2(i). 250123 Minute
North Ayrshire Council · 13 March 2025
Back to Audit and Scrutiny Committee — 13 March 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
Audit and Scrutiny Committee 23 January 2025 At a Meeting of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee of North Ayrshire Council at 10.00 a.m. involving participation by remote electronic means and physical attendance within the Council Chambers, Irvine. Present (Physical Participation) John Bell, Donald Reid, Eleanor Collier, Cameron Inglis, Matthew McLean, Donald L. Reid and John Sweeney. Present (Remote Participation) Davina McTiernan. Also Present (Physical Participation) Mary Hume. Also Present (Remote Participation) Jim Montgomerie. In Attendance (Physical Participation) D. Hammond, Executive Director (Communities and Housing); C. Cameron, Director (Health and Social Care Partnership); T. Reaney, Head of Service (Neighbourhood Services) and L. Cree, Senior Manager (Property Management and Investment) (Place); A. McClelland, Head of Service (Education); M. Boyd, Head of Service, J. McCallum, Senior Manager (Audit, Fraud, Safety and Risk), S. Paisley, Senior Manager (Transformation); K. Gray, Team Manager (Corporate Fraud) and R. Hodge (Fraud Investigator) (Finance); J. McNeil, Senior Manager (ICT) (People and ICT); and A. Craig, Head of Service, I. Hardy, Team Manager (Policy & Performance), M. Sugden, Communications Officer, C. Stewart, Committee Services Officer and H. Young, Senior Committee Services Officer (Democratic Services) (Corporate Services). Also in Attendance (Physical Participation) D. Jamieson, Audit Scotland. Chair Councillor Bell in the Chair. Apologies Tom Marshall. 1. Declarations of Interest There were no declarations of interest by Members in terms of Standing Order 11 and Section 5 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors. Councillor Inglis made a transparency statement in relation to Agenda Item 3 ‘Petition: ‘Save Saltcoats and Ardrossan Libraries from Budget Cuts’ and holding a surgery in the library building and giving advice to a constituent in terms of advising
Page 2
them on the process of submitting a petition to the Council. Having applied the objective test, Councillor Inglis assessed that it was not an interest in terms of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. 2. Minutes The Minutes of (i) the Ordinary Meeting of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee held on 31 October 2024; and (ii) the Special Meeting held on 14 November 2024 were confirmed and the Minutes signed in accordance with Paragraph 7 (1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 3. Petition: ‘Save Saltcoats and Ardrossan Libraries from Budget Cuts’ Submitted report by the Head of Democratic Services on the terms of a petition, consisting of 1,285 signatories on an online petition, together with a paper copy containing some 65 signatories, received concerning “saving Saltcoats and Ardrossan Libraries from Budget Cuts”. The report outlined the wording of the petition as detailed below: “Our libraries are more than just buildings filled with books; they are vital community hubs where learning and imagination flourish. For our children, they serve as safe havens to explore their curiosity, develop their literacy skills and grow their confidence. The amazing staff at Ardrossan and Saltcoats libraries—Anne, Jean, Richard, and Yvette—provide invaluable support and resources to everyone in the community. With the proposed cuts opening hours will now be cut by 50% and the staffing will be dropped from 4 amazing people to 2 who will be spread across both libraries. The libraries offer a multitude of classes/groups including but not limited to Bookbug, Football memories, Crafting Group, Book group, ESOL group, hearing aid clinic, school visits and many more. As well as organised groups the library is also a community safe space where you can visit with no obligation to spend a penny. It is a place to meet, chat, explore and learn. Reducing hours and making cuts would be a devastating blow to these essential services and result in 2 dedicated staff members losing their jobs. Let's ensure that our libraries remain open and fully operational for future generations. Sign this petition to protect our community's lifeline!” The Head of Service (Democratic) outlined the process for consideration of the petitions listed as Items 3, 4 and 5 on the agenda, whereby each petition would be taken in turn, with petitioners allocated ten minutes each to address the Committee and answer any questions. The relevant Executive Director/Head of Service would then address the Committee in response to the petitions. The principal spokespersons, Catherine Tierney, Eleanor Thomson and Evah Korsah, outlined their objections, including the following:-
Page 3
• The library facilities were a valuable and vital community resource and, in particular, allowed parents, and others, to meet up and form friendships (while promoting wellbeing and a sense of community) and also participate in programmes and activities which were considered essential particularly during a cost-of-living crisis. The proposed closure of Saltcoats Library and the reduction of hours in Ardrossan Library would adversely impact on this; • Combatting adult loneliness and isolation through the promotion of positive mental health, achievement and sense of community; • The central location of Saltcoats Library, allowing ease of access to the local community and the possible reduction in footfall for local traders if any closure went ahead; • The benefits of encouraging digital and computer use, in the local community and promoting equality of access; and • The vitality of the libraries, in positively stimulating the minds of service users, and their significant contribution and great use by the local community, and the potential loss of all these benefits, if these proposals were to go ahead. In their presentation, the spokespersons gave examples of how local residents would be affected adversely by the proposals. They were also heard in answer to Members’ questions. A briefing note by the Head of Service (Connected Communities) was detailed as Appendix 1 to the report and the Committee then heard from the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) in answer to Members’ questions and in clarification of certain matters raised in the petition correspondence, particularly in relation to the point that no decisions had been made in relation to these budget consultation proposals. Councillor Inglis, seconded by Councillor Sweeney, moved that the Committee agree to make a recommendation to Cabinet that the petition be considered as part of the Council’s budget engagement and budget setting process for the coming year. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. 4. Variation in Order of Business The Chair, Councillor Bell, varied the order of business as hereinafter minuted. 5. Petition: ‘Possible parking charge enforcement in Kilwinning’ Submitted report by the Head of Democratic Services on the terms of a petition, consisting of 1276 signatories on a petition, received in relation to “possible parking charge enforcement in Kilwinning”. The report outlined the wording of the petition as detailed below: “Please find enclosed a petition on behalf of Dino and Sons, supported by our customers, expressing unanimous opposition to the potential introduction of parking charges in North Ayrshire. This petition represents not only the concerns of our business but also those of the wider community, who stand firmly against any new financial burdens placed on local residents and workers.
