and details when outputs will be delivered and achieved as a result of the specific project investment. 3.4 The benefits will be measured over a 10-year period, reporting as part of the GCR Gateways until 2035. Gateway 2, an onerous review of the completed GCR projects and their outputs and outcomes has concluded successfully which allows for the next 5-year tranche of funding to be released. 3.5 All North Lanarkshire City Deal contracts seek to maximise community benefits from contracts awarded for the Project. Community Benefits will be secured through the procurement of services and works in line with the City Deal Community Benefit Strategy. The Community Benefits will be delivered through the design, planning and implementation phases, through contracts directly awarded by North Lanarkshire Council and where relevant, its partners. The Community Benefits menu within the City Deal Community Benefits Strategy will be used to target benefits that support the Council’s key aims and objectives and deliver against priorities. 3.6 The type and number of community benefits to be delivered at a project and contract level will be determined with reference to the nature and duration of each contract and supplier. Community benefit outcomes for the Project will be linked to the Council’s Single Outcome Agreement and Corporate Outcomes and the relevant local outcomes which underpin these at a Service level. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 No Supporting Documents. Pamela Humphries Chief Officer (Place) Page 11 of 128
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The City Deal Cabinet has agreed that Inclusive Growth is to be fully embedded within the GCR City Deal programme delivery and that it is also committed to supporting the delivery of the Fairer Scotland Action Plan. Future NLC subproject OBC/FBC development will be scrutinised to ensure it meets the duties of the Fairer Scotland Action Plan. If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☒ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Following Committee approval (May 2024) and GCR Cabinet Approval on 6 August 2024, the revised North Lanarkshire Glasgow City Region City Deal Programme is as follows: • Glenboig Link Road £6.2m • A8/M8 Corridor Access Improvements o Orchard Farm £2.2m o Eurocentral Active Travel £4.3m • Pan-Lan Orbital Transport Corridor o East Airdrie Link Road £185.3m o Muir Street £3.8m o Ravenscraig Access £74.2m Infrastructure • Total £276m This is funded £149m by the GCR City Deal Infrastructure Fund and £127m by North Lanarkshire Council. The financial implications of the City Deal Programme will be considered within the council’s Long-term Financial Plan. To date budgetary implications over the next 5 years have been approved by the Policy and Strategy Committee. Page 12 of 128
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5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The City Deal Team work closely with Legal Services on all sub projects focusing on land acquisition and CPO, procurement and contract preparation and management, funding agreements and any other related matters. 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? All infrastructure projects developed by the council as part of the GCR City Deal will be subject to relevant environmental and sustainability appraisal and as part of the design process and subsequent planning application approvals and procurement. Page 13 of 128
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Furthermore, to adhere with HM Treasury Greenbook best practice, each iteration of project business case seeking GCR City Deal funding will include a review of the sustainability considerations, this will include carbon management, involving categorisation, assessment and mitigation. 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The City Deal programme and the delivery of the projects will continue to be promoted through Corporate Communications and the Glasgow City Region’s Communications team. In terms of East Airdrie Link Road, a joint communication plan will be developed with NHS Lanarkshire and North Lanarkshire Council to coordinate communication, stakeholder engagement and promote the projects as they develop. 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? A key risk for the City Deal Programme is the current global economic climate and its short and long term impacts on the delivery of the city deal projects. This risk is becoming a live issue for the Programme and will be assessed and recorded within the City Deal Issues Register. This is not unique to City Deal and the approach to this risk and issue management will be carried out in conjunction with Finance and the Glasgow City Region Project Management Office. Risk management of North Lanarkshire’s City Deal activity is incorporated within the council’s City Deal programme risk register which is reviewed by the City Deal Manager and reported to the council’s City Deal Board. The City Deal risks are also integrated in the Planning and Regeneration Service Risk Register. Each City Deal sub project has a detail risk register and is managed by the Project Manager. 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☐ No ☒ Page 14 of 128
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If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 15 of 128
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Enterprise and Fair Work Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☒ Yes ☐ No Ref PH/CB Date 29/08/25 North Lanarkshire Town Centre Retail Business Fund From Pamela Humphries, Chief Officer (Place) E-mail browncar@northlan.gov.uk Telephone Caroline Brown, Enterprise Development Manager, 07919 483861 Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to outline plans to introduce a pilot grant fund designed to support businesses located within North Lanarkshire’s town centres. The fund will help address the issue of vacant town centre space, stimulate business start-up activity and support business expansion. This will help improve amenity, increase footfall and contribute to re-shaping and creating vibrant town centre environments in line with the Council’s Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan (ERDP) 2023-2028. Recommendations It is recommended that the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee: (1) Acknowledge the transition of retail in a town centre context and the need for targeted grant and business support. (2) Recognise the potential of the fund to stimulate new business creation, support existing business growth as well as employment within North Lanarkshire’s town centres. (3) Approve the proposed North Lanarkshire Town Centre Retail Fund to operate as a pilot programme during the 2025/6 financial year. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve economic opportunities and outcomes Ambition statement (5) Grow and improve the sustainability and diversity of North Lanarkshire's economy Programme of Work Invest in North Lanarkshire Programme of Work Transforming Places Item 3 Page 17 of 128
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1. Background 1.1 In North Lanarkshire the Wholesale, Retail and Repair sector contributes significantly to the local economy. Scottish Government Businesses in Scotland statistics for 2024 indicate that there are 1,510 businesses operating in the sector, employing 20,450 people and generating £4.839billion in turnover. This accounts for 18% of North Lanarkshire’s total business numbers, 21% of North Lanarkshire’s total employment and 28% of the total turnover generated by North Lanarkshire businesses. 1.2 In a North Lanarkshire town centre context, retail is transitioning. As with most other areas in Scotland and the UK, vacancy rates continue to increase as town centres are impacted by out-of-town retail parks and the continued growth in online shopping. North Lanarkshire’s town centres have an average vacancy rate of 17.7%, which is significantly higher than the Scottish average of 12.2%. This vacancy rate is projected to continue to rise as retail continues to fall. This decline has been further accelerated by the impact of COVID and the cost-of-living crisis 1.3 North Lanarkshire Council is committed to re-shaping its towns to ensure they provide modern and attractive centres that meet the needs of local communities. The Council’s Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan (ERDP) 2023-28 details commitment, through the creation of town centre visions and action plans, to address shared commonalities in the need to: • Consolidate retail within our town centres, increase residential footfall and address vacancy through town centre housing development • Promote local access to our town centres through active travel • Establish transport hubs connecting up bus and rail networks • Incorporate proposals for town or community hubs within our town centres and • Create new bespoke gateways to our towns. 1.4 North Lanarkshire has a lower proportion of small enterprises than in Scotland as a whole. The number of new business starts per 10,000 working age population (2023) indicates that there were 49 new starts in North Lanarkshire compared to the Scottish figure of 53. In relation to 3-year business survival rates, over the period 2020- 2023, the North Lanarkshire rate was 54.6% which was lower than the Scottish rate of 56%. Statistics and current economic trends indicate need for support interventions that will help develop North Lanarkshire’s business birth rate and contribute to improving business survival rates. 1.5 Existing business grant schemes administered by North Lanarkshire Council Enterprise team in the current financial year include: • The Business Start-Up Fund – this offers 100% funded grants of up to £1,000 (home based businesses) and up to £3,000 (businesses that will take on commercial premises or employ staff or be VAT registered). The fund is available at pre-start up to 12 months trading stage and can be accessed by a range of business sectors. • The Business Growth Fund - this is targeted to identified key sector industries (excludes retail) and provides 50% grant funding up to £20,000 (Capital Expenditure and Infrastructure Improvement projects), £5,000 (Skills/Workforce development) and £4,000 (Exhibitions/Trade Show attendance). Businesses must be trading for more than 12 months and have reached VAT threshold to apply or demonstrate high growth start-up potential. Page 18 of 128
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2. Report 2.1 It is proposed that the North Lanarkshire Town Centre Retail Fund will operate and be delivered within the current 2025/6 financial year with an allocated budget of £250,000. Eligible town centre areas would include Airdrie, Bellshill, Coatbridge, Cumbernauld, Kilsyth, Motherwell, Shotts and Wishaw. Consideration will also be given to outlying retail cluster areas. 2.2 There will be three routes into the proposed fund to maximise uptake. These include: a) Owners of vacant properties or their representatives where they have a new tenant ready for the premises or are actively in the process of finding one. b) Start-ups who want to lease an empty retail property to establish a new business and c) Existing business owners seeking to expand into a new location or bigger property. 2.3 Retail properties must have been vacant for a minimum period of 3 months to qualify for grant support. There must be a minimum lease term of 12-months in place for the premises at the time of application to the fund. 2.4 Ineligible businesses include, but are not limited to, large national chains (ie. Tesco, Boots, Starbucks), betting shops, sex shops, pawn brokers, tanning salons, tobacconists, vape shops and alcohol-only outlets. Where the leaseholder applying is a social enterprise (including charities), the Council would need to be satisfied that the new venture is income generating and adds to the amenity of the town centre locality. 2.5 Grant awards from the proposed fund will offer up to 50% of project costs for eligible physical works and reconfiguration with a maximum award amount of £20,000 per premise. Remaining project costs would be met by the applicant and/or private investment or sourced from alternative public funds. Only one application per premise may be submitted over the duration of the scheme. 2.6 This fund will support project costs for eligible internal & external works and reconfiguration of ground floor vacant units to enable reoccupation, new commercial activity and support new employment opportunities. Funding can be spent on capital investment only. Revenue or operating costs are not eligible with the exception of directly related architect fee and professional costs. Eligible project costs include: • internal reconfiguration to support new retail, office, work, exhibition space or similar, including room partitioning • installation of permanent WC, kitchen facilities, upgrade of heating, lighting, plumbing, electrics and sales points • permanent flooring • installation or upgrade of fixtures including slat walling and shelving or fittings such as display units or business equipment • internal improvements as recommended on the building’s Energy Performance Certificate • accessibility improvements above and beyond those required to meet legal requirements • external works and improvements (replacement windows and doors, signage and frontages, exterior upgrades). Page 19 of 128
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2.7 The Fund would be used to complete work that enables the premises to become functional, rather than to deliver a bespoke fit out. Two valid quotes will be required for all items of expenditure. Architect fees and professional costs associated with the capital expenditure may be included (10% of total project costs considered maximum). Irrecoverable VAT can be included as an eligible cost. 2.8 The Fund recognises that consents may be required. These could include Planning Permission, Listed building Consent and Building Warrant Approval. Applicants will require to obtain any relevant consents and meet any other legislative requirements prior to commencement of works. This will be a condition of the grant agreement. Statutory consent fees are eligible for grant funding where they clearly relate to the project. 2.9 All new and existing businesses that express interest in the Fund will be directed into Business Gateway Lanarkshire services to access advice and support linked to the project, as well as to be able to apply to the North Lanarkshire Town Centre Retail Fund. This will ensure that grant is awarded as part of a co-ordinated approach, ensuring a wider package of business support is channelled into the business. This will help support business viability and safeguard grant investment to ensure projected economic impacts are realised. 2.10 Applications to the North Lanarkshire Town Centre Retail Business Fund will be appraised by Enterprise team officers, using the same process and compliance checks applied to existing Business Growth and Start Up funds. Decision making on grant awards will be taken at a monthly panel where Enterprise officers and a team manager will discuss recommendations and agree application outcomes. Applicant commitment to Fair Work First employment principles, including payment of the Real Living Wage when employing staff, will be a key criteria of the fund. Businesses will be encouraged to utilise, where possible, local North Lanarkshire trade contractors, helping maximise grant budget spend and impact in our local economy. 2.11 In the event of an application to the Town Centre Retail Fund being declined, the applicant will have the right to appeal the decision and provide additional information to support their case. This must be submitted in writing within 14 days of the grant decline notification being received. 3. Measures of success 3.1 It is projected that the fund will grant support between 12-20 new and existing town centre businesses in North Lanarkshire. Project success will be measured on the basis of: • Number of new businesses supported to start • Number of existing businesses supported to grow • Business start-up and growth turnover projected and achieved within 12 months of grant award • Job creation projected and achieved within 12 months of grant award • Value (£) of grant award spend directed to local North Lanarkshire trade contractor and supplier businesses • Ongoing monitoring and reduction of town centre vacancy rates Additionally, the following North Lanarkshire health check indicators will also be considered to measure success: Page 20 of 128
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C16: Growth in Gross Value Added (GVA) C17: Gross weekly pay (residents) – full time employees C18: % of all people economically active in employment (16-64 years) C19: % of the VAT/PAYE registered business that survive for at least 3 years 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 No supporting documentation Pamela Humphries Chief Officer (Place) Page 21 of 128
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☒ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Funding to support the activity will be met from existing budgets (earmarked reserves). 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 22 of 128
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5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☒ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Support includes grant provision to improve energy efficiency and performance within retail premises. 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The Fund will be actively marketed including the development of marketing materials, online information, social media, case studies, events and engagement with businesses. 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? Risk registers are in place for the service. Key risks include: • Demand for services – past experience, evaluations and continued engagement with businesses demonstrate ongoing demand for services. • Loss of skilled staff • Availability of funding – this is a pilot and may identify / unlock demand that there is no guarantee of servicing in future financial year. However this could also demonstrate need levels to make case for future provision • Prevention of fraud – robust grant appraisal and monitoring checks are in place. Page 23 of 128
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5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☒ Page 24 of 128
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Enterprise and Fair Work Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☐ Yes ☒ No Ref PH/SH Date 29/08/25 Environmental Key Fund Update From Pamela Humphries, Chief Officer of Place E-mail hodges@northlan.gov.uk Telephone Stuart Hodge, Senior Project Manager 07583 091571 Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to provide committee with an update on the delivery of the Environmental Key Fund (EKF) and Blacklaw Windfarm Community Benefit Funds, received from Scottish Power Renewables. These funds are provided to the local communities surrounding the Blacklaw Windfarm such as Shotts and Hartwood. North Lanarkshire Council acts as administrator to the fund and supports the EKF Board which is comprised of representatives from various public and third sector organisations operating within the area. Various projects have, or are soon to benefit from the fund, including Women’s Aid, Paul’s Parcels, and EU Church Shotts, which is currently under construction. The council will continue to work with the EKF Board to promote the fund, and ensure the fund’s aims and objectives are fit for purpose, ensuring we maximise benefit to the eligible local communities that these funds are intended to support. Recommendations It is recommended that Committee: (1) Acknowledges the performance report detailing the delivery of the Environmental Key Fund and the Blacklaw Windfarm Community Benefit Funds. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve economic opportunities and outcomes Ambition statement (16) Transform our natural environment to support wellbeing and inward investment and enhance it for current and future generations Programme of Work Transforming Places Item 4 Page 25 of 128
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1. Background 1.1 The Environmental Key Fund (EKF), established in 2004 and re-launched in June 2009, is an incorporated and enrolled Distributing Environmental Body which is a separate entity from North Lanarkshire Council (NLC). 1.2 The Blacklaw Windfarm was constructed in three phases. To offset any adverse environmental impacts caused by the construction of the windfarm, the EKF was set up to receive payments from Scottish Power Renewables (UK) Ltd to be distributed to community-based projects within the agreed eligible grant area. 1.3 Communities such as Shotts, Hartwood, Allanton and Bonkle are within the eligible grant application zone. A map illustrating the eligible area is provided within Appendix 1 of this report. 1.4 Annual payment transfers were agreed at the outset between Scottish Power Renewables and North Lanarkshire Council as follows: • £1,000 per annum, per megawatt generated from Blacklaw Phase 1 • £2,500 per annum, per megawatt generated from Blacklaw Phase 1b • £5,000 per annum, per megawatt generated from Blacklaw Stage 2 1.5 The council entered into an agreement with Scottish Power Renewables (UK) Ltd in 2006 to act as EKF administrator. Revised agreements followed during the expansion of subsequent extension phases to Blacklaw Windfarm. 1.6 The council’s main administrative roles include overseeing grant applications submitted via the EKF website and to support community groups who intend to submit grant applications or to discuss potential future projects. 1.7 An EKF Board was established to oversee the distribution of the funds generated from Scottish Power Renewables. As part of the council’s administrative roles, support is provided to the board. Board membership includes representatives from Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire (VANL), Green Action Trust (GAT), Getting Better Together Shotts (GBT) and North Lanarkshire Council. 1.8 All website elements and board meetings are arranged by the council along with bank account financial issues. All grant payments are arranged by the council but are signed off by at least two board directors for final payment. At present, there are five board directors, including 1 elected member. 1.9 Since 2018, the EKF has awarded grants totalling £1.3M supporting over 30 local community-based projects throughout the eligible application area. 1.10 The following projects are examples of community projects that received grant award funding: ▪ Shotts Ironworks Bowling Club – this grant award will allow the club established in 1868 to fully replace the clubhouse roof and at the same time install a solar panel system with battery storage facility to allow the club to drastically reduce their energy bills. The club was awarded £104,000 from the EKF. ▪ Shotts Scout Group – the grant awarded allowed the group to install a battery storage conversion system to their existing solar panel system which will allow the Page 26 of 128