Page 4
As you are aware, the cost of living crisis continues to escalate at an alarming rate, with no relief in sight for your constituents. Unfortunately, this marks the second time in as many years that Kilwinning’s Main Street has faced the threat of parking charges, which would impose yet another financial strain on families already struggling to make ends meet. These charges would affect workers trying to support their families, local households, and even those seeking essential healthcare. We understand that North Ayrshire Council has received over 4,400 responses to your recent budget engagement exercise. Rather than organizing a collective petition with local businesses and residents, we decided to take a different approach. From our shop on Kilwinning Main Street, Dino and Sons, we have gathered over 1,000 signatures from our loyal customers who strongly oppose these proposed charges. In addition, an online survey conducted via our Facebook page has yielded over 800 additional objections. We urge the Council to take these voices into account and reconsider the introduction of parking charges. Over 1,100 written submissions from our customers, along with over 800 online signatures from the broader public, clearly show that these charges are not acceptable. The question is not only whether it is fair to impose such fees but whether it is justifiable to ask constituents to pay for the basic necessities of life – such as food, healthcare, and the right to park at their homes. We sincerely hope that the Council will take heed of these concerns and protect the livelihoods of those already facing significant economic challenges. A few quotes from our invaluable customers on the subject of Parking Charges in Kilwinning’s Main Street: 1. If I just want broccoli, instead of costing 69p, that would have cost me more than double just to park my car, doesn’t this council care about the cost of living crisis? 2. Picking on the easy targets, why don’t they charge retail parks instead? 3. Myself and friends often enjoy wee day trips to Kilwinning from Neilston, visiting shops and stay for lunch. It’s one of the last streets anywhere that has independent family bakers, fruit and veg, butchers and even has clothes shops, gift shops, your council should be helping it all it can instead of the constant parking charge threats. 4. I come here from Kilmarnock, our council destroyed the high st, now there’s no food shops left. Can’t believe your council is willing to sacrifice a great wee town due to taxing shopkeepers and its customers. 5. I depend on Dino’s delivering my shopping every Saturday – it’s a disgrace the council’s threatening the only way I can get what I want and not at the unaffordable quantities supermarkets want me to buy.
Page 5
6. Feels like they are trying to turn my street into a ghost town. 7. Council’s booking everyone generating cash, enough is enough trying to kill off the street, parking charges=death sentence for this street. We have also included a video taken a few weeks ago showing clearly why there is zero credence to any claims that there is nowhere to park in Kilwinning’s Carparks – with more than ample spaces available to park whether college is open or closed: ” The principal spokespersons, Tom Biondi (representing Dino & Sons) and Graham Milliken, outlined the objections to the proposed car parking charges from shopkeepers and local residents and highlighted various matters, including the following:- • Imposition of parking charges on shoppers, workers and traders of Kilwinning’s main street and the adverse effects this would have in term of footfall in the local area; • Extremely difficult trading conditions, given the current cost-of-living crisis, and the struggle for local businesses to remain open; • Transfer of the land at the Oxenward car park through a Compulsory Purchase Order to the former Cunninghame District Council (which was supported by the shop owners and residents) on the condition that the land would be used to support the growth of Kilwinning and therefore the importance of honouring that commitment and protecting the community from additional financial burdens; • That, in light of the above, Kilwinning main street should be freed from the unnecessary strain of any proposed car parking charges; • The adverse effect on the local community of the parking charges, and the financial strain on families trying to make ends meet; and • The potential reduction in footfall in Kilwinning main street, if the imposition of parking charges was to go ahead, regardless of the amount “not just £2”, which could exacerbate difficult trading conditions which have already resulted in recent business closures on the Main Street. In his presentation, the spokesperson gave examples of how local residents would be affected by the introduction of parking charges. He was also heard in answer to Members’ questions. A briefing note by the Head of Service (Neighbourhood Services) was detailed as Appendix 1 to the report and the Committee then heard from the Head of Service in terms of the matters raised. The Head of Service was also heard in answer to Members’ questions and in clarification of certain matters and confirmed that no decisions had been made in relation to these budget consultation proposals. Councillor Sweeney, seconded by Councillor McLean, moved that the Committee agree to make a recommendation to Cabinet that the petition be considered as part of the Council’s budget engagement and budget setting process for the coming year. There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried.