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club to save on energy costs. The group received a grant of £4,695 to support this project. Future projects are planned to add to this project. ▪ Friends of Hartwood Cemetery – a very proactive group of volunteers requested grant support for two projects including a composting accessible toilet allowing visitors and volunteers to use on site facilities due to the cemetery’s remote location. The group were awarded £11,000 to pay for the supply and install of the toilet. The second more recent project was for the installation of bee hives within the cemetery to replace hives that were previously removed. The group were awarded £4,120 to complete their project. ▪ Pauls Parcels - is a food poverty prevention charity. The group were awarded £100,000 to support families who live with food poverty/insecurity on a day-to-day basis. By doing this the group help alleviate fuel poverty within the household by freeing up what little funds the families have. To further assist families, Pauls Parcels supply 'heat at home meals' which are pre-cooked healthy, homemade meals, that the family simply have to take home and reheat in the microwave. The group also provide emergency food parcels to those who may need assistance. During the winter period they also run a project called ' Meet, heat and eat'. This is a free homecooked meal, served to everyone who wishes to join them. This part of the project began in 2022 and ran until April 2023. During this period, 4000 lunches were served, free of charge to families. ▪ Bon accord Football Club is a Scottish semi-professional football club established in the Lanarkshire League in 1950. The club were awarded a main grant application of £116,752.00 which allowed them to begin upgrading the facilities at Shotts Bon Accord and offering the use of the grounds to the wider community. Upgrading the facilities allowed the club to develop as a hub for the community. The grounds will host social events, community meetings, and celebrations, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community. Improved facilities can accommodate family- oriented events such as fun days, fairs, and festivals, appealing to a wide range of age groups. Access to the upgraded sports facilities will encourage physical activity, better facilities can support local football leagues and other sports, providing opportunities for residents to engage in regular physical activity. The club will be able to work with community partners to deliver fitness classes, walking football clubs, and other health-related programmes, promoting a healthier lifestyle for the community. ▪ EU Church Shotts – the group were awarded a grant of £110,331 to allow them to create a better, safer access for pedestrians and groups wishing to utilise the church facilities. Better water management was created in the form of a SUDS system with additional tree and shrub planting. ▪ Spotlight Shotts Theatre – a local theatre group were awarded £100,000 to support the development of the group and support the development of local environmental shows highlighting the current environmental issues facing the UK. 2. Report 2.1 There are three EKF grants available to eligible community organisations: • Community Grant – provides support of up to £2,000 per project • Small Grant Fund – provides support of up to £20,000 per project • Blacklaw Windfarm Community Benefit Fund – provides support of up to £100,000 per project Page 27 of 128
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2.2 The EKF recently revisited the three grant funds available and agreed that due to a general increase in costs in relation to material and construction costs the three funds should be increased to new figures as outlined above. This increase would also help support start up projects over more than one year. 2.3 The EKF Small Grant Fund is designed to deliver projects which either: • Helps to develop or improve a public park or other public amenity for leisure or recreational purposes • Conserves or improves biodiversity • Improves or restores a place of worship or listed building or structure • Improves energy efficiency • Reduces fuel poverty 2.4 Applicants to the Blacklaw Windfarm Community Benefit Fund can apply for up to £100,000 of ‘capital’ or ‘revenue’ funding for projects which meet one of the following five objectives: • Objective 1 - providing, maintaining or improving a public park or other community facility (at a single identifiable site) for leisure or recreational purposes. • Objective 2 - protecting or improving the conservation of identified species or habitats (at a single identifiable site) that are recognised in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) or Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP). • Objective 3 - maintaining, repairing or restoring a place of religious worship or a building or structure that has architectural or historical significance. • Objective 4 - encouraging the more efficient use of energy. • Objective 5 - reducing fuel poverty 2.5 The EKF Board also discussed wider issues now facing communities within the Environmental Key Fund area and agreed that these were becoming more urgent to tackle and support following the pandemic and cost of living crisis. These growing issues included tackling social isolation, food poverty and improving outdoor space for health benefits. These new and developing problems now form part of the EKF’s overall objectives. The fund is now not only tackling environmental issues where possible but also groups struggling to regain financial stability following the pandemic. EKF Financial Reporting 2.6 Below is a summary of the funding generated from Blacklaw Windfarm and received from Scottish Power Renewables: Phase 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Phase 1 £7,303 £7,410 £8,074 £9,165 £9559 £9704 Phase 1b £62,691 £63,481 £62,434 £77,798 £80,782 £83,355 Phase 2 £100,412 £101,788 £104,379 £124,894 £129,290 £133,172 Total £170,406 £172,679 £174,887 £211,857 £219,631 £226,231 Page 28 of 128
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2.7 The Environmental Key Fund bank account balance is currently sitting at £729,842. Based on recent expenditure and funds committed to existing and future projects there is approximately £400,000 available. 2.8 Awareness of the potential EKF funds available is raised through the local community boards where an EKF director is included as a standing item on the agenda to discuss and promote what the EKF can support locally. Regular meetings are held with the Community Partnership Team who have a direct link to the local groups within the area. 2.9 Following the completion of each project where possible a plaque is presented to the applicants to erect promoting the EKF’s support. Project Pipeline 2.10 The following projects have not yet commenced but have committed EKF funding of £224,848.60: • Shotts Ironworks Bowling Club • Springhill Recreational open space • Voices from the Grave, Paupers Cemetery • Pauls Parcels – Community Garden 3. Measures of success 3.1 NLC/EKF annually report to Scottish Power Renewables (Blacklaw Windfarm) the projects supported throughout the previous financial year by the Environmental Key Fund confirming funds allocated throughout the areas listed within section 1.3. Final reports once projects are complete will be generated reviewing overall success. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 Blacklaw Windfarm Community Benefit Fund – Eligible Grant Area Map Pamela Humphries Chief Officer (Place) Page 29 of 128
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 30 of 128
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5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The EKF is committed to developing projects where organisations can apply for solar panel and battery storage installations allowing the projects to reduce the use of fossil fuels and helping achieve NLC’s carbon emission targets. Green space and biodiversity projects have been and will continue to be supported by the EKF. 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The EKF is promoted by NLC’s Community Partnership team and at Community Council meetings. Events are held where local groups are invited to come to discuss the EKF and what is can support. 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. Page 31 of 128
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5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 32 of 128
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Appendix 1 Blacklaw Windfarm Community Benefit Fund – Eligible Grant Area Map Page 33 of 128
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Enterprise & Fair Work Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☐ Yes ☒ No Ref MH/PH Date 29/08/25 Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan and Performance Framework – Annual Progress Report From Pamela Humphries, Chief Officer (Place) E-mail hyndsm@northlan.gov.uk Telephone Mark Hynds 07583 023248 Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to update committee on progress made to date towards the implementation and delivery of North Lanarkshire’s Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan (ERDP) and associated Action Plan. The Action Plan is updated annually, and this progress report details activity as at financial year end 2024/25. This report also presents the latest ERDP Performance Framework update which is used to monitor wider ERDP performance over the short, medium and longer term (through to 2035). Unlike the ERDP Action Plan, figures within the Performance Framework are reported on a cumulative basis to show the progress against the longer-term ambitions of the ERDP. Recommendations It is recommended that the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee: (1) Acknowledge the content of this report and progress made towards the delivery of the 2024/25 ERDP Action Plan, which was approved by Enterprise & Fair Work Committee in February 2024. (2) Acknowledge the wider progress and performance against the ERDP 2023-2028. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve economic opportunities and outcomes Ambition statement (2) Refocus our town centres and communities to be multi- functional connected places which maximise social, economic, and environmental opportunities Programme of Work Transforming Places Item 5 Page 35 of 128
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1. Background 1.1 The Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan (ERDP) aims to help co-ordinate physical and economic regeneration activity across North Lanarkshire, increase economic output and help address social and economic inequality. 1.2 The ERDP was initially approved by the Enterprise and Growth Committee in August 2019, covering the period 2019-2023. A light-touch refreshed ERDP, covering the period 2023-2028, was then approved by Enterprise and Fair Work Committee in February 2023. 1.3 Since 2019, an Action Plan to support the delivery of the ERDP through a range of key measures and investment programmes has also been produced and approved each year by committee. The Action Plan sets the priorities for the financial year ahead, reflecting progress made to date and the evolving priorities of the council. 1.4 The 2024/25 Action Plan was approved by Enterprise and Fair Work Committee in February 2024 and the current 2025/26 ERDP Action Plan was approved in February 2025. 1.5 An accompanying ERDP Performance Framework was approved by Enterprise and Growth Committee in February 2021. This comprises of a group of performance indicators at three levels. These indicators aim to collectively provide an overview of how the North Lanarkshire economy is performing as well as helping us to understand the impact that the delivery of the ERDP is having on improving economic opportunities and outcomes for all. 2. Report Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan 2023-2028 2.1 The refreshed ERDP continues to focus on the same four key inter-related themes as the 2019-23 plan: • Developing housing that promotes improved quality of life and creates a better place to live; • Reshaping our town centres to ensure that these provide modern and attractive centres that meet the needs of our communities; • Improving our business and industrial infrastructure, creating opportunities for investment and for companies to start-up or relocate here; and • Continuing to improve our connectivity and develop new opportunities by transforming our road, rail and digital infrastructure. 2.2 To support the delivery of these objectives, annual ERDP Action Plans have been developed each financial year since 2019/20. 2024/25 Action Plan – Performance Review 2.3 Appendix 1 provides an update on the ERDP Action Plan objectives and targets achieved during 2024/25. 2.4 Significant progress continues to be made against the ERDP’s key objectives with highlights during 2024/25 including: Page 36 of 128
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• The delivery of an additional 278 new build homes via the New Supply Programme, as well as a further 92 Open Market/Empty Homes Purchase Scheme (OMPS) completions, taking total completions to 2,474 by 31 March 2025 (including OMPS). • Committee approval of Town Action Plans (TAPs) for Bellshill, Kilsyth and Shotts. • The formation of a Coatbridge Neighbourhood Board to deliver the UK Government’s £19.5m Plan for Neighbourhoods funding as well as a series of public engagement across Summer 2024 to kickstart the development of the decade long Regeneration Plan for the town. • A six-week public consultation held at Cumbernauld Library, showcasing initial timescales and early exemplar images of the reimagined Cumbernauld town centre, attracting more than 440 in person engagements and 1,600 website views during the consultation period. • 105 new affordable homes delivered across North Lanarkshire’s town centres, including edge of town sites. This includes NLC developments as well as Registered Social Landlords (RSLs). • Construction of Building 3 at Link Park, Newhouse began in February 2025. This project is scheduled to complete in December 2025 and will deliver 19,375 sq.ft of new industrial workspace. • A new Invest NL team and formal multi-disciplinary pre-application service was established • As part of the Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure project, demolition works were completed to properties at Manse Road (former Cook & Indis and Yesss Electrical) and the former Evans Halshaw dealership and the adjacent vacant commercial unit at Windmillhill Street. • Outline Business Case (OBC) approval was secured for the East Airdrie Link Road (EALR) project from Glasgow City Region City Deal Cabinet in August 2024. ERDP Performance Framework 2.5 The ERDP Performance Framework also highlights significant progress in improving economic opportunities and outcomes for North Lanarkshire’s residents and businesses. Highlights achieved as of 31 March 2025 include: • 1,629 new build council homes complete • 845 homes brought into council ownership via the Open Market Purchase Scheme, including some homes previously sold under the Right to Buy. • £119.7 million invested in town centre (including edge of town) developments, of which more than £56 million was secured via external funding sources. • Town Action Plans (TAPs) approved for Airdrie, Bellshill, Kilsyth, Motherwell, Shotts and Wishaw • 1,797 new affordable town centre homes completed (including edge of town sites) by the council and housing associations. This includes developments across most of our towns with completed sites including the former Orrs building, South Bridge Street (Airdrie), Brandon Street (Motherwell), the former Kingfisher Building, Dowanfield Road (Motherwell), Caledonian Avenue (Bellshill), 95 Main Street (Kilsyth) and Roberts Street (Wishaw) amongst others. • 169,733 sq.ft of business and industrial workspace created or refurbished as a result of investment by NLC, Fusion Assets and North Lanarkshire Properties (NLP). • £62.3m invested in key road infrastructure projects funded via NLC and the Glasgow City Region City Deal. Page 37 of 128
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3. Measures of success 3.1 The purpose of this report is to highlight the key actions, targets and indicators that are used to measure and monitor the delivery of the ERDP through the ERDP Action Plan and Performance Framework 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan (ERDP) Action Plan 2024/25 – End-Year Performance report 4.2 Appendix 2 ERDP Performance Framework (June 2025) Pamela Humphries Chief Officer (Place) Page 38 of 128
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Page 39 of 128
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Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? Risks are recorded and managed within Corporate Risk Register. Key risk is failure to deliver on the ERDP and its objectives of helping co-ordinate physical and economic regeneration activity across North Lanarkshire, failing to increase economic output or address social and economic inequality. This would result in the loss of additional economic and social benefits to residents and businesses across North Lanarkshire and significant reputational damage to the Council given the widespread public nature of the programme 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 40 of 128
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Appendix 1 ERDP Action Plan 2024/25 End-Year Performance Report Page 41 of 128
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Theme: Live ERDP Priority 1: Developing housing that promotes improved quality of life and creates a better place to live Ref ERDP Action 2024-25 Target What we achieved (2024-25) RAG 1.1 Continue to focus investment towards the council’s affordable housing stock to make sure that the target of 6,000 new council homes for North Lanarkshire is reached by 2035 Complete 268 new build council homes during 2024/25 278 new council homes completed during 2024/25. As at end of 2024/25, 2,474 new council homes are complete (including Open Market Purchase Scheme). A further 176 homes are currently under construction. Green 1.2 100 Open Market/Empty Homes Purchase Scheme completions during 2024/25 92 Open Market/Empty Homes Purchase Scheme completions during 2024/25. Amber 1.3 Complete the acquisition of 82 new build off the shelf units during 2024/25 A total of 96 affordable homes delivered off the shelf via private developers in 2024/25. A further 3 projects, with a total of 137 homes are due to be delivered via off the shelf purchases by 2028. Green 1.4 Continue to support the delivery of the affordable housing programme, including intermediate tenures such as mid- market rent Prepare the 2025/26 SHIP which will identify sites to meet Local Housing Strategy priorities and maximises the use of available Scottish Government grant funding. Support the delivery of sites within the current 2024/25 SHIP SHIP (2025/26 – 2029/30) formally approved and published on NLC website. SHIP (2026/27) currently being developed and due for submission by 31 October 2025. Green 1.5 Enable private sector housing development to support the local economy and the regeneration of strategic sites such as Ravenscraig 943 private tenure units estimated to be completed during 2024/25 1,022 housing units were delivered during 2024/25 across North Lanarkshire. This includes 675 private tenure homes and 347 affordable tenure homes. Red Page 42 of 128
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Theme: Invest ERDP Priority 2: Reshaping our town centres to ensure they provide modern and attractive centres that meet the needs of our communities Ref ERDP Action 2024-25 Target What we achieved (2024-25) RAG 2.1 Establish and commence delivery of Town Action Plans for all eight town centres (aligned with our approved Town Vision), agreeing short, medium and long-term investment plans for each. Finalise Town Action Plans for Bellshill, Kilsyth and Shotts Town Action Plans were developed and approved by Enterprise & Fair Work Committee in May 2024. Green 2.2 Production and submission of a Town Action Plan for Coatbridge by August 2024, aligned to the UK Government’s requirements for the Long-Term Plan for Towns funding to secure and draw down the first tranche of the £20million allocated to Coatbridge over the next 10 years Due to the UK General Election in July 2024 and the subsequent formation of a new Labour UK Government, The Long- Term Plan for Towns fund was paused and ultimately repackaged as the Plan for Neighbourhoods. Significant consultation and engagement work has already been conducted, and the Coatbridge Neighbourhood Board has been formed. A Regeneration Plan and associated Investment Plan, covering the first 4-years of delivery, are now being finalised and will be submitted by the deadline of November 2025 at the latest. Green 2.3 Continue with The Centre Cumbernauld project, including business and stakeholder engagement. The regeneration of Cumbernauld town centre continued to make significant progress during 2024/25. The demolition of Fleming House commenced in December 2024, marking the first steps to regenerate the town. Significant engagement activity also took place with businesses and third sector organisations based within the NLC owned The Centre Cumbernauld over Summer 2024 to communicate high-level plans and timescales for redevelopment. Green Page 43 of 128
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A 6-week public consultation also took place during late August – early October 2024. This included an exhibition space within Cumbernauld Library. Officers engaged with over 400 visitors during this time. Further consultation will be undertaken during the master-planning process with all stakeholders. 2.4 NLC and RSLs to deliver 105 new affordable homes within our town centres (including edge of town) during 2024/25 105 units delivered during 2024/25 at town centre/edge of town developments including the former Orrs building at South Bridge Street (Airdrie), Brandon Street (Motherwell), Downfield Road (Cumbernauld) and Leslie Street (Motherwell). Green 2.5 Continue to prioritise funding and secure external investment for the regeneration of our town centres Deliver the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP) anticipated allocation of £1.698 million for 2024/25 NLC was allocated £830k via the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme for 2024/25. This was fully contractually committed. This funding was allocated towards the £12m Strathclyde Watersports Centre redevelopment project which will see the centre redeveloped into a low-carbon hub. Green 2.6 Submit a final stage funding application for approximately £2.5 million to HES and NLHF to support the Rediscovering Airdrie project. It is proposed that this project will include the redevelopment of Airdrie Library, the repurposing of Airdrie Town House, and shopfront improvements through grants to property owners. Development works continued on the Rediscovering Airdrie project during 2024/25, including the necessary Skills and Materials Audits required by Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Engagement has also taken place with local shop owners and local community groups to develop an Area Action Plan and Activity Plan, which are also required for submission as part of funding guidelines. Amber Page 44 of 128
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The development phase was part funded via a £100k contribution from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and an additional £50k from Historic Environment Scotland, as well a contribution from North Lanarkshire Council. The conclusion of the development phase was extended throughout 2024/25 due to the attempted sale of a private property originally within scope for this project, which led to the project refocusing on Airdrie Public Library as the core redevelopment offering. A delivery phase application is now being developed which will be submitted during August 2025 and a funding decision is expected by December 2025. 2.7 Continue to promote and engage with local community organisations to enable external funding applications to third party regeneration funds, where appropriate (e.g. Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund) During 2024/25, the City Deal & Regeneration team engaged with local community groups to develop bids towards the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) and Vacant and Derelict Land Improvement Programme (VDLIP). However, due to budgetary constraints, these funds were temporarily paused during 2024/25 and no new awards were granted. These funds have since restarted and North Lanarkshire has received a conditional award of grant of £735k towards the community led Cumbernauld Village Blue- Green Space project. Green Page 45 of 128
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2.8 Support community led projects, successfully funded under Scottish Government regeneration funds, include the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) and Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP) During 2024/25, officers supported Motherwell Football Club Community Trust to deliver The Well Hub project which was awarded £215k from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) 2023/24 application round. The Well Hub officially opened in October 2024 and provides a community-based response to the challenges of poor mental health and wellbeing - using football to engage with hard-to-reach groups that are at a higher risk of suicide. Green 2.9 Review how NLC can be more effective in addressing failing buildings in our town centres Continue to engage with local property/land owners with a view to acquiring key town centre properties / sites earmarked for conversion / redevelopment. Where necessary, commence CPO processes, as a last resort, if failure to purchase a site would be detrimental to town centre regeneration plans. Officers continued to engage with various property/landowners during 2024/25, to enable key town centre projects to progress. In February 2025, Finance & Resources Committee approved the purchase of a private property within Cumbernauld town centre and legal agreements are currently being finalised before North Lanarkshire Council takes possession. CPO being considered at Main St, Coatbridge if last remaining ownership interest cannot be acquired by voluntary means. Green Page 46 of 128
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PlannedTheme: Work ERDP Priority 3: Improve our business and industrial infrastructure, creating opportunity for investment and for companies to start-up or relocate here Ref ERDP Action 2024-25 Target What we achieved (2024-25) RAG 3.1 Promoting a mix of development across our motorway corridors and accessible business locations to support the development of our foundational economy as well as high-end growth NLC and Fusion Assets to invest a minimum of £3m in key business and industrial projects (e.g. Condor Park and Braidhurst Industrial Estate) In 2024/25 Fusion Assets invested £350k of its own capital. This was committed to the construction of Building 3 at Link Park, Newhouse. In addition, NLC provided a capital contribution of £1.125m towards this project during 2024/25. Planned investment of £2.2m in 2024/25 by Fusion Assets in Condor Park and Gartcosh Phase 2 was delayed pending outcome of the ALEO review. This investment will now take place in 2025/26. A further £3.2m was invested by the council in upgrading Braidhurst Industrial Estate during 2024/25. Green 3.2 £5 million external funding (including private sector funding) to be secured by NLC / Fusion Assets for business and industrial infrastructure in 2024/25 Fusion Assets secured £1.231m in VDLF funding for 2024/25 for additional phases of enabling works at Gartcosh and Link Park, Newhouse. Private sector investment in Gartcosh and Condor park was put on hold pending conclusion and outcome of the ALEO review. Fusion Assets is actively working to secure this investment. Amber Page 47 of 128
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Additionally, £1.9m was also invested at Braidhurst Industrial Estate during 2024/25, via a mixture of Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Funding (RCGF) and Place Based Investment Programme (PBIP) funding. 3.3 27,300 sq.ft of business and industrial workspace to be created or refurbished by NLC, Fusion Assets and North Lanarkshire Properties in 2024/25 Construction of Building 3 at Link Park , Newhouse began in February 2025. This project is scheduled to complete in December 2025 and will deliver 19,375 sq.ft of new industrial workspace. Six NLP owned light-industrial units were also refurbished during 2024/25 at Braidhurst Industrial Estate, modernising 17,000 sq.ft of business workspace. NLP are currently in the process of re-letting these units to businesses. Works to create an additional 10,330 sq.ft of new workspace at Braidhurst Industrial Estate also progressed during 2024/25 and will be completed during 2025/26. Green 3.4 Complete delivery of the Braidhurst Industrial Estate project. This project will deliver 10 new build business start-up units and the refurbishment of 6 existing NLP owned units as well as environmental and infrastructure improvements throughout the estate. Significant progress was made with the Braidhurst Industrial Estate upgrade project during 2024/25. The 10 new build units are currently awaiting the completion of utility connections before being handed over to North Lanarkshire Properties. Handover is expected during 2025/26. Amber Page 48 of 128
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3.5 Develop a Business and Industry strategy and related Action Plan which will form part of evidence base for next Local Development Plan. Work to develop the Business and Industry strategy is underway. The strategy will be presented to the Enterprise & Fair Work Committee November 2025. Amber 3.6 Continuing to support enabling investment which brings our vacant and derelict land and brownfield sites into commercial use 4.5ha of land to be remediated or improved (by NLC or Fusion Assets) for business and industry use in 2024/25. Fusion Assets let contracts for enabling works covering 4.4ha (at Ravenscraig Phase 2, Gartcosh Phase 2 and Plot 3 at Newhouse) during 2024/25. Green 3.7 Improving how we record and respond to enquiries from businesses to provide a coordinated approach across relevant council services to help attract, retain and expand business and employment opportunities Progress delivery of the Invest in NL Programme of Work. Invest NL team and formal multi- disciplinary pre-application service established during 2024/25. A number of cases are now progressing through the system, both New Supply and external business. Committee approval for fee structure and process will be reviewed January 2026. Green 3.8 Deploy and promote the Case Management System to North Lanarkshire based businesses. Case management system is now complete. Further work is being undertaken to develop the system to accept grant applications online. There will be linked campaign when the grants go live to encourage businesses to register. Amber 3.9 Building upon work which supports innovation and skill development through the development of sectoral learning academies Deliver NL Academies projects which are funded via UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The Built Environment Academy and supporting Sector Board will implement, prioritise, and progress its plan of work and aim to implement a sustainable 2024/25 UKSPF projects were delivered successfully and within budget across the Built Environment and Digital Sectors. The Built Environment Sector Skills Board has prioritised and is progressing 2 workstreams and a supporting research project to help tackle the industry's skills and workforce challenges. Green Page 49 of 128
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funding model for skills development within the industry. Within Care, a focus on collaborative apprenticeships is planned, along with ensuring pathways for people to work in the care sector are developed. Within the Digital Academy, work will be progressed to develop an approach to addressing the digital skills gaps within North Lanarkshire. The research project looks to gain a better understanding of the future demand and supply of built environment skills in the local area to create an evidence base to support the Boards workstreams / activity. The 2 workstreams linked to this project are the creation and implementation of the North Lanarkshire Built Environment Academy and the introduction of a Youth Engagement Strategy. Within Care, the first collaborative apprenticeship in conjunction with NHS Lanarkshire is underway. The Care Academy Steering Group is progressing 5 workstreams: • Attraction, recruitment, retention and wellbeing • Young Peoples Pathways to Care • Adult Pathways to Care • Funding and Procurement • Communications Within the Digital sector, Digital Bootcamps were delivered to young people aged 16-24 years old to gain business-related and technology-related skills with support towards apprenticeship opportunities also provided. Employer engagement around digital skills in Care and the Built Environment also begun. Page 50 of 128
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3.10 Supporting investment, via our Arms-Length External Organisations, that will continue to improve, modernise and expand commercial stock availability across North Lanarkshire Conclude sale of Phase 1 and progress the second phase of development at Gartcosh Industrial Park which consists of a further 3 units totalling 69,000 sq.ft. Successful investment sale of Phase 1 at Gartcosh Industrial Park completed in April 2024. The second phase of development was put on hold pending outcome of ALEO Review but is now being progressed with joint venture partner. Amber 3.11 Progress delivery of Condor Park, Eurocentral through securing loan finance, tendering the construction contract and beginning construction of a speculative industrial scheme to provide an additional 41,000 sq.ft of industrial space. Project was put on hold pending outcome of the Council ALEO Review - now being picked up and progressed with potential Joint Venture partner and funders. Works are anticipated to begin during 2025/26. Amber 3.12 Following the successful letting of Building 2, explore funding opportunities to complete the development at Link Park, Newhouse by constructing a 20,000 sq.ft industrial unit on the remaining vacant plot. This is subject to a successful NLC capital funding bid and will also include contributions from the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Fund (VDLF) as well as Fusion Assets funding. During 2024/25 Fusion Assets assembled a funding package for the 19,375 sq.ft Building 3 at Link Park, Newhouse which consisted of a £896k VDLF award, alongside £1.125m from NLC's Capital Programme and £350k from Fusion Assets own capital resources. The building contract was tendered and let in February 2025 and works are scheduled to be complete by December 2025. Green Page 51 of 128
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Theme: Invest ERDP Priority 4: Continuing to improve our connectivity and develop new opportunities by transforming our road, rail and digital infrastructure Ref ERDP Action 2024-25 Target What we achieved (2024-25) RAG 4.1a Continue to deliver the City Deal Infrastructure Programme Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure Continue to progress the delivery of Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure project to support the redevelopment and connect the M74 and M8 as part of the Pan Lanarkshire Transport Corridor. Commence demolition works to former business sites at Airbles Road and Windmillhill Street. Demolition works were completed during 2024/25 to properties at Manse Road (former Cook & Indis and Yesss Electrical) and the former Evans Halshaw dealership and the adjacent vacant commercial unit at Windmillhill Street. Green 4.1b Procure and award contract for advance ground works. Value engineering consultancy commission awarded which will inform the scope of enabling works and advance ground works packages. Amber 4.1.c Procure and award contract for the dual carriageway construction works A Value Engineering Review was awarded to ensure the design and layout of the Motherwell to Ravenscraig road link remains fit for purpose. The review provides an opportunity to examine the design and construction methods to manage costs and where possible, create efficiencies in the delivery phase to minimise disruption and impact to road users. A tender package for the construction of the dual carriageway will be prepared during 2025/26. Amber Page 52 of 128
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4.1d Develop detailed designs for upgrading the A723 from New Craig junction at Ravenscraig to the M8 at Holytown. Design work is completed and detailed design package output delivered. The Project has been deferred and is not scheduled to proceed within the current City Deal programme Green 4.2a East Airdrie Link Road Continue to progress delivery of the East Airdrie Link Road (EALR). Progress Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Stage 3 consultancy services contract. Confirm alignment and commence design. Commence Environmental Impact Assessment. The appointed consultant team for the EALR project are progressing through DMRB Stage 3 (preliminary design and planning) with progress against the agreed programme maintained. Work commenced on the Environmental Impact Assessment. Green 4.2b Secure Outline Business Case (OBC) approval from the Glasgow City Region City Deal Cabinet Outline Business Case (OBC) was approved by Glasgow City Region City Deal Cabinet in August 2024. Green 4.3a Orchard Farm Roundabout Progress delivery of the Orchard Farm roundabout to support the development of key business and industrial sites on the A8/M8 corridor. The Orchard Farm Roundabout project will be procured and delivered by the private sector Mossend International Rail Freight Park (MIRP) partnership. City Deal funding will provide a contribution towards provision of a four-arm roundabout on the A8 at Orchard Farm. Progress with delivery stalled due to construction cost pressures and a corresponding need for the development partnership to undertake a value engineering review and develop an associated revised design solution for the roundabout junction. Amber Page 53 of 128
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This has resulted in a proposal which is more cost and time efficient to deliver and meets the in-principle approval of Transport Scotland but requires acquisition of areas of land to the north of the A8 from another commercial party. Positive progress was made by the private sector partnership in relation to acquisition negotiations on land required for construction of the revised roundabout layout, however terms have not yet been finalised. 4.3b Secure Full Business Case (FBC) approval for the Orchard Farm Roundabout from the Glasgow City Region City Deal Cabinet. It is now proposed to submit the Full Business Case (FBC) in August 2026 to reflect the MIRP Partnership's revised procurement and delivery programme. 4.4a Eurocentral Strategic Active Travel Progress delivery of the Eurocentral Strategic Active Travel project. Appoint consultants to develop detailed designs for Phase 1 (Holytown to Eurocentral and Holytown to Newhouse) and Phase 2 (Whifflet Corridor). Consultants have been appointed to prepare detailed designs and prepare tender documentation for Phases 1 and 2 of the project. The commission is progressing well. Additional traffic survey, topographical survey and design review requirements have been identified which will impact on programme for completion. Green 4.4b Commence procurement for construction works It is now proposed to commence procurement for Phase 1 and 2 construction works in early 2026. Amber 4.4c Appoint consultants to carry out an options appraisal, select preferred option and prepare concept designs for Phase 3 (Bellshill to Mossend). Consultants have been appointed to undertake options appraisal and develop concept design for Phase 3. The commission is progressing well. Green Page 54 of 128
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4.5 Invest in the delivery of the council’s Active Travel Strategy to ensure a comprehensive connection of active travel routes to key places across North Lanarkshire Continue to develop the Active Travel Strategic Network Routes (SNRs), to ensure a portfolio of construction ready projects can then be progressed in line with external funding resources. Detailed designs for the 2 highest priority active travel Strategic Network Routes (SNRs) will be progressed during 2024/25. These are: • SNR7 (Uddingston to Caldercruix via Coatbridge and Airdrie utilising both NCN75 and A89 route operations) • SNR9 (Airbles Road to South Lanarkshire at Strathclyde Country Park and to Bothwell) The detailed design for both SNR 7 and SNR 9 has been completed. Funding is currently being pursued for the Coatbridge to Airdrie section of SNR 7. Subject to successful funding, this segment is scheduled for delivery in the 2025/26 financial year (1.4km). Further stakeholder engagement and consultation are required for SNR 9, this is planned for the 2025/26 financial year. In addition, detailed design work has been undertaken for active travel routes linked to the community hubs and City Deal projects. There have also been other sections of the active travel network constructed, including: • Glasgow Road (SNR 3) • Carnbroe (LNR 315) • Carlisle Road/Craigneuk Park (supports SNR 7 and SNR 3) • Motherwell Station Active Travel Routes (SNR 3) Green Page 55 of 128
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4.6 Continue to progress delivery of the Motherwell Station Active Travel Links project. Complete detailed design for Phase 2 of the project (Bellshill Road) Detailed design of the Bellshill Road phase of the project was not able to progress during 2024/25 financial year due to a lack of external funding. A bid has been submitted to Transport Scotland for design funding for 2025/26 financial year to take forward this work. A decision is expected in August 2025. Red 4.7 Ensure that inclusive economic growth remains at the heart of opportunity to support affordable and accessible transport systems (via the Local Transport Strategy) Develop North Lanarkshire’s Local Transport Strategy, which will be the mechanism for delivering on this ERDP recommendation. The Local Transport Strategy (LTS) has undergone the first stage of engagement and consultation. This ran from November 2024 - February 2025 and involved: • Internal and External Workshops (including NLC Officers, Elected Members, Key Stakeholders, Community Boards/Councils) • Community drop-in events • A public survey (which received more than 1,000 responses) This engagement allowed all transport constraints, challenges, and opportunities to be identified to help shape the new LTS with relevant key issues. Furthermore, while the consultation process was running, a variety of baseline data was being collected and analysed. Green Page 56 of 128
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Baseline data has been collected and analysed alongside the consultation data and a vision statement, objectives and indicators for the new LTS have been developed. It is anticipated that the LTS will be finalised during 2025/26. 4.8 Support the delivery of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and other green transport solutions across North Lanarkshire Develop and implement a Glasgow City Region approach to appoint a provider to increase, manage and maintain public EV infrastructure. During 2024/25, Jacobs was appointed to undertake contract development. A Prior Information Notice (PIN) was also issued and an initial site selection review was completed. Green 4.9 Work with the council’s digital partner to install and invest in infrastructure that helps create one of the best and most affordable/ accessible digital provisions in the UK. Completion of the councils Wide Area Network (WAN), integrating all Corporate and Education sites. Progress next phase of call off contracts covering public Wi-Fi and CCTV services. NLC and Commsworld Ltd will continue to maximise added value via the Framework Agreement for the provision of digital connectivity services and associated call- off contracts, ensuring the delivery of Community Benefits and additional value throughout 2024/25. The additional value will focus on increasing full fibre coverage, take-up of services and vouchers, choice & innovation and future proofing. Fibre Infrastructure has now been completed across all Corporate/Education sites. The final phase of the Public Wi-Fi roll out across the NLC estate is currently ongoing. There are currently 29 live sites with a further 14 sites expected to be live by end August. Works have continued to progress with smart park technology deployed via an Intelligent Lighting System within Palacerigg and Strathclyde country parks is now live. Green Page 57 of 128
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Appendix 2 Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan (ERDP) Performance Framework June 2025 Page 58 of 128