Page 6
5. Petition: ‘Possible closure of Dreghorn Library’ Submitted report by the Head of Service (Democratic) on the terms of a petition, consisting of 776 signatories on an online petition, received in relation to “possible closure of Dreghorn Library”. The report outlined the wording of the petition. It was noted that the petitioners were not present, to speak to their petition. The Head of Service (Democratic) confirmed that, in terms of the Petitions Guidance, the matter could, if Members so wished, be considered in the petitioners’ absence. It was also confirmed that another Special Meeting of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee would be convened to deal with a further petition from another party which had recently been received. Councillor Collier, seconded by Councillor Inglis, moved that this matter be deferred to a Special Meeting of the Committee in February, to give the group (who submitted the petition) a further opportunity to attend and speak to their petition. As an amendment, Councillor Donald Reid, seconded by Councillor D.L. Reid, moved that the matter be heard as scheduled. On a division and a roll call vote, there voted for the amendment Councillors Reid, McLean, D.L. Reid and Sweeney (4) and for the motion, Councillors Bell, Collier, Inglis and McTiernan (4), and on the casting vote of the Chair, the motion was declared carried. It was agreed that a report in relation to this matter would also be considered at the Special meeting of the Committee in February. It was also confirmed that in the event that the petitioners chose not to attend the February Special meeting of the Committee, then it could (as previously stated) be considered by Members in the absence of the petitioners. 6. Council Plan Six Monthly Progress Report 1 April to 30 September 2024 Submitted report by the Head of Service (Democratic) on the Council Plan Six Monthly Progress Report 1 April to 30 September 2024 attached at Appendix 1 to the report. Officers were heard in response to Members’ questions. Noted. 7. 2024 Mid-Year Complaint Report Submitted report by the Head of Service (Democratic) informing of the Council’s complaint performance and the volumes and trends of complaints received in Financial Year 2024/25. The 2024/25 Mid-Year Complaint Report was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. Officers were heard in response to Members’ questions. Noted.
Page 7
8. Internal Audit Plan 2024/25: Progress Update Submitted report by the Head of Service (Finance) providing an update on progress made in delivering the 2024/25 Internal Audit Plan. Appendix 1 to the report detailed the revised Audit Plan for 2024/25. The Committee agreed to (a) note the current position with the 2024 internal audit plan as outlined in Appendix 1 to the report; and (b) noted the additional work arising during the year and the potential impact that this may have on the completion of the audit plan. 9. Internal Audit Reports Issued Submitted report by the Head of Service (Finance) informing on the findings of Internal Audit work completed since October 2024. Officers were heard in response to Members’ questions. Noted. 10. Accounts Commission’s Report: Tackling Digital Exclusion Submitted report by the Head of Service (Finance) on the findings of the recently published report on “Tackling Digital Exclusion”. Appendix 1 to the report provided relevant North Ayrshire Council feedback on each of the key recommendations identified. Officers were heard in response to Members’ questions. Noted. Note: Councillor McLean left the meeting during consideration of the above item. 11. Accounts Commission’s Report: Transformation in Councils Submitted report by the Head of Service (Finance) on the findings of the recently published report on “Transformation in Councils”. Appendix 1 to the report provided relevant North Ayrshire Council feedback on each of the key recommendations identified. Officers were heard in response to Members’ questions. Noted. 12. Standing Item of Business: Consideration of Future Business for Scrutiny Members were invited to consider potential items of scrutiny business for future meetings. No items of business were suggested for scrutiny. The Committee noted that they could contact the Head of Service (Democratic) with any suggestions for future business. 13. Urgent Items There were no urgent items.
Page 8
14. Exclusion of the Public – Para 1 The Committee resolved in terms of Section 50(A)4 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, to exclude from the Meeting the press and the public for the following items of business on the grounds indicated in terms of Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 7A of the Act. 15. Internal Audit Reports Issued Submitted report by the Head of Service (Finance) informing on the findings of Internal Audit work completed since October 2024. Following questions and discussion, the Committee agreed to note the outcomes from the Internal Audit work completed. 16. Investigation Reports Issued Submitted report by the Head of Service (Finance) on investigation reports finalised since the last meeting. Following questions and discussion, the Committee agreed to note the outcomes from the investigations carried out. The meeting ended at 12.35 p.m. The full meeting proceedings can be viewed at https://north-ayrshire.public-i.tv/core/portal/home