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Introduction Improving economic regeneration plays a significant part in our shared ambition to make North Lanarkshire the place to live, learn, work, invest and visit. The Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan (ERDP) sets out how we will improve economic opportunities and outcomes for everyone in North Lanarkshire. This includes delivering new homes, reshaping town centres, attracting investment and jobs. Our investments will benefit everyone who lives, learns, invests and visits within North Lanarkshire. An ERDP Action Plan is updated annually and focuses on our key objectives and day‐to‐day activities in delivering the longer‐term vision set out within the ERDP and The Plan for North Lanarkshire. The ERDP Performance Framework comprises a set of performance indicators at three levels. These indicators aim to collectively provide an overview of performance that helps us to understand the impact of our work on improving economic opportunities and outcomes for all. Given the shared ambition set out within The Plan for North Lanarkshire, the ERDP Performance Framework is closely aligned to the corporate Strategic Performance Framework. This framework aims to produce evidence that allows for day‐to‐day activities, and progress made towards improving economic opportunities and outcomes for all to be regularly monitored, reported, assessed, and scrutinised. It will also enable performance issues against the ERDP’s key priorities to be identified and addressed, mitigating the risk of delivery failure. The ERDP Performance Framework will be kept under review to ensure arrangements remain effective and aligned to future versions of the ERDP and The Plan for North Lanarkshire. ERDP Performance Framework The three levels of performance indicators form an interrelated set, with operational measures supporting improvements to services and outcomes for North Lanarkshire’s residents and businesses in the short, medium, and long‐term. The three levels are summarised below: Level 1: The North Lanarkshire Economic Context A suite of ‘state of the nation’ health check indicators which collectively provide the North Lanarkshire economic context. These indicators are often at a macro level and out with the sole control of the Council. As such, these indicators do not have targets set against them, instead they set out the intended direction of travel. This approach is consistent with The Plan for North Lanarkshire Strategic Page 59 of 128
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Performance Framework. The ERDP framework uses 5 of the 28 indicators set out in the Strategic Performance Framework to assess the performance of the North Lanarkshire economy. Data comes from national sources such as the Office for National Statistics (ONS) or Scottish Local Authority Economic Development (SLAED) Performance Reports. As data is reported in a consistent manner nationally, North Lanarkshire can be benchmarked against Scotland and comparator authorities across the Glasgow City Region. Level 2: Improving economic opportunities and outcomes for all A suite of indicators and information to enable an assessment of progress towards our long‐term vision of improving economic opportunities and outcomes for all. When measuring outcomes there is often a delay in being able to demonstrate that outcomes have been achieved, or it may not be clear how much of a change in an outcome can be attributed to NLC’s actions alone, or if external factors have influenced the outcome. Therefore, some of these indicators do not have targets set against them but will instead be used for benchmarking purposes. The group of performance indicators at all three levels in the ERDP Performance Framework therefore aims to collectively demonstrate improvements to outcomes in the long‐term, while demonstrating effective use of resources in the short term (the latter through monitoring and measuring day to day operations). Level 3: Day to day operations These performance indicators allow the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of day‐to‐day operations to be assessed. They include targets in the short‐term (current financial year), medium‐term, by the end of the current ERDP cycle (2027/28) and longer‐term (2035). Targets are cumulative from the baseline onwards (not additional to previous target). For example, the 1,845 Open Market Purchase Scheme completions by 2035 includes the 845 completions which have already been achieved by March 2025. Relevant teams across Place are identified against each indicator to ensure accountability. The inclusion of input and output measures, and understanding how these lead to improved outcomes, will be an important factor in determining the success of the Framework and Economic Regeneration Delivery Plan. Page 60 of 128
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ERDP Performance Framework: Level 1 The North Lanarkshire Economic Context Indicator Baseline Latest available update Measuring this will tell us if we have… What success looks like Intended direction of travel Latest direction of travel North Lanarkshire commentary Growth in Gross Value Added (GVA) (income approach) - % change from year to year 2015 – 2016 NL 2.6% Scotland 1.1% 2021 – 2022 NL 8.9% Scotland 10.0% Increased North Lanarkshire’s economic output Continued economic growth in North Lanarkshire The latest data published shows that GVA growth remains positive suggesting NLs economy continues to grow, this follows a dip in 2020 which mirrored the national position. The latest data shows an 8.9% increase in GVA per head in NL from 2021 to 2022 which is an improvement from 6.1% in the previous year’s figures and higher than the position just before the pandemic of 4.4% (2019) Gross weekly pay (residents) – full time employees 2018 NL £545.70 Scotland £562.70 2024 NL £740.40 Scotland £740.00 Increased the earnings of people who live in North Lanarkshire Earnings for people who live in North Lanarkshire continue to grow on a par with national levels Gross weekly pay for NLs residents became higher than the average earnings for Scotland for the first time ever in 2022; latest results shows this positive position remained into 2023 and 2024. Page 61 of 128
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Indicator Baseline Latest available update Measuring this will tell us if we have… What success looks like Intended direction of travel Latest direction of travel North Lanarkshire commentary % of all economically active (16‐64 years) Oct 2017/Sept 2018 NL 77.9% Scotland 77.6% Oct 2023/Sept 2024 NL 74.7% Scotland 76.6% Increased the number of North Lanarkshire’s residents in employment More people aged 16 to 64 living in NL are economically active and contributing to the local / national economy The latest result as at September 2024 - 164,100 residents economically active in NL. This is a decrease from March 2020 (170,700) and figures have not yet returned to the pre-pandemic level in 2019 (174,000). % of VAT/PAYE registered businesses that survive for at least three years 2013- 2016 NL 58.7% Scotland 62.1% 2020 - 2023 NL 54.6% Scotland 56.0% Increased and sustained new businesses in North Lanarkshire More locally generated and incoming businesses being created, surviving, and sustaining in the longer- term The latest business survival rates in NL show a varying position. 54.6% of North Lanarkshire based businesses registered in 2020 survived for at least three years. This represents a slight increase from the previous year of 54.0%. This latest trend follows an increase in the national average, although to a lesser extent. % of working age people (16-64) claiming one or more key benefits Dec 2018 NL 3.5% Scotland 2.8% Dec 2024 NL 3.2% Scotland 3.1% Reduced the number of residents reliant on employment related benefits All of North Lanarkshire’s residents capable of working are sustaining employment The latest claimant count rate for NL (3.2%) is now lower than The Plan for North Lanarkshire baseline of 3.5%, with the number of people now claiming one or more of the key benefits is 7,070 compared to the baseline of 7,675. Page 62 of 128
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ERDP Performance Framework Level 2: Improving economic opportunities and outcomes for all Key performance indicator What does this tell us? Baseline By 31 March 2024 Short-term (By 31 March 2025) Medium-term By next ERDP Review (31 March 2028) Long-term (By 31 March 2035) Actual Target Actual Target Target Estimated number of construction jobs (PYEs) created The number of gross construction jobs (PYEs) created as a result of ERDP related investment by NLC and our ALEOs across North Lanarkshire. Construction jobs created as a result of physical regeneration projects occur during the construction phase of the project only and do not recur once the development is operational. Therefore, these figures are reported as Person Year Equivalents (PYEs) rather than Full‐time Equivalents (FTEs). 796 2,539 3,139 3,153 4,784 7,728 Estimated number of gross full‐time equivalents (FTEs) created The estimated number of gross jobs (FTEs) created as a result of ERDP related investment by NLC and our ALEOs across North Lanarkshire. As these outcomes only occur once projects are operational, there will be a delay in demonstrating this outcome has been achieved. Therefore, this indicator has a long‐term target to 2035 only. Note: This jobs figure is based on investment across North Lanarkshire Council’s New Supply Programme, City Deal 13,349 Page 63 of 128
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Key performance indicator What does this tell us? Baseline By 31 March 2024 Short-term (By 31 March 2025) Medium-term By next ERDP Review (31 March 2028) Long-term (By 31 March 2035) Actual Target Actual Target Target The gross number of jobs created does not take account of factors such as displacement. This measures the follow on impact generated once the physical works have been completed and the new infrastructure is being put to economic use. Programme, and the Regenerating Cumbernauld project. Fusion Assets investments are also included. Estimated number of net additional full- time equivalents (FTE) created The estimated number of net jobs (FTEs) created as a result of ERDP related investment by NLC and our ALEOs across North Lanarkshire. Under this measure, the gross number of jobs created is adjusted to better assess the true extent of the likely impact of the ERDP on the local labour market and economy. This measures the follow‐on impact generated once the physical works have been completed and the new infrastructure is being put to economic use. As these outcomes only occur once projects are operational, there will be a delay in demonstrating this outcome has been achieved. Therefore, this indicator has a long‐term target to 2035 only Note: This jobs figure is based on investment across North Lanarkshire Council’s New Supply Programme, City Deal Programme, and the Regenerating Cumbernauld project. Fusion Assets investments are also included. 6,879 Page 64 of 128
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Key performance indicator What does this tell us? Baseline By 31 March 2024 Short-term (By 31 March 2025) Medium-term By next ERDP Review (31 March 2028) Long-term (By 31 March 2035) Actual Target Actual Target Target Town centre vacancy rates ‐ % of vacant Commercial units as a % of total units across North Lanarkshire’s town centres. This indicator measures the level of vacant units within town centres. The ERDP aims to create vibrant mixed‐use towns where people live, work, shop, eat, and access local services. As such, recognition needs to be given to the fact that vacancies may temporarily increase where vacant possession of redundant retail centres or land assembly is required to enable transformative change. 18.9% Year: 2018/19 This measure will be used for benchmarking purposes only and therefore no targets have been set. 2023/24 ‐ Latest published data shows that North Lanarkshire’s town centre vacancy rate was 17.7%, above the Scottish average of 12.2%. However, North Lanarkshire’s town centre vacancy rate has fallen slightly from the 2018/19 baseline of 18.9%. Reshaping our town centres to ensure they provide modern and attractive centres that meet the needs of our communities remains a key ERDP priority and the 2024/25 ERDP Action Plan performance report outlines key steps taken over the last 12 months to redevelop our town centres. A separate Town Action Plan performance report has also been prepared, focusing on short, medium and long-term progress towards achieving the Town Visions which were approved by committee in 2021. % of marketable employment land The purpose of this measure is to contribute to the assessment of how ‘investor ready’ North Lanarkshire is in terms of providing the necessary infrastructure for new and growing businesses, including inward investment. Employment land includes any land that is allocated for employment use in the Local Development Plan, or land that has valid planning consent. 65.7% Year: 2017/18 This measure will be used for benchmarking purposes only and therefore no targets have been set. 2023/24 ‐ Latest published data shows that 71.0% of North Lanarkshire’s employment land was deemed to be ‘marketable land’. This is higher than the Scottish average of 61.8%. The 2023/24 NL figure is in line with the previous year (2022/23) which was 70.4%. Given levels of developable land available, the council is currently developing a Business & Industry Strategy for North Lanarkshire which will aim to identify how council investment in such land should be prioritised. Page 65 of 128
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Key performance indicator What does this tell us? Baseline By 31 March 2024 Short-term (By 31 March 2025) Medium-term By next ERDP Review (31 March 2028) Long-term (By 31 March 2035) Actual Target Actual Target Target Marketable land is defined as land that meets business requirements and has secure planning status, is serviced or serviceable within five years, and is accessible by walking, cycling and public transport. Commercial Planning applications‐ average time (weeks) to process business and Industry planning applications Planning applications are important in terms of the future development and use of land across our towns and communities. An efficient and well‐functioning planning service plays an important role in facilitating sustainable economic growth and delivering high quality development in the right places. This indicator shows how long the council takes to deliver commercial planning application decisions (i.e. for business and industry). 6.9 weeks Year: 2017/18 This measure will be used for benchmarking purposes only and therefore no targets have been set. 2023/24 – North Lanarkshire 8.0 weeks, compared to a Scottish average of 10.7 weeks The North Lanarkshire processing time has reduced from 13.5 weeks (2020/21) and 12.6 weeks (2021/22) during the pandemic and is now below pre pandemic levels (9.1 weeks in 2019/20). However, application process timing remains higher than the 2017/18 baseline of 6.9 weeks. The baseline year was a historic low and somewhat of an outlier compared to other available data. Page 66 of 128
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Percentage of premises able to access Superfast Broadband Digital infrastructure is one of the key gateways to achieving inclusive growth and prosperity. By improving our digital infrastructure, we will connect North Lanarkshire to markets and opportunities. NLC has a role alongside telecoms companies in facilitating and enabling the development of effective digital infrastructure. The required digital infrastructure speed needed to have superfast broadband is 30Mbit/s. 97.0% Year: 2017/18 This measure will be used for benchmarking purposes only. 2023/24 – North Lanarkshire – 98.6% / Scotland 95.9% North Lanarkshire has a higher % of premises able to access superfast broadband compared to the Scottish average. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions area wide per capita (tonnes) Sustainability is one of the key principles which underpins the ERDP. These estimates can assist us in understanding our environmental impact and can be used to inform our actions against climate change and towards North Lanarkshire’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2030. 5.92t per capita Year: 2014/15 This measure will be used for benchmarking purposes only. 2022/23 – North Lanarkshire 4.82t CO2 / Scotland 4.81t CO2 North Lanarkshire’s CO2 emissions is similar to the Scottish average on a per head basis. Emissions have fallen over the last decade with the 2022/23 (latest available) data at a near historic low. Emissions were only lower in 2020/21 (4.56t CO2) which was during the lockdown period of the pandemic, which likely resulted in reduced emissions from less traffic on roads and some industries reducing their operations. Page 67 of 128
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ERDP Performance Framework: Level 3 Day to day operations Priority 1: Developing housing that promotes improved quality of life and creates a better place to live Why is this set of indicators of interest? The Plan for North Lanarkshire ambition statement alignment This reflects the council’s commitment (through the Local Housing Strategy and Transforming Places Programme of Work) to promote a supply of good quality affordable housing across all tenures. This also supports the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) which helps deliver Local Housing Strategy priorities and maximise resources in the Affordable Housing Supply Programme. The target to deliver 6,000 new homes by 2035, includes over 1,800 homes to be acquired through the open market purchase scheme (an extension of the empty homes purchase scheme). 1. Ensure a housing mix that supports social inclusion and economic growth. 2. Refocus our town centres and communities to be multifunctional connected places which maximise social, economic, and environmental opportunities. Page 68 of 128
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Key performance indicator What does this tell us? Baseline Note: these figures are cumulative and not additional to each other Lead Team(s) By 2023/24 Short-term Medium- term Long-term 2024/25 2025/26 By next ERDP Review (2027/28) 2034/35 Actual Target Actual Target Target Target Number of new build Council house completions The number of new build council house completions via the council’s New Supply Programme 633 Years: 2010/11 – 2018/19 1,351 1,619 1,629 Green 1,672 2,300 4,155 New Supply Number of Open Market Purchase Scheme completions The number of homes brought into Council ownership, Including some homes previously sold under the Right to Buy 133 Years: 2010/11 – 2018/19 753 853 845 Green 973 1,145 1,845 New Supply Household connectivity capacity The % of new build homes (via the New Supply Programme) with high quality digital infrastructure 79% Years: 2010/11 – 2018/19 90% 91% 92% Green 92% 94% 96% New Supply Page 69 of 128
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ERDP Priority 1 Performance Summary: Total number of indicators Number of indicators with ‘Green’ status Number of indicators with ‘Amber’ status Number of indicators with ‘Red’ status 3 3 0 0 Success to date The New Supply Programme was introduced in 2010/11 and NLC has set an ambitious target of delivering 5,000 council homes by 2035. In February 2025, Housing Committee agreed to increase this target to 6,000 homes by 2035. This will be achieved via a combination of new build, purchasing from the private sector (off the shelf) and buying existing homes via the Open Market / Empty Homes Purchase Schemes: • 2,474 homes have been delivered via the New Supply Programme, at 31 March 2025.This includes 845 homes acquired via the Open Market and Empty Homes Purchase Schemes. • NLC’s first low carbon (net zero) homes were completed at Dykehead Road, Airdrie in 2022/23. These homes feature air source heat pump heating systems, battery storage and enhanced photovoltaic panels. In 2024/25, new homes featuring ground source heat pump heating systems were completed at Brandon Street, Motherwell. • All NLC new build developments with building warrant submissions from April 2024 will include non-gas, zero emission heating systems as standard. This approach supports our strategy of delivering energy efficient and sustainable housing across North Lanarkshire. • As part of our new council house building programme we maximise the delivery of community benefits. These form part of our valuation process when we’re reviewing contracts for our new build projects and these benefits are key to supporting communities, future workforce and local people. • In 2023/24, a new amenity house opened in Castlehill Road, Wishaw for local residents to enjoy, meet and socialise together. This is just one of the community benefits delivered as part of our New Supply Programme. • We’re also helping young people towards positive outcomes and work with education, supported enterprise and employability teams to help facilitate work experience and opportunities to positive destinations within construction. For example, during 2024/25, McTaggarts Construction supported 7 students from Buchanan High School, Coatbridge, through their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) training and assessments. Page 70 of 128
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Challenges Various external factors such as inflationary pressures across the UK economy and the wider international geopolitical environment have impacted construction and materials costs. Despite these challenges, the programme is progressing well and all 3 related ERDP Priority 1 Performance Indicators were met or exceeded by 2024/25. Priority 2: Reshaping our town centres to ensure that they provide modern and attractive centres that meet the needs of our communities Why is this set of indicators of interest? The Plan for North Lanarkshire ambition statement alignment A key priority within the Transforming Places Programme of Work Delivery Plan is the regeneration of North Lanarkshire’s town centres and their redevelopment as modern, high‐ quality, mixed‐use spaces with a much stronger focus on residential provision. 1. Ensure a housing mix that supports social inclusion and economic growth. 2. Refocus our town centres and communities to be multifunctional connected places which maximise social, economic, and environmental opportunities. Page 71 of 128
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Key performance indicator What does this tell us? Baseline Note: these figures are cumulative and not additional to each other Lead Team(s) By 2023/24 Short-term Medium- term Long- term 2024/25 2025/26 By next ERDP Review (2027/28) 2034/35 Actual Target Actual Target Target Target Investment made in town centre developments The amount (£) invested in North Lanarkshire’s town centres to enable sites to be repurposed or redeveloped. This includes NLC investment and external funding sources. £29.8m Years: 2010/11 – 2018/19 £91.9m £114.5m £119.7m Green £134.5m £218.7m £307.5m City Deal & Regeneration / New Supply External funding secured for town centre regeneration projects The amount (£) of external funding secured for town centre regeneration projects in North Lanarkshire’s town centres £9.26m Years: 2010/11 – 2018/19 £44.3m £54.7m £56.6m Green £62.2m £93.8m £148.3m City Deal & Regeneration / New Supply Number of town centre buildings and/or sites repurposed or redeveloped The number of existing buildings or vacant sites within North Lanarkshire’s town centres, which have been repurposed or redeveloped. 34 Years: 2010/11 – 2018/19 59 64 63 Amber 67 82 92 City Deal & Regeneration / New Supply / RSL’s Page 72 of 128
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Key performance indicator What does this tell us? Baseline Note: these figures are cumulative and not additional to each other Lead Team(s) By 2023/24 Short-term Medium- term Long- term 2024/25 2025/26 By next ERDP Review (2027/28) 2034/35 Actual Target Actual Target Target Target Number of new affordable homes completed within town centres (or edge of town) The number of units either converted to residential or new build house completions by NLC or RSLs within town centres 887 Years: 2010/11 – 2018/19 1,692 1,797 1,797 Green 1,876 2,511 2,688 New Supply / City Deal & Regeneration / RSL’s ERDP Priority 2 Performance Summary: Total number of indicators Number of indicators with ‘Green’ status Number of indicators with ‘Amber’ status Number of indicators with ‘Red’ status 4 3 1 0 Success to date Since the ERDP was introduced in 2019, eight town visions have been developed for Airdrie, Bellshill, Coatbridge, Cumbernauld, Kilsyth, Motherwell, Shotts and Wishaw. Town Action Plans have been developed for Airdrie, Bellshill, Kilsyth, Motherwell, Shotts and Wishaw, outlining the short, medium and long‐term actions required to realise the visions for each of these towns. A Neighbourhood Board has been established in Coatbridge. The board will drive the development and delivery of a Regeneration Plan for Coatbridge, aligned to the Town Vision, which will be submitted to the UK Government during 2025/26. This will include a four-year investment plan towards drawing down the first tranche of funding from the £19.5 million allocated to Coatbridge over the next 10 years. Page 73 of 128
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The council acquired The Centre Cumbernauld in June 2023, a major milestone in the redevelopment of Cumbernauld town centre. Proposals are now being developed for the phased redevelopment of the town centre. Almost £120 million has been invested in towns since the launch of the ERDP in 2019, with key projects including: • The acquisition of key town centre properties, with plans to convert to residential developments. This includes Motherwell Old Town Hall, Bank Street and Main Street (Coatbridge), the former, Kings House (Wishaw) and the former Methodist Church (Wishaw). • Following the acquisition of the former YMCA building (Brandon Street, Motherwell), this property has now been converted to 6 new flatted units for social rent and a further 42 new build units were developed on an adjacent parcel of vacant land. Residents are now enjoying the benefits of these new council homes. • Enabling the regeneration of the former Orrs building in Airdrie, which completed in 2024 • The acquisition of The Centre Cumbernauld in June 2023, unlocking the major regeneration of Cumbernauld town centre. • Major improvements to community facilities such as Motherwell Library. • A 2.3km Green Route, connecting Cumbernauld town centre with surrounding communities such as Kildrum and Carbrain. 1,797 town centre homes have also been delivered via NLC and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) as part of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP). This includes homes within a 10‐minute walk of town centres, in line with the 20‐minute neighbourhood definition. Challenges Various external factors such as inflationary pressures across the UK economy and the wider international geopolitical environment have impacted construction and materials costs. Challenging public finances over the last few years have also put a recent strain on the availability of external government funding towards capital projects, such as the recent pausing of the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) and Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP), as well as delays in confirming Place Based Investment Programme budgets for 2025/26. Despite this, progress continues towards reshaping and repopulating our town centres. The council continues to engage with property and landowners to acquire buildings/land which are strategically aligned with our redevelopment plans. However, a key challenge is managing owner’s expectations around property/land value, ensuring best value is achieved. Page 74 of 128
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Priority 3: Improve our business and industrial infrastructure, creating opportunity for investment and for companies to start-up or relocate here Why is this set of indicators of interest? The Plan for North Lanarkshire ambition statement alignment Although North Lanarkshire has a significant amount of industrial land and premises, some are not suitable for today’s needs. To enable our people and businesses to thrive we’ll invest in business and industrial space and in marketing North Lanarkshire as the place to invest and work. 2. Refocus our town centres and communities to be multifunctional connected places which maximise social, economic, and environmental opportunities. 3. Maximise the use of our marketable land and assets through improved development in business and industrial infrastructure. 16. Transform our natural environment to support wellbeing and inward investment and enhance it for current and future generations Page 75 of 128
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Key performance indicator What does this tell us? Baseline Note: these figures are cumulative and not additional to each other Lead Team(s) By 2023/24 Short-term Medium- term Long- term 2024/25 2025/26 By next ERDP Review (2027/28) 2034/35 Actual Target Actual Target Target Target Investment made towards the development of business and industrial infrastructure The amount (£) invested in business and industry zoned land or upgraded to existing business and industrial infrastructure across North Lanarkshire. This includes NLC and ALEO funding only. £0.524m Year: 2018/19 £4.65m £7.89m £8.25m Green £9.25m £11.75m £18.15m Fusion Assets / NLP / City Deal & Regeneration External/priv ate sector/loan funding secured for office and industrial development The amount (£) of external, private or loan funding secured for investment in office and industrial developments across North Lanarkshire. £1.3m Year: 2018/19 £22.35m £27.35m £40.41m Green £46.30m £48.7m £56.3m Fusion Assets / City Deal & Regeneration Page 76 of 128
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Ha of land improved for business and industrial use The amount (Ha) of land remediated or improved for business and industry use across North Lanarkshire 3.61ha Year: 2018/19 10.29ha 14.26ha 12.47ha Amber 14.6ha 15.0ha 16.0ha Fusion Assets / City Deal & Regeneration Sq.ft of commercial workspace created or refurbished The amount (square footage) of Commercial workspace created or refurbished as a result of investment by NLC, Fusion Assets or North Lanarkshire Properties across North Lanarkshire 18,000 sq.ft Year: 2018/19 132,910 sq.ft 160,658 sq.ft 169,733 sq.ft Green 221,000 sq.ft 268,000 sq.ft 470,000 sq.ft Fusion Assets / City Deal & Regeneration Page 77 of 128
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ERDP Priority 3 Performance Summary: Total number of indicators Number of indicators with ‘Green’ status Number of indicators with ‘Amber’ status Number of indicators with ‘Red’ status 4 3 1 0 Success to date Since the introduction of the ERDP in 2019, an additional 151,700 sq.ft of commercial workspace has been created, including 40,500 sq.ft at Gartcosh Industrial Park (buildings 2 and 3). During 2023/24, Fusion Assets acquired Plot One at the former Ravenscraig steelworks site in Motherwell. Following the remediation and servicing of the 6.4 acre development site, Fusion Assets will bring forward plans for a multi let industrial scheme. Fusion Assets completed the construction of a new 15,500 sq.ft, net zero carbon enabled, industrial building at Link Park, Newhouse during 2023/24, which was immediately let for a new Scottish depot for a multinational company Construction on the third and final building at Link Park, Newhouse began in February 2025. This project is scheduled to complete in December 2025 and will deliver 19,753 sq.ft of new industrial workspace. Enabling works were completed in June 2023 at Gartcosh Industrial Park (Phase 3). This site has planning approval for the construction of up to four new industrial units, totalling 62,000 sq.ft. 11,410 sq.ft has been developed at Spruce Court within Orbiston Street Industrial Estate, Motherwell. This has provided new start‐up units for SMEs as well as a unit for New College Lanarkshire students as part of an initiative to support young entrepreneurs who are setting up a business within the area. The council has also secured £1.9M from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund which will contribute to the significant redevelopment of Braidhurst Industrial Estate in Motherwell. This project will see the upgrading of the existing units owned by North Lanarkshire Properties as well as the construction of industrial units suited to local small‐medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Lastly, the council continue to receive ring‐fenced Vacant and Derelict Land Fund (VDLF) funding from the Scottish Government (subject to the submission and approval of an annual VDLF Local Delivery Plan) and continue to focus this investment towards the creation of new industrial and business space and ultimately new jobs. Page 78 of 128
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Challenges Various external factors such as inflationary pressures across the UK economy and the wider international geopolitical environment have impacted construction and materials costs. High interest rates for loan finance and lower investment yields have also impacted on the viability of externally funded projects which Fusion Assets looks to deliver, either solely or as a joint venture. This has caused some delays to projects and investments made. Despite these challenges, good progress has been made against improving our business and industrial infrastructure, as demonstrated in the “success to date” section above. Braidhurst Industrial Estate was chosen as a demonstrator project for improvements to our local light-industrial stock. This pilot project has experienced significant cost overruns due to rising material costs and inflation as well as abnormal costs due to the condition of the aging NLP units, which required significant works to upgrade electrics and to improve the energy efficiency of the units. These works, as well as significant wait times getting the utility companies onsite, have caused severe delays to programme which also substantially increasing costs to the project. Priority 4: Continuing to improve our connectivity and develop new opportunities to transform our road, rail and digital infrastructure Why is this set of indicators of interest? The Plan for North Lanarkshire ambition statement alignment Another key priority within the Transforming Places Programme of Work is the delivery of the City Deal Infrastructure programme which aims to increase Gross Value Added across the entire Glasgow City Region by providing increased access to jobs through improved connectivity to centres of employment and opening up development opportunity. We will connect North Lanarkshire to markets and opportunities by improving our strategic infrastructure. 2. Refocus our town centres and communities to be multifunctional connected places which maximise social, economic, and environmental opportunities. 4. Market and promote North Lanarkshire as the place to live, learn, work, invest, and visit. 5. Grow and improve the sustainability and diversity of North Lanarkshire’s economy 16. Transform our natural environment to support wellbeing and inward investment and enhance it for current and future generations Page 79 of 128
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Key performance indicator What does this tell us? Baseline Note: these figures are cumulative and not additional to each other Lead Team(s) By 2023/24 Short-term Medium- term Long- term 2024/25 2025/26 By next ERDP Review (2027/28) 2034/35 Actual Target Actual Target Target Target Investment made in key infrastructure projects (including City Deal projects) to date The amount (£) invested in key infrastructure projects (including investment made in City Deal projects to date). This includes NLC direct investment and Glasgow City Region City Deal funding. £6.8m Years: 2015/16 – 2018/19 £55.16m £68.12m £62.3m Amber £69.89m £154.44m £243.45m City Deal & Regeneration Number of key infrastructure contracts completed The number of key Enterprise Projects or City Deal infrastructure Contracts completed. A long‐term project can contain Multiple contracts 3 Years: 2015/16 – 2018/19 13 17 16 Amber 21 27 30 City Deal & Regeneration Page 80 of 128
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Km of active travel routes The amount (Km) of active travel routes created which will improve the ability of all people to walk, wheel and cycle throughout North Lanarkshire. This will help reduce Inequalities by providing people with more Opportunities to access employment, local services, education or training. 0km Year: 2018/19 17.2km 21.8km 19.85km Amber 24.3km 70km 155km Infrastructure & Transportation Page 81 of 128
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ERDP Priority 4 Performance Summary: Total number of indicators Number of indicators with ‘Green’ status Number of indicators with ‘Amber’ status Number of indicators with ‘Red’ status 3 0 3 0 Success to date The direct deliverable successes to March 2025 relate to infrastructure delivery completed or in progress; procurement activity progressed, and contracts awarded; project development and delivery investment. The indirect deliverable successes to March 2025 relate to economic benefits realised; the impact of GCR City Deal investment in addressing market failure and providing improved confidence to the market, people and businesses to locate in North Lanarkshire. These successes are monitored through ongoing benefits monitoring data and through evidence of market interest (through planning applications, proposal of application notices, commercial enquiries). The following headline successes has been achieved since the commencement of the council’s City Deal Infrastructure Investment Programme: • £62.3m City Deal Programme investment to March 2025 (project development and delivery) • 16 infrastructure contracts delivered (City Deal contracts and other infrastructure contracts to support core City Deal projects). Gartcosh/Glenboig Community Growth Area (CGA): • Gartcosh Business Park to Glenboig Link Road project delivered (comprising three works contracts). • Benefits realisation has commenced as a result of the Glenboig Link Road project with housing developments at Gartcosh/Glenboig CGA and Fusion Assets investment in commercial/industrial units at Gartcosh Business Park. There has also been evidence of market interest (both residential and commercial) in the area. Motherwell Town Centre Transport Interchange: • Motherwell Station Park and Ride expansion project delivered. • Muir Street Interchange works completed in May 2023. Ravenscraig Infrastructure Access (RIA) South: • West Coast Mainline Crossing guided into place under a closure of the rail line in April 2023. • Demolition works completed to former business properties at Manse Road and Windmillhill Street during 2024/25. Page 82 of 128
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East Airdrie Link Road (EALR) • Tender for consultancy services for stage 3 of the project issued, evaluated and contract awarded. Outline Business Case approved August 2024. A8/M8 Corridor Access Improvements: • Options appraisal and concept design work progressed for Phase 1 and 2 of Eurocentral Strategic Active Travel Links project. • Consultants have now been appointed to prepare detailed designs, which is progressing well. Active Travel • Motherwell Station Active Travel Links Phase 1 (West Hamilton Street to Motherwell Civic Centre; Hope Street, Muir Street and Pollock Street) works completed on West Hamilton Street and from Asda to Camp Street at the Civic Centre. • Ravenscraig Active Travel Link Phase 2 works completed; feasibility study and options appraisal commission progressed for active travel links between Courington Road, Motherwell and Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility with final outcome of the study due Summer 2025. • Alexander Street, Wishaw, Active Travel and Road Safety Improvements: construction completed. • Meadowhead, Wishaw, Active Travel and Road Safety Improvements: construction completed. • Glasgow Road, Wishaw, Active Travel and Road Safety Improvements: detailed design finalised and Phase 1 constructed. • Carnbroe Community Hub, Active Travel Links: detailed designs finalised and construction completed. Challenges Over the last 4 years in particular, a variety of external factors and challenges have affected construction and infrastructure activity which have impacted on project programmes and milestones: Various external factors such as the Covid‐19 pandemic, Brexit, the wider geopolitical environment and rising inflation across the UK economy have impacted construction and materials costs. Labour market and material supply issues have continued to impact on tender costs and put pressure on delivery timescales. Ravenscraig Infrastructure Access South – due to identified drainage design issues within the Motherwell to Ravenscraig works tender package, the decision was made not to continue with the works tender to the planned programme. This impacted upon the projected spend profile and programme for the RIAS project. A revised procurement strategy for development of the new road between Windmillhill Street and the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility is now being taken forward as a series of smaller, related work phases. Spend profiles for future years will be based on this revised strategy. Page 83 of 128
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Advance demolition works at the former Evans Halshaw garage, former Cook and Indiis and YESS electrical site were progressed, to prepare the land for construction of the new road. A Value Engineering review commission has been awarded and is progressing. This will inform the revised detailed design. East Airdrie Link Road – the consultancy commission for preliminary design and statutory approval services for the East Airdrie Link Road has progressed well, with an updated alignment for the link road prepared and Environmental Impact Assessment work underway. Dialogue with NHS Lanarkshire on project interfaces with the Monklands Replacement Hospital Project has also progressed. Preparations were made for public consultation and submission of a PAN notice to the Planning Service. Active Travel infrastructure – the council is continuing to progress strategic Active travel projects in accordance with the priorities identified in its Active Travel Strategy, including improving active travel connections to new Community Hubs. However, progress with delivering new/improved routes is largely dependent on availability of external funding with allocations generally made on an annual basis which makes forward planning more challenging. Page 84 of 128
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Enterprise and Fair Work Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☐ Yes ☒ No Ref (AG/PK) Date 29/08/25 NL Employer Charter From Alison Gordon, Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice & Integration) E-mail gordonal@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 01698 332001 1. Background 1.1 Brighter Futures is one of the seven strategic Programme of Work areas approved by the Policy and Strategy Committee which guides the work of the Council until 2028. Within the Brighter Futures Programme of Work there are a number of workstreams and activities being led and delivered by a broad range of teams and operational Executive Summary Within the current Plan for North Lanarkshire the Brighter Futures programme of work is delivering activities across several workstreams and an update on the achievements across all Programmes of Work is being reported to the Policy and Strategy Committee. One of the deliverables featured within the Brighter Futures programme of work is to develop and embed the NL Employer Charter within a broad range of businesses. This work is relevant to the remit of the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee in its promotion of local economic development and work with local employers encouraging fair work practices in our local economy. A detailed description of the charter and its work to date are provided within the report for Committee to consider. Recommendations It is recommended that the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee: (1) Recognise and endorse the role the NL Employer Charter has in supporting the engagement of employers with Council services and in aligning local employers with the aims of the Council. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve economic opportunities and outcomes Ambition statement (5) Grow and improve the sustainability and diversity of North Lanarkshire's economy Programme of Work Brighter Futures Item 6 Page 85 of 128
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programmes. These inform the One Council Delivery Plan which sets out the portfolio of programmes, projects, and activities to support delivery of the Programme of Work to 2028. Brighter Futures aims to achieve the following: To support and improve educational attainment, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, and volunteering and prepare young people and the wider community for the future through specialised education, voluntary work and enterprise. This programme will give them the skills, knowledge, and confidence to successfully transition to further education, training or employment. This will shape innovative employment pathways and maximise key industry growth sectors to boost economic growth. This will provide opportunities to develop real-world job skills that add value and pathways to specific industries and help to offer choice and inclusive access to jobs and training. 1.2 Given the aims of Brighter Futures it was identified early in the programme that engagement with employers would be a significant factor in its effective development. It was agreed that one of the ways this could be facilitated was through the development of formal recognition for the work of employers that support the Council in achieving its ambitions and this led to the development of the NL Employer Charter. 1.3 The charter was designed to maintain and support a network of employers across North Lanarkshire, to engage and influence local employers to work fairly and responsibly and to formally acknowledge those employers that already work in a such a manner. At its core the charter is an employer accreditation scheme, developed to drive forward improvements across North Lanarkshire’s labour market, benefiting employers, employees and the local community and with accreditation assessed objectively on four core areas. The scheme is the only employer accreditation scheme offered by a local authority in Scotland, membership is free and open to businesses of all sizes within North Lanarkshire and to those outwith the local authority area that contribute to the local community and economy. 2. Report Charter Design and Operating Principles 2.1 The NL Employer Charter is designed and managed by the employability team to offer tangible benefits to employers in return for measuring their business against key areas in which the Council would like to drive improvements. These benefits include: • Recognition as an exemplar local employer, committed to helping the North Lanarkshire economy recover and grow, through adopting the highest employment standards and practices. • Access to support, expertise and, where appropriate, funding to help develop and grow a capable and resilient future workforce which supports their business goals and aims. • To boost the company profile through publicity, promotion and attracting new talent to the labour market. • To gain access to contacts via scheme networking and partnership opportunities, helping to demonstrate the quality of the business when seeking new business opportunities. • To be recognised as a business which is contributing to wider economic prosperity and sustainability and helping to keep consumer spend in North Lanarkshire. • Public recognition of these businesses’ support for the charter or having been recognised as a charter member. Page 86 of 128
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2.2 Accreditation focuses on compliance with four key principles, which are aligned to positive developments in the local economy, and which are reflected in the pillars of the scheme. These are: • Fair Pay: increasing average weekly wage in line with the Fairer Scotland Duty - all directly employed staffed are being paid the Real Living Wage (currently £12.60 per hour) and this can be confirmed by evidence or - Employer is actively working towards paying the Real Living Wage within the next 12 months. • Employ North Lanarkshire – ensuring that job opportunities go to NL residents. - Employer is committed to engaging with North Lanarkshire’s Working employability service when new employment and apprenticeship opportunities arise within the organisation. - Employer promotes and provides apprenticeship / work experience / work placements and actively engages with local schools and developing the young workforce. - Employer promotes volunteering and volunteering opportunities within the wider community. • Buy North Lanarkshire – enhancing supply chain / procurement / community benefits. - Employer commits to including North Lanarkshire businesses in its supply chain wherever possible within the next 12 months. - Employer is involved in providing community benefits and/or social value through public sector procurement of goods and services. • Be the Best – ensuring fair work practices which attract and retain employees. - Employer offers flexible working and family friendly working practices. - Employer offers workforce training, development, and progression. - Employer has a health and well-being policy. - Employer has an equality and diversity policy. 2.3 Awards are made based on the level of compliance with the above specific criteria and sign up in principle to the charter, working towards meeting the criteria outlined under each of the four pillars. • Bronze Award winners will be able to evidence meeting criteria in two of the pillars • Silver Award winners will meet some of the criteria in each of three pillars and be working towards meeting all. • Gold Award winners will be able to evidence meeting each of the specific criteria in all four pillars. Employers achieving the highest level of accreditation would be seen as having a strategic level of engagement with high participation and contribution to the North Lanarkshire labour market. Page 87 of 128
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Operation of the NL Employer Charter 2.4 To date 68 businesses have been accredited, 18 achieving a Gold Award, 27 Silver and 23 Bronze. A list of these businesses is included in Appendix 1. There are currently 22 businesses being supported through the accreditation process to achieve an award. Growth has steadily increased year on year with Employability Development Officers generating new leads as part of their business development activities, 26 employers are currently being progressed to the initial application stage to then begin the accreditation process. There are 14 businesses that have applied for accreditation and have not met the criteria for a Bronze Award and are being supported to meet at least all criteria within two pillars to meet the minimum requirement for Bronze. 2.5 Accredited members are case managed within the Employability Services Team. Following the panel review and award decision, recommendations are made for areas of improvement with support provided, to reach the highest level of accreditation possible. Feedback from accredited members has been incredibly positive with one of the benefits of the scheme being the provision of an extra point of contact for businesses with the Council. 2.6 Businesses who have been granted awards are sent a digital logo to display on their email signatures, website, and social media platforms. They are also presented with a plaque to display within the organisation and a marketing pack. Accreditation is for a period of three years and evidence is refreshed on an annual basis and businesses that have been granted awards have their logos / details displayed on North Lanarkshire’s Working and NLC website pages. Finally, as part of the marketing for the charter, and to demonstrate to businesses the high level of recognition within which the Council views the awards, many businesses have been visited by The Provost, with photographs and a press release created to promote their achievement. Celebration Event 2.7 A Business Breakfast event was held at Gartlea Community Centre on 29th April to recognise and celebrate members of the NL Employer Charter for their high standards of excellence, their commitment to investing in their employees, being a positive employer and a responsible business. Presentations were delivered by the Chief Executive, Depute Chief Executive and local employer ACS Clothing, with The Provost presenting 14 recently accredited businesses with their awards. 2.8 83 people attended the event, 56 of those from businesses in North Lanarkshire, and a post evaluation survey showed that all attendees enjoyed the event, benefited from networking opportunities, and would attend future gatherings, with particular interest shown in business support, employability and social value. Quarterly events are being organised to allow businesses the opportunity to find out more about the council services available and for like-minded businesses to network with each other. The next event is planned for the end of September. 3. Measures of success 3.1 Measures of success include: • The NL Employer Charter supports a growing network of fair and responsible employers across North Lanarkshire and encourages positive developments in the Page 88 of 128
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local labour market benefiting employers, employees and the local community. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 – Employer Charter Companies Alison Gordon Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice & Integration) Page 89 of 128
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Page 90 of 128
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Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? Managing and monitoring service performance supports the ongoing monitoring of the service’s risk register. 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 91 of 128
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APPENDIX 1 NL Employer Charter Members Gold Members ACS Clothing All Star Joinery Antibody Analytics Belac Group (no longer trading) Cumbernauld Theatre Trust DMI Fire & Security G4 Claims Ltd Glass Systems Ltd Lanarkshire Carers McTaggart Construction Mears Morgan Sindall North Lanarkshire Carers Together POS Group Limited Routes to Work Secureshield Ltd Swagelok Scotland Viridor Silver Members Active Access Ltd Andersen Caledonia Ltd Antibody Company Balfour Beatty PLC BEC Machined Plastics & Engineering Supplies Bells Food Group Ltd CD Architects Cumbernauld & Kilsyth Care DMG Services Group Ltd Door & Gate Engineering Services Ltd Elcom Networks Ltd Enevate Homes Limited FBD Consultancy Accounts & Tax Ltd Greenerleaf Estate Maintenance Ltd Hair Design Airdrie (no longer trading) Hot Worx Ltd Igne Indeglas Limited Moock Environmental Solutions Ltd Newmains Community Trust Peter Campbell (Sales) Ltd Ponies Help Children Preah Building Services Ltd Saltire Facilities Management Ltd St Phillips Residential Care & Education Services Streetwise The Power Within Training Bronze Members Caveman Designz Ltd Clarke Fire Protection Products Ltd Page 92 of 128
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Cliftonville & Coatdyke Community Centre Diverse Investments Scotland Ltd (Newton Waste) Document Data Group Emarr Telecommunications Equal Say GCN Ltd GR Contracts Ltd Health and Wellbeing Hub Inex Works Group Ltd Ko-nekt Netzero Facades Ltd Paradigm Reinstatements Ltd Potential Living Premier Property Solutions Pulptec Ltd Soundex Partitions Ltd SRB Wealth Management Stewart- Buchanan Gauges Ltd Telecom Networks WH&R McCartney Insurance Brokers WQS Wonderseal Ltd Page 93 of 128
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Enterprise and Fair Work Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☐ Yes ☒ No Ref (AG/PK) Date 29/08/25 UKSPF Employability Programmes From Alison Gordon, Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice & Integration) E-mail gordonal@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 01698 332001 Executive Summary Within the current Plan for North Lanarkshire the Brighter Futures programme of work is delivering activities across several workstreams and an update on the achievements across all Programmes of Work is being reported to the Policy and Strategy Committee. One of the deliverables featured within the Brighter Futures programme of work is the integration of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) with Council led employability programmes and priorities. This work is relevant to the remit of the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee in its promotion of local economic development and increasing the employment rate in our communities for unemployed and economically inactive residents to ensure they are included in the ongoing economic growth of North Lanarkshire. This report will provide detail on the implementation and performance of the UKSPF employability programmes delivered over the last two years from 2023/24 to 2024/25 and how this has supported the design of the current one-year programme being delivered in 2025/26. Recommendations It is recommended that the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee: (1) Note the information provided on the delivery of the UKSPF employability programmes from 2023/24 to 2024/25 and endorse plans for 2025/26. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve economic opportunities and outcomes Ambition statement (11) Increase economic opportunities for adults by understanding, identifying, and addressing the causes of poverty and deprivation and barriers to financial inclusion Programme of Work Brighter Futures Item 7 Page 95 of 128
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1. Background 1.1 North Lanarkshire Council was allocated £13.871m from the UKSPF to deliver projects across four key themes (Communities and Place, People and Skills, Supporting Local Business and Multiply) from 2023/24 to 2024/25. North Lanarkshire’s Investment Plan, approved by the Enterprise, Growth and Fair Work Committee on 29 August 2022, formed part of the wider Glasgow City Region Investment Plan, which was approved by the UK Government on 5 December 2022. 1.2 Within the Council’s UKSPF Investment Plan £3,439,830 was allocated to employability programmes that targeted support on unemployed and economically inactive residents, and these were designed to be the successor programmes to the long-standing EU funded employability programmes that had been delivered across North Lanarkshire previously. The UKSPF programmes to be delivered were split between two interventions known as S31 and S35. Broadly speaking S31 targeted those who are economically inactive and S35 targeted those who are unemployed but who have barriers to entering a job. In line with previous requirements by external funders, match funding from the Employability core budget was also allocated to the delivery of these projects. 1.3 S31 was named Working Matters and S35 was named North Lanarkshire’s Working, in keeping with the established brand for the delivery of Council funded employability support in North Lanarkshire. 2. Report 2.1 The performance, both financially and in terms of outcomes is described below for both programmes. 2.2 S31 Working Matters Working Matters provided place-based employability support for economically inactive residents of North Lanarkshire with intensive and wrap-around support to move those furthest from the labour market closer to mainstream provision and employment, supplemented by additional and/or specialist life and basic skills and was delivered by by Routes to Work Ltd. The project also had support from the employability team and used peer mentors, life coaches and financial wellbeing advice to engage and move people toward better economic, health and social outcomes that match their individual needs and promote increased community cohesion. Overall funding and performance in terms of engagements and job outcomes are given below. Table 1: S31 Working Matters Funding Apr 2023 – Mar 2025 Forecast Actual Variance UKSPF £582,830 £582,830 0 NLC Match £693,646 £366,491 -£327,155 (-47%) Total Cost £1,276,476 £949,321 -£327,155 (-25%) Table 2: S31 Working Matters Outcomes Apr 2023 – Mar 2025 Target Actual Variance Registered 375 194 -181 (-48%) Job Outcomes 96 (25%) 77 (40%) -19 (-20%) Sustained job 70% 76% 6% The profile of those registered and engaged on S31 Working Matters was that 80% came from the most deprived 20% SIMD areas of North Lanarkshire and 64% were female with 36% men. This is in contrast to most employability programmes where Page 96 of 128
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there are almost always more men than women. However, it fits the profile for economic inactivity in North Lanarkshire where there are a higher number of women than men economically inactive. In terms of age 59% of clients were over 30 years of age and lastly, a higher number than usual had ongoing health conditions and caring responsibilities at registration and 50% of clients had either no or lower secondary school level qualifications. 2.3 The tables above show a mixed picture in that the numbers registered on the programme were much lower than initially profiled, with a corresponding decrease in expenditure; however, the conversion from registration to a job outcome and sustainment in work were higher than projected for the group. Delivery of this project has provided a number of lessons that have been integrated into the design of the UKSPF programme for 2025/26. These key lessons are: - Engagement of economically inactive residents on to employability programmes requires a sustained and long-term approach with significant investment of time and therefore resources. - Using peer mentors from the area that potential service users live in is one of the keys to engaging residents. - Employability support needs to be accompanied by health and welfare rights support and advice. 2.4 S35 North Lanarkshire’s Working North Lanarkshire’s Working provided a continuation of the Council’s long-standing commitment to provide free and large-scale employability advice and support across all communities. While open to all unemployed and underemployed residents this is targeted at those unemployed and underemployed residents who face additional barriers to entering or progressing in the labour market. Driving up the employment rate in North Lanarkshire is a cornerstone of The Plan for North Lanarkshire and ensuring employability support is available to all is recognised as a major contributor to tackling poverty and local economic development. The programme was led and co-ordinated by the Council’s Employability team, within the Education and Families service, which also provides the key function of engaging employers onto the programme. Routes to Work Ltd provided specialised case worker support to unemployed residents as well as support with accessing vocational training and the short-term costs associated with moving from benefits to employment such as childcare and travel. They also provided in-work support for up to 6 months for those participants that required it. Table 3: S35 North Lanarkshire’s Working Funding Apr 2023 – Mar 2025 Forecast Actual Variance UKSPF £2,721,000 £2,721,000 0 NLC Match £4,941,300 £2,689,232 -£2,252,068 (-45%) Total Cost £7,662,300 £5,410,232 -£2,252,068 (-29%) Table 4: S35 North Lanarkshire’s Working Outcomes Apr 2023 – Mar 2025 Target Actual Variance Registered 3,400 3,530 130 (3.8%) Job Outcomes 1550 (46%) 1172 (33%) -378 (-24%) Sustained job 70% 75% 5% The profile of those registered and engaged on S35 North Lanarkshire’s Working was that 65% came from the most deprived 20% SIMD areas of North Lanarkshire and 31% were female with 69% men. In terms of age the spread was from 16 to 67 with 53% Page 97 of 128
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of clients under the age of 30 and 45% of clients had either no or lower secondary school level qualifications on registration. The main health barriers cited by participants were related to their mental health. 2.5 The tables above show that in terms of registering clients the programme was effective; however, the conversion from registration to job outcome was lower than predicted, while still supporting over one thousand unemployed residents into employment in local businesses with a higher than forecast sustainment level. There was a significant decrease in the spend profile, especially from Council match fund, and this related mainly to Council staff costs being supported from other sources of external funds such as the Scottish Government No One Left Behind fund. Delivery of this project has provided a number of lessons that have been integrated into the design of the UKSPF programme for 2025/26. These key lessons are: - Engagement of unemployed residents on to North Lanarkshire wide programmes using a combination of direct marketing to residents through social media, promotion of the programme to key stakeholders such as DWP and through the work of Routes to Work Ltd within communities is effective. - Other Council services such as Housing, Restorative Justice, Community Learning and Development and the Tackling Poverty team are key partners for employability support in UKSPF. - Employability support needs to be accompanied by mental health and welfare rights support and advice. 2.6 2025/26 UKSPF Targets and Funding As reported to the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee on 14 February 2025 the allocation of UKSPF to North Lanarkshire has been reduced but comes with the benefit of being less prescriptive than the terms operated from 2023-2025. For employability the allocation of £1,568,837 is 78% of that allocated in the year 2024/25 which was split across two programmes delivered by the employability team and Routes to Work Ltd. as outlined above and separately tackling economic inactivity and unemployment. In 2025/26 there will be one SPF employability programme (North Lanarkshire’s Working) delivered by Routes to Work Ltd. which will offer an all-age service and will ensure there is a continuity of employability support in every community in North Lanarkshire. This new single programme will continue to address the challenge of economic inactivity and unemployment (with separate targets) with funding and targets as outlined below. Table 5: S35 North Lanarkshire’s Working 2025/26 Funding Budget UKSPF £1,568,837 NLC Match £2,079,302 Total Cost £3,648,139 Table 6: S35 North Lanarkshire’s Working 2025/26 Outcomes Outcomes Economically Inactive Unemployed Total Registered 299 1056 1,355 Job Outcomes 120 528 648 Sustained job 70% 70% 70% This new programme is capitalising on the effective engagement and registration strategy delivered by the previous S35 programme but is also maintaining the use of peer mentors to support and engage residents who are economically inactive. Alongside this health and welfare rights support is also integrated. In recent years Page 98 of 128
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employability support has also been significantly bolstered by increased levels of funding from the Scottish Government through its No One Left Behind funding and this is targeted on specialist groups and parents. These funding streams are segregated and accounted for separately but are integrated and aligned in a manner that means residents who are looking for support or engaged should not be aware of any difference in funding sources; however, at times there may be marketing and engagement campaigns that aim to broaden our range of clients and deepen penetration into under- represented groups in the labour market. 3. Measures of success 3.1 Economically inactive, unemployed and underemployed residents of North Lanarkshire are effectively supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 No Supporting Documents Alison Gordon Chief Social Work Officer (Education, Families, Justice & Integration) Page 99 of 128
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? All costs associated with the UKSPF dictated by the financial parameters agreed at the outset for the delivery of the Council’s UKSPF projects. Council resources to match fund this activity are from NLC Match Funding allocated to employability projects. 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 100 of 128
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5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? Managing and monitoring service performance supports the ongoing monitoring of the service’s risk register. 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. Within all Council employability programmes veterans are immediately eligible for support alongside other priority groups. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Page 101 of 128
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If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☒ Page 102 of 128
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Enterprise and Fair Work Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☐ Yes ☒ No Ref LN/DB/PH Date 29/08/25 City Deal Programme – Community Benefits Delivery Update From Pamela Humphries, Chief Officer (Place) E-mail balfourd@northlan.gov.uk Telephone Dorothy Balfour, 07583 669609 1. Background 1.1 In June 2021, the Glasgow City Region (GCR) Cabinet approved the replacement Regional Sustainable Procurement Strategy for the Region that would: • combine and build upon the successful collaboration achieved under the previous, separate procurement and community benefit strategies • improve social, environmental, and economic wellbeing • consider developments in the wider policy landscape, such as Fair Work First, Grow Local, Community Wealth Building, the circular economy, how public sector procurement can contribute to carbon reduction and climate adaptation • extend the collaborative approach to progressive procurement objectives beyond the scope of the City Deal projects to include wider infrastructure investment; and Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to provide the Committee with an update regarding community benefits delivery related to the City Deal Programme over financial year 2024/25, with highlights on community benefits to date. Recommendations It is recommended that the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee: (1) Acknowledges the contents of the report regarding the delivery of community benefits related to the North Lanarkshire City Deal Programme. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve economic opportunities and outcomes Ambition statement (5) Grow and improve the sustainability and diversity of North Lanarkshire's economy Programme of Work Transforming Places Item 8 Page 103 of 128
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• to broaden the reach of the strategy to include capital investment by wider Regional economic partners and key anchor institutions. 1.2 Strategic Objectives & Priorities Within the Strategy’s strategic objectives includes an action plan with key tasks, reported quarterly and annually. The 5 objectives align to 7 key priorities of Priority Groups*, Tackling Inequality, Community Wealth Building, Skills, Employment, Business and Place / Environment. *Priority Groups were identified from the findings of the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan 2018-22 and through consultation with the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Region City Deal Member Authorities, Supplier Development Programme and Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). 2. Report 2.1 Collaborative Groups The GCR City Deal and the council have mechanisms in place to support the implementation and delivery of community benefit outcomes within City Deal contracts via support from the Groups identified below. • The Council’s Community Benefits Development Group The Group comprises various internal and external stakeholders such as education, early careers, virtual schools, Developing the Young Workforce, Community Partnership Team, supported enterprise, the apprenticeship team, employability services and Routes to Work, to allow collaboration, co-ordination and to maximise opportunities. • GCR City Deal Procurement Support Group (PSG) The role of this group is to translate the strategic objectives and priorities into action and delivery by monitoring performance and undertaking reviews to develop and update the Buyer’s Guide and to target key priorities. At the beginning of the year the GCRCD Buyers guide was reviewed, updated and amended. The points were reviewed and adjusted accordingly with new outcomes being added to be in line with any GCR City Deal and member authority policy changes and updates. • The Council’s Community Benefits Hub Group This Group was established to facilitate an online wish list whereby community groups can add requests for financial and / or non-financial support and suppliers can register to fulfil contractual obligations. The Group meets weekly to review, approve and allocate requests to the most appropriate service area suppliers during the soft launch (see further detail in section 3.8). 3. Measures of success 3.1 The delivery of community benefits is a key performance indicator on City Deal contracts. Progress on the delivery of community benefit outcomes is reported quarterly to the Glasgow City Region City Deal Programme Management Office (GCRCD PMO), as part of project status reporting by the City Deal and Regeneration Team and are Page 104 of 128
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subsequently reported to the Glasgow City Region Cabinet in quarterly performance reports. 3.2 Over its lifetime the City Deal is set to create 29,000 new jobs across the Region, in addition to 15,000 temporary jobs during the construction period and it will support 5,500 unemployed people back into work. The following outcomes will be reviewed as part of the procurement process for the Council’s City Deal construction projects (i.e. Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure South project – New dual carriageway from Ravenscraig to Motherwell) and for the East Airdrie Link Road): - • creation of opportunities for employment and jobs, where specific community benefit outcomes are exclusively available to Priority Groups (e.g. Young people (16-24 years); Women – assuming primary care role for children; Disabled people; Black Minority Ethnic people; and People experiencing poverty and deprivation) to provide meaningful local jobs for people to move in to work or closer to the labour market. • The council works closely with our external partners, Developing Young Workforce, to secure the most appropriate candidates for work experience placements and work with our internal council teams to fulfil paid summer placements. • Supply Chain events outcomes will be considered to allow the Tier 1 contractors to support local SMEs and encourage them to bid for subcontracting packages resulting from these large construction projects awards. 3.3 The community benefits achieved to date from the City Deal inception totals 166 benefits, up by 21 outcomes since last year that include: • New jobs (priority and non-priority groups) • Apprenticeships • Work Experience placements school and non-school students • Careers Events • Workplace visits • Supply chain briefings • Taster sessions • Community engagement (financial and non-financial) Note the increase is less than anticipated due to deferral of the Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure (North) project from the City Deal programme and revised approach to delivery of the Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure (South) project. 3.4 The approach followed and the benefits that have been achieved since the creation of the council’s Community Benefits Development Group have allowed the project team to target: • Specific community groups • Identify suitable schools and students • Identify the most appropriate training requirements This approach benefits the local community by ensuring that residents, particularly students and community groups, receive the assistance and placements they need. It enables individuals and communities to flourish, targets outcomes and enhances economic growth regionally and locally in the North Lanarkshire area. It also improves Page 105 of 128
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supplier efficiency, allowing them to meet their contractual obligations more effectively through input and assistance from various internal and external stakeholders to the council. 3.5 In financial year 2024/25, spanning April 24 to March 25, we have fulfilled a further 7 outcomes that include: • 1 new employee full time job from a priority group • 5 work experience placement – School • 1 careers event Note: the number above is from a point in time, there will be other outcomes that will have been fulfilled yet to be uploaded and evidenced on our community benefits platform, Cenefits. The East Airdrie Link Road 3.6 The Preliminary Design, DMRB Stage 3 Assessment and Statutory Procedures consultancy contract has fulfilled 8 out of the 16 outcomes with a further 12 months to be able to fulfil the remaining outcomes. The tables below provide detail of the outcomes achieved and those in progress. 3.7 Recruitment & Employment Outcome Quantity Qty Complete Additional Information New employee full time, minimum 26 weeks (from priority group) 1 Ongoing Graduate Environmental Consultant started 2/9/24 New entrant graduate full time, minimum of 1 year from a priority group 1 0 Further discussion to take place Total 2 1 3.8 Skills & Training Outcome Quantity Qty Complete Additional Information Work experience placements – Foundation Apprenticeships (1 week) 4 2 Substituted for school placements through liaison with DYW partners at St Ambrose High School w/c 12/5/25 2 further placements in discussion as part of a joint event Work experience placements non-school 4 4 Substituted for school placements through liaison with DYW partners at St Ambrose High School w/c 3/3/25 Work experience summer placements - nonpaid 2 0 1 person due to start placement on 7/7/25 for a period between 8 – 12 weeks interpreting the Page 106 of 128
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results of the ground investigations contract Primary school engagement (mini careers event for P6/P7) 1 0 A joint event is planned with St Ambrose high school and St Kevins primary school in September / October 25 with further discussion to take place with Additional Support Needs (ASN) students at Buchanan high school Careers event – (virtual Teams Session) 1 1 Replaced by face-to-face careers event, at Airdrie Academy on 13/6/24 Total 12 7 3.9 Community Engagement Outcome Quantity Qty Complete Additional Information Non-Financial support for a community project (minimum 7 hours) 2 0 Requests to be chosen from the community benefits hub Total 2 0 Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure (RAI) 3.10 RAI - North The Multi-disciplinary Project Services for the RAI North contract was removed from the City Deal Programme, resulting in a reduction in the contract term of 7 months and a reduction of £842,000. Negotiations are now taking place regarding the final number of outcomes to be fulfilled. In addition to this contract, there were small subcontracts that will not proceed which will also impact on previously projected outcomes. 3.11 RAI - South As previously reported to committee a revised procurement strategy has been adopted to allow for a phased delivery approach and procured with individual community benefit outcomes attributed to each contract as follows: - Motherwell Demolition and Clearance Services Outcome Quantity Qty Complete Additional Information Work experience placements non-school 1 0 Due to short turnaround and timing of the works the outcomes are to be substituted for an equivalent value and a request chosen from the community benefits hub. Careers Event 1 0 Total 2 0 Page 107 of 128
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Demolition, Structures and Engineering Contract Support Services Outcome Quantity Qty Complete Additional Information Work experience placements non-school 1 1 Through liaison with DYW partners a student from Dalziel High School w/c 15/1/25 Total 1 1 Value Engineering Review Outcome Quantity Qty Complete Additional Information Work experience placements school 1 1 Through liaison with DYW partners at St Ambrose High School w/c 12/5/25 Primary school engagement (mini careers event for P6/P7) 1 0 A joint event is planned with St Ambrose high school and St Kevins primary school in September / October 25 with further discussion to take place with (ASN) students at Buchanan high school. Financial support for a community project (£1,000) 1 0 Request to be chosen from the community benefits hub Total 3 1 Community Wealth Building (CWB) 3.12 Community Wealth Building is recognised as a key enabler of the Glasgow City Region Economic Strategy. By using the assets, power and wealth of anchor organisations across the Region to redress inequality, the approach will support the Region to be more productive, and more sustainable. 3.13 A key component of the delivery approach of the Strategy will be to use a CWB approach to maximise the local impacts of investment in programmes and projects across the Region. Work has already begun on a regional approach across all 5 Pillars including the establishment of an Anchor Network and the approval of a new Sustainable Procurement and Community Benefit Strategy which included a commitment to introduce a Regional Community Wish List scheme to meet the needs of local communities via suppliers that is linked to Pillar 1 - Spending. Community Benefits Hub (Wish List) 3.14 In consultation with the 8 Member Authorities, GCRCD PMO procured a web developer to create an online platform to allow community groups to post requests to identify tangible benefits where contracted suppliers to the council can fulfil their financial and non-financial contractual community benefit outcomes. The creation of this online platform aims to: Page 108 of 128
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• Create efficiencies for internal staff who are carrying out these tasks on offline spreadsheets. • Have a centralised approach that will link with the 9 Community Boards and the council’s Community Partnership Team which will assist in ensuring benefits are distributed fairly and equitably across the area. • Expand the range and number of Community Groups that can participate and gain economic / social /environmental impacts and benefits. The platform will: • Automate the collection of evidence, feedback and scores for the community benefits delivered in their contracts saving you time and money. • Generate reports to help realise benefits and celebrate their successes. • Measures performance against project targets and KPIs in real time Four of the eight local authorities have now signed up to the hub, Glasgow City Council, East Renfrewshire Council, Inverclyde Council and North Lanarkshire Council for requests to be fulfilled for City Deal projects and business-as-usual contracts. North Lanarkshire Council took a decision to go live at the outset but to proceed on a soft launch basis to understand the impact to the council in terms of resource, to seek approvals from the relevant stakeholders i.e. Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG) and ensure all necessary data and information security paperwork is completed i.e. Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA). 3.15 Process This process was being carried out offline via emails and phone calls, however having a platform now allows the council to reach more community groups and thus increasing the number of community groups requests. The Community Partnership Team qualify and approve all constituted and non- constituted community group registrations and have carried out training with each team member who work in the 9 community board areas and will feed into the boards regarding updating and approvals for groups. Each group is allowed to enter up to 3 requests at any one time and the maximum cap on each request is £2,000. The council service areas will approve the suppliers relating to their contracts and liaise with them once the supplier has matched with a request to completion. Once the request has been delivered, it is the responsibility of the community group and supplier to upload evidence. A community benefits page is being created to showcase all the positive work that our suppliers are doing in the local community. 3.16 As part of a 2nd phase and the CWB approach, Anchor Organisations such as local universities and housing associations, will be allowed to invite their own contracted suppliers to use the system which will support and enable them to fulfil local authorities’ community benefits requests. 3.17 Progress to date: As indicated above the Council took a decision to carry out a soft launch of the system and has been running since September 2025, see progress below: - Page 109 of 128
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Type Quantity Approved Community Groups 37 Approved businesses 22 Approved Requests / wishes * 20 Matched requests / wishes in progress 3 Matches Delivered 10 *Note of the 20 approved requests, 75% are currently in discussion with businesses 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 No Supporting Documents. Pamela Humphries Chief Officer (Place) Page 110 of 128
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The Regional Sustainable Procurement Strategy complies with both duties. If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☒ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☒ No ☒ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☒ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Yes ☒ No ☒ Page 111 of 128
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If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The Community Benefits Hub is an online platform which has been procured and funded by GCRCD where North Lanarkshire Community Groups can add requests to be fulfilled via suppliers as part of their contractual commitments. Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? It was proposed and approved by the EAGG that we will continue using a soft launch until such times as we have a fully documented process in place with adequate resource across the council to facilitate this platform. Yes ☒ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 112 of 128
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Enterprise and Fair Work Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☒ Yes ☐ No Ref PH/YW Date 29/08/25 Lanarkshire Business Gateway – Performance Report From Pamela Humphries, Chief Officer (Place) E-mail weiry@northlan.gov.uk Telephone Yvonne Weir 07508 001238 Executive Summary Business Gateway is a national service which is delivered by individual local authorities to provide free, impartial advice and support to pre-start, new start and existing businesses. In Lanarkshire the service was delivered through a series of outsourced contracts. The service was insourced with effect from 1st March 2024 with North Lanarkshire Council delivering the service on behalf of both Councils. This report provides an overview of the activities and performance achieved during the first year of an in-house delivery model of the Business Gateway Lanarkshire service. Recommendations It is recommended that the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee: (1) Acknowledge the performance of the service from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 (2) Endorse the revised targets for service delivery in 2025/2026 The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority Improve economic opportunities and outcomes Ambition statement (5) Grow and improve the sustainability and diversity of North Lanarkshire's economy Programme of Work Brighter Futures Item 9 Page 113 of 128
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1. Background 1.1 Business Gateway is a nationally branded service which is delivered by individual Local Authorities to provide free, impartial advice and support to pre-start, new start and existing businesses. 1.2 Business Gateway has the following core service objectives: • Support more people with their ambitions to start a business. • Support more businesses to survive and achieve their growth ambitions. • Support more people with their aspirations for high business growth. • Support more people from underrepresented groups to access mainstream business support. 1.3 Underpinning the service objectives there is a commitment to providing support across a number of themes such as Carbon Reduction, Fair Work, Innovation, Internationalisation, Digital Upskilling, Community Wealth Building, and Job Creation. In addition, Local Authorities have the flexibility to tailor services to address specific local needs and priorities. 1.4 North Lanarkshire Council has managed the delivery of Business Gateway Services on behalf of both North and South Lanarkshire Councils since 1 April 2008. Between April 2008 and February 2024, the service was delivered through a series of outsourced contracts. Following an options appraisal, the service was insourced with effect from 1st March 2024 with North Lanarkshire Council delivering the service on behalf of both Councils 1.5 Coinciding with the move to in-house delivery, Business Gateway National implemented a new Service Specification which introduced new client classifications to support customer engagement (commencing June 2024). This was to allow an adviser to provide an intense level of support to a customer when required - determined by client needs, ambitions and the potential for economic impact. The expectation being that businesses offering higher growth potential would typically receive more support. 1.6 These two major changes meant that 2024/25 was expected to be a year of transition as staff faced the various challenges of integrating with a new employer, in a new environment to provide a service which had a new delivery focus and service specification. 1.7 In addition to the national objectives, the following local priorities and objectives were also agreed for 2024/25 to align to the plans for both North and South Lanarkshire Councils: • Increase the reach of Lanarkshire Business Gateway across all communities including a renewed focus and take-up of services from residents from rural communities and priority SIMD areas • Increase take-up of Lanarkshire Business Gateway services from under- represented groups including long-term unemployed, economically inactive residents, carers, young people, BAME, disabled people, restorative justice/offenders • Increase focus and take-up of Lanarkshire Business Gateway services from Social Enterprises, employee-owned businesses and co-operatives • Inspire and increase engagement and take-up of services by young people focussing on enterprise pathways in schools, college (New College Lanarkshire/South Lanarkshire College), UWS, youth groups Page 114 of 128
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• Working alongside sectoral plans provide Business Gateway services to key sectors including construction, food and drink, creative industries, energy sector, manufacturing/engineering services, tourism, transport & logistics • Delivery of support to town centre businesses to support North Lanarkshire/South Lanarkshire town centre action plans • Increase engagement with non-engaged businesses • Businesses who require additional support to survive 2. Report 2.1 This report provides an update on the activity and performance of Business Gateway during 2024/25 and sets out the targets that the service is working towards in 2025/26. Enquiries 2.2 Clients typically access the Business Gateway service through making an initial enquiry via multiple channels. Business Gateway Lanarkshire continues to receive approximately 3,000 enquiries per year, of which 2,000 relate to Pre-Start/New Start business enquiries with the balance of 1,000 enquiries being from established businesses. 2.3 2024/25 Full Year Performance Service Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Target % to Target NLC SLC Total Enquiries 732 734 654 799 2919 3000 97.3% 51.6% 45.6% Pre-Start 509 457 472 562 2000 2000 100% 54.7% 45.3% Existing Business 225 275 182 237 919 1000 91.9% 45.7% 46.2% 2.4 Enquiry levels overall for the year 2024/25 increased by 115 on the previous year; driven by the prestart/new business segment. The additional enquiries received in North Lanarkshire mainly relate to the Prestart grant offering by North Lanarkshire Council, those using the Hive in Airdrie (female co-working space) and from the team working with Minority Ethnic Background customers. The proportion of pre-start/new business enquiries to existing business is in line with the expected norm of a 2/3 to 1/3 split. Business Start Up Service 2.5 Prior to being allocated a dedicated business adviser, a pre-start customer will be accompanied through an online tool called the “Planning to Start” review which provides an insight into customer knowledge, requirements and understanding of their business idea. In the year reported, 1157 reviews were handled (628 North & 529 South). Of this figure over 50% were new to the service or had a new business idea. This tool enables the Business Gateway Adviser to have a meaningful ‘first’ engagement with the customer and to personalise an action plan to support their journey. It also allows the adviser to identify those who are highly engaged, have the potential to create employment, take on commercial premises and/or achieve VAT threshold within 1 year of trading. These customers can be classified as Pre-start Plus, enabling more intensive support to be delivered on a one-to-one basis. Page 115 of 128
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Once a pre-start client commences trading, the business is classified as either a New Business or, if it has growth potential, a as New Business Plus, with ongoing support being provided during the first 12 months of trading. 2.6 2024/25 Full Year Performance Service Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Target % to Target NLC SLC New Business Starts 84 172 133 164 553 750 73.7% 40.5% 33.2% New Business Plus Starts 9 31 19 58 117 200 58.5% 36.5% 22% 2.7 The New Business start performance was lower than target and the previous year with a range of contributing factors noted below: • Impact of transitional period while the service transitioned from the previous contract to in-house delivery model, including setting up new systems and processes, alongside impact of introduction of a new service specification by Business Gateway nationally. • External factors: Lower levels of new business bank accounts set up across Lanarkshire from Oct 2024 – March 2025 (50-70 less) and with unemployment at low levels, job security is proving a better option for some customers who are accepting job offers rather than becoming self-employed. • Resources – there was a reduction in resources for periods in the year due to time taken to fill a vacancy and sickness absence. 2.8 It is important to note, that of all the enquiries coming into the service that fit the profile of a prestart customer; the team were only able to convert 28% to starting a business (1:4). This is in line with the Scottish Business Gateway National conversion rate. A number of reasons have been cited on this including; customers were exploring self- employment and have no intention of starting, others have full time employment and do not wish to take the risk or feel that the costs are too high. Whilst others who may indeed start with our help, cannot be categorised as a valid start claim due to lack of customer engagement and evidence (as per the Business Gateway national rules). 2.9 New Business Starts Plus targets were increased by 50% on the previous year as it was expected that the advisers would have more time to spend supporting these customers. Whilst performance did not meet target, 36 more businesses were identified than the year before. However, a key change for this category requirement was that the customer was to be actively engaged and willing to work with the adviser to achieve their growth aspirations. This category remains a challenge with customers accessing initial support and advice but then disengaging due to time constraints as they start their business. 2.10 While it is recognised that the external environment remains challenging for new businesses, the service is taking a number of steps to increase business startups, including an increased focus on identifying potential clients who would benefit from Business Gateway services, including target marketing activity and programming of monthly Business Start Up Bootcamp events. Page 116 of 128
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Existing Business Services 2.11 Businesses which have been trading for more than 12 months are regarded as an existing business and are classified in one of the following three ways: • Business Gateway Growth – A business with plans to increase turnover by a minimum of £200,000 within 3 years. • Local Priority – A business that needs assistance to survive or achieve modest growth and which satisfies local priority criteria – set by North and South Lanarkshire Councils. • Business Base – Any business that does not satisfy the above criteria but can still access one to one adviser support 2.12 2024/25 Performance Service Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Target % to Target NLC SLC Business Gateway Growth 2 15 40 60 117 150 78% 41.2% 36.8% Local Priority 3 18 19 37 77 150 51.3% 27.3% 24% Business Base 169 173 121 206 669 700 95.6% 46.6% 49% 2.13 As with Business startups, it is recognised that this is a demand led service and economic conditions remain challenging for businesses. The Business Growth team was had capacity issues due to staff absence and a vacancy. Going forward there is an increased focus on identifying potential clients through use of the key sector plans and Expert help programme to engage with those business owners that have most growth potential. Quality Assurance 2.14 The quality of the Business Gateway service delivery in each Local Authority area is monitored by Business Gateway nationally via an independent research organisation which surveys clients that have interacted with the service. Seeking feedback in respect of the level of satisfaction related to six criteria, as follows: • General satisfaction with the BG service. • Were expectations met/exceeded. • Was the service provided of benefit to the business. • Would they recommend the BG service to others. • Would they continue using the BG service. • Satisfaction with staff. Based on the client feedback*, a score is generated based on the number of very satisfied/satisfied responses received and compared against the national target of an 80% positive response in each measured area. Page 117 of 128
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2.15 Year to Date Performance – Target 80% for all criteria Service Criteria 2024-25 NLC SLC Satisfaction with BG 83% 81% Expectations Met/Exceeded 81% 77% Beneficial to Business 81% 75% Likelihood to Recommend 84% 82% Likelihood to Keep Using 86% 85% Satisfaction with Staff 93% 89% *Data set is less than 10% of customers using the service 2.16 Both North and South Lanarkshire based customers have secured strong and consistent performance across all service areas, with high satisfaction levels, growing client loyalty, and excellent staff interactions. Notably, North Lanarkshire area saw steady improvements in meeting expectations and satisfaction with staff achieved 100% in Q3. These results reflect a clear commitment to the delivery of valuable, reliable, and people-focused business support service. Workshops/Events 2.17 The provision of on-line webinars is a major feature of the support that is delivered by Business Gateway at a national level. These webinars address a wide range of business topics with quality content which is professionally delivered. As such, the decision was taken that we should not duplicate what was on offer nationally but seek to complement it by providing different topics and running a number of in person events to give clients the opportunity to network. 2.18 Workshops and attendance is noted below: Service Total NLC SLC Local Workshops 21 Booked 378 Attended 218 107 111 National Workshops 435 Booked 3335 Attended 1686 899 787 2.19 The priority was to fully utilise the nationally available webinar programme which has seen 1686 Lanarkshire clients attend a range of 435 workshops with almost a 50/50 split of those based in North and South Lanarkshire areas respectively attending. 2.20 The local workshop provision includes a ‘bootcamp’ format which have proved popular and resulted in waiting lists for many of the dates advertised. The rate of attendance continues to be high, with very positive feedback received from participants. The bootcamps run monthly and change location to different communities to reach a wider customer base. Locations covered include: Page 118 of 128
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• North Lanarkshire; Motherwell, Wishaw, Newmains, Coatbridge and Cumbernauld. • South Lanarkshire; Cambuslang, Rutherglen, East Kilbride, Hamilton & Douglas 2.21 The service is also working with partner organisations such as Routes to Work and the council’s Supported Enterprise Service, to develop new pathways to self-employment and help reduce barriers for under-represented groups and those who are economically inactive. Community Engagement 2.22 The Business Gateway Lanarkshire team supported over 120 events across Lanarkshire in 2024/25. This allowed the profile of the service to be raised and networking with potential customers. Events include monthly FSB and Lanarkshire Hub networking; Redundancy meetings with PACE; Educational events in Schools & Colleges – Dragons Lair (North Lanarkshire) and Shark Reef (South Lanarkshire); mini workshops for those studying subjects that lean towards self-employment, e.g. hair & beauty and photography; Police College retirement sessions; Meet the buyer through Supplier Development Programme and local authority events linked to the Real Living wage, Employee Charter and Minority Ethnic engagement. Marketing 2.23 The 2024/25 year was a period of transition for Business Gateway Lanarkshire, with our marketing activity evolving to keep pace with operational changes and shifting service priorities. Despite challenges, we continued to raise awareness of our support, connect with communities, and lay the foundations for a more strategic approach going forward in 2025/2026. 2.24 Looking ahead, the marketing and PR strategy will be refined to align more closely with key sectors and service objectives. Focus will be placed on increasing engagement among young people and ethnic minority communities, supported by partnership working with local colleges, youth forums, and employability services. Collaborative efforts with organisations such as Routes to Work and supported employability programmes will continue to reduce barriers to self-employment for underrepresented groups. 3. Measures of Success 3.1 One of the main reasons for bringing the Business Gateway service in-house was to develop closer links with other council services that provide business facing services. Continued focus will remain to create a team champion for each of these services in both councils who will be responsible for fostering and developing links with the BG service and local authority. Some of the key services include Environmental Health, Trading Standards, Non-Domestic Rates, Planning, Routes to Work (North and South), Licensing and Employability Services. 3.2 As the focus for the new Business Gateway Service is for advisers to spend more time working with clients that have growth potential and that the Performance Measurement Framework is substantially different from what has gone before, a revised set of performance targets is proposed for 2025/26. These have been developed to reflect Page 119 of 128
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the key learnings from the first year of service delivery and the requirement of both local authorities. They as follows: • Pre-Start Clients Supported - 2000 – retained at current levels • New Business Starts - 650 – reduced to reflect the current market conditions and to enable more adviser time with individual clients. • New Business+ Starts – a range of 65 to 100 per annum – reduced to reflect current market conditions • Existing businesses supported – 1000, of which: o Local Priority –100 clients supported – reduced to reflect current market conditions o Business Gateway Growth – 150 clients supported – target retained o Business Base – 750 clients supported with 121 advisory services – increased to reflect market demand 3.3 The quality of service delivery will continue to be measured by an independent third party. The target will continue at 80% across the 4 key quality areas: Overall Satisfaction; Expectations Met; Business Benefits and Recommend Service. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 2024/25 Business Gateway Infographic Pamela Humphries Chief Officer (Place) Page 120 of 128
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5. Impacts 5.1 Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty Does the report contain information that has an impact as a result of the Public Sector Equality Duty and/or Fairer Scotland Duty? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? The service is open to all clients who are looking to receive a service to assist them to set-up or grow a business. If Yes, has an assessment been carried out and published on the council’s website? https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/your-community/equalities/equality- and-fairer-scotland-duty-impact-assessments Yes ☒ No ☐ 5.2 Financial impact Does the report contain any financial impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant financial impacts been discussed and agreed with Finance? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.3 HR policy impact Does the report contain any HR policy or procedure impacts? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant HR impacts been discussed and agreed with People Resources? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.4 Legal impact Does the report contain any legal impacts (such as general legal matters, statutory considerations (including employment law considerations), or new legislation)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, have all relevant legal impacts been discussed and agreed with Legal and Democratic? Yes ☐ No ☐ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.5 Data protection impact Does the report / project / practice contain or involve the processing of personal data? Yes ☒ No ☐ If Yes, is the processing of this personal data likely to result in a high risk to the data subject? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, has a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) been carried out and e- mailed to dataprotection@northlan.gov.uk Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.6 Technology / Digital impact Does the report contain information that has an impact on either technology, digital transformation, service redesign / business change processes, data management, or connectivity / broadband / Wi-Fi? Page 121 of 128
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Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? Where the impact identifies a requirement for significant technology change, has an assessment been carried out (or is scheduled to be carried out) by the Enterprise Architecture Governance Group (EAGG)? Yes ☐ No ☐ 5.7 Environmental / Carbon impact Does the report / project / practice contain information that has an impact on any environmental or carbon matters? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.8 Communications impact Does the report contain any information that has an impact on the council’s communications activities? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact? 5.9 Risk impact Is there a risk impact? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the key risks and potential impacts, highlighting where the risk(s) are assessed and recorded (e.g. Corporate or Service or Project Risk Registers), and how they are managed? A risk register for the service is in place and monitored in line with council guidelines. 5.10 Armed Forces Covenant Duty Does the report require to take due regard of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty (i.e. does it relate to healthcare, housing, or education services for in-Service or ex- Service personnel, or their families, or widow(er)s)? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the provision which has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the particular needs of the Armed Forces community to make sure that they do not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public services. 5.11 Children’s rights and wellbeing impact Does the report contain any information regarding any council activity, service delivery, policy, or plan that has an impact on children and young people up to the age of 18, or on a specific group of these? Yes ☐ No ☒ If Yes, please provide a brief summary of the impact and the provision that has been made to ensure there has been appropriate consideration of the relevant Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). If Yes, has a Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) been carried out? Yes ☐ No ☐ Page 122 of 128
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Appendix 1 Page 123 of 128
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North Lanarkshire Council Report Enterprise and Fair Work Committee Does this report require to be approved? ☐ Yes ☒ No Ref JMcK/CPT Date 29/08/25 Contracts awarded below Committee approval threshold From James McKinstry - Chief Officer (Assets and Procurement) E-mail McKinstryJ@northlan.gov.uk Telephone 07939 281102 Executive Summary In accordance with the Council’s General Contract Standing Orders (“GCSOs”), GCSO 21.10 requires a summary report be presented to members with details of contracts awarded since last committee, specifically for the spend range: • over £50,000 but below £500,000 for supplies or services; and, • over £500,000 but below £2,000,000 for works. Recommendations It is recommended that the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee: (1) Acknowledge the contract awards made since last committee reporting cycle. The Plan for North Lanarkshire Priority All priorities Ambition statement All ambition statements Programme of Work Statutory / corporate / service requirement Item 10 Page 125 of 128
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1. Background 1.1 The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 section 81 requires local authorities to “…make standing orders with respect to the making by them or on their behalf of contracts for the supply of goods or materials or for the execution of works.”. 1.2 The Council’s General Contract Standing Orders (“GCSOs”) set out the council’s specific procurement procedures and responsibilities at all spend levels, and include the reporting requirements of procurement activity, including contracts awards, to committee for either approval or acknowledgement. 2. Report 2.1 In accordance with GCSO 21.10, this report summarises the contract awards since last committee, specifically for the spend range: • over £50,000 but below £500,000 for supplies or services; and, • over £500,000 but below £2,000,000 for works. 2.2 If you require further information regards the contract awards reported, please refer to the lead service area / Chief Officer detailed in the appendix. 3. Measures of success 3.1 All requirements contracted contribute to either the council’s programme of work and/or fulfil a statutory requirement. 3.2 All contract awards secure best value for the council in accordance with their evaluation criteria. 3.3 All necessary diligence has been undertaken in the evaluation and appointment of contractors. 3.4 All contract awards are logged in the council’s contract register. 4. Supporting documentation 4.1 Appendix 1 Summary of contracts awarded. James McKinstry Chief Officer (Assets and Procurement) 5. Impacts 5.1 Impacts considered as part of the contract award procedures are recorded in the individual contract award reports held by the lead service area. Page 126 of 128
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Summary of Contracts Awarded Appendix 1 Contract Ref NLC-CPT-24-073 Title Dry Riser Inspection Service and Maintenance Classification Services Chief Officer, Service Area Alison Gordon, Chief Officer (Children, Families, Justice and Integrated Practices) Competition Governance by Value Lower Threshold Regulated Procurement, procured in accordance with The Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 AND The Procurement (Scotland) Regulations 2016 Procurement Route Single Stage Procedure Expressions of Interest 13 No. of Bids Received 4 Award Criteria Most Economically Advantageous Tender Evaluation Scores - Successful 80.40% Evaluation Scores – Unsuccessful 41.63% - 58.18% Award Details Value £100,000 Contract Duration 36 months with option to extend for up to 24 months (36 + 12 + 12) Contractor Name M&S Fire Protection (GLW) Limited Contractor Size Small Contractor Location Glasgow Status - Payment of Living Wage? Yes Status - Living Wage Accredited? Yes Impacts this section highlights which impacts were considered for this contract award procedure Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty ☐ HR Policy Impact ☐ Data Protection Impact ☐ Environment / Carbon Impact ☒ Risk Impact ☐ Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact ☐ Financial Impact ☐ Legal Impact ☐ Technology / Digital Impact ☐ Communications Impact ☐ Armed Forces Covenant Duty ☐ Further details regarding these impacts can be obtained from the Lead Service Area / Chief Officer Page 127 of 128
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Contract Ref NLC-SLP-24-115 Title East Airdrie Link Road DMRB Stage 3 Ground Investigations Classification Works Chief Officer, Service Area Pamela Humphries, Chief Officer (Place) Competition Governance by Value The Dynamic Purchasing System (“DPS”) terms & conditions, with adherence to the council’s GCSO 13 on 3rd party frameworks/DPS Procurement Route Mini Competition using a Third Party DPS No. of DPS Contractors 8 No. of Bids Received 3 Award Criteria Most Economically Advantageous Tender Evaluation Scores – Successful 91.00% Evaluation Scores – Unsuccessful 27.00%-83.62% Comments This has been procured via a mini competition from the Scottish Government Civil Engineering DPS Scotland – projects up to £5M, Lot 4: Geotechnical Services and Related Works Award Details Value £1,226,926 Contract Duration 6 months Contractor Name Soil Engineering Geoservices Limited Contractor Size Small Contractor Location West Yorkshire Status - Payment of Living Wage? Yes Status - Living Wage Accredited? No Impacts this section highlights which impacts were considered for this contract award procedure Public Sector Equality Duty and Fairer Scotland Duty ☒ HR Policy Impact ☐ Data Protection Impact ☐ Environment / Carbon Impact ☒ Risk Impact ☒ Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Impact ☐ Financial Impact ☒ Legal Impact ☒ Technology / Digital Impact ☐ Communications Impact ☒ Armed Forces Covenant Duty ☐ Further details regarding these impacts can be obtained from the Lead Service Area / Chief Officer Page 128 of 128