Cabinet Minute
North Ayrshire Council · 1 September 2026
Back to Cabinet — 1 September 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Cabinet 2 June 2026 At a Meeting of the Cabinet of North Ayrshire Council at 2.30 p.m. involving a combination of participation by remote electronic means and physical attendance within the Council Chambers, Irvine Present (Physical Participation) Tony Gurney, Christina Larsen, Eleanor Collier, Alan Hill, Margaret Johnson, and for consideration of Education Authority Business Elizabeth Turbet and Jacqui MacKenzie. Present (Remote Participation) Chloé Robertson. In Attendance C. Hatton, Chief Executive; S. Anson, Executive Director, A. McClelland, Head of Service and L. Kayes, Policy Officer (Child Poverty); R. McCutcheon, Executive Director, L. Cree, Head of Service (Sustainability, Transport and Corporate Property), L. Kirk, Director (Regional Economy), D. McDowall, Head of Service (Ayrshire Growth Deal) and S. Baird, Senior Officer (Islands) (Place); D. Hammond, Executive Director, Y. Baulk, Head of Service (Housing and Public Protection), F. Ellis, Senior Manager (Housing Strategy & Development), L. Forsyth, Senior Manager (Information and Culture), J. Greenlees, Senior Manager (Connected Communities) and S. McKenzie, Senior Manager (Protective Services) (Communities and Housing); C. Cameron, Director (Health and Social Care Partnership); M. Boyd, Head of Service (Finance); F. Walker, Head of Service (People & ICT); R. Lynch, Senior Manager (Legal Services), J. Hutcheson, Senior Communications Officer (Media and Internal Communications) and C. Stewart, Committee Services Officer (Democratic Services) (Corporate Services). Chair Tony Gurney in the Chair. 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. 2. Minutes The Minutes of the Meeting of the Cabinet held on 28 April 2026 were confirmed and the Minutes signed in accordance with Paragraph 7 (1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 3. Planned temporary closure of educational provisions Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Education) outlining a standardised procedure in connection with the planned temporary closure of educational provisions, compliant with updated Scottish Government Guidance, attached at Appendix 1 to the report.
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Officers responded to Members’ questions and the Cabinet agreed (a) to note the decisions taken, which resulted in the temporary closure of two early years’ classes for session 2026-27; (b) to approve the adoption of the proposed policy for future temporary closures, in line with updated Scottish Government Guidance subject to the addition of “trade unions” in Section 3.2 of the policy and (c) to the submission of an annual report to Cabinet summarising any proposed temporary closures for future sessions. 4. Review of ELC Sustainable Rates for Funded Providers Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Education) seeking approval from Cabinet to increase the sustainable rate of payment to funded providers of early learning and childcare (ELC) in North Ayrshire who are contracted by the Council to deliver funded ELC to eligible 2-5-year-olds. Officers responded to Members’ questions and the Cabinet agreed (a) an increase of 6.2% in the current hourly rate paid by the Council to funded providers, backdated to 1 April 2026; (b) to an increase to all funded providers (including childminders) in the amount paid per meal to £3.22, and for this to be backdated to 1 April 2026; and (c) to receive a further report at the time of the next annual review of the sustainable rate for funded providers. 5. School Leavers’ Attainment and Achievement 2025 Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Education) on the overall performance of the 2024-25 cohort of North Ayrshire Council school leavers. The glossary of key terms used in the report was attached at Appendix 1. Officers responded to Members’ questions and the Cabinet agreed to (a) note the content of the report, including the achievements of school leavers in qualifications in 2025; and (b) note the measures being taken to make further improvements to attainment and achievement levels across NAC Secondary schools. 6. Care Experienced School Leavers’ Attainment and Achievement2024-25 Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Education) on the overall performance of the 2024-25 cohort of care experienced school leavers in North Ayrshire. The glossary of key terms used in the report was attached at Appendix 1. Officers responded to Members’ questions and the Cabinet agreed (a) to note the content of the report, including the achievements of care experienced school leavers in qualifications in 2025; and (b) to note the continued focus on improving outcomes for care experienced learners in North Ayrshire. 7. School Holiday Calendar – Academic Session 2027-28 Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Education) informing Cabinet of changes to the school holiday calendar from academic session 2027-28, attached at Appendix 1 to the report. It was noted that there had been a correction, in the version of the calendar that had been issued, and the revised calendar had been uploaded to the Council’s website.
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION The Cabinet agreed (a) to note the significant level of engagement and consultation with key stakeholders; and (b) to note the resultant agreed changes to the school holiday calendar, to be implemented from session 2027-28 onwards. 8. Child Poverty Action Plan Progress Report 2025-26 Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Education) requesting approval of the Child Poverty Action Plan Progress Report 2025-26, attached at Appendix 1 to the report. Officers responded to Members’ questions and the Cabinet agreed to publication of the Child Poverty Action Plan Progress Report 2025-26 provided at Appendix 1 to the report and its submission to the Scottish Government. 9. Children’s Services Performance Report 2025/26 Submitted a report by the Director (HSCP) seeking approval for the North Ayrshire Children’s Services Plan Performance Report 2025/26. The Children’s Services Plan Action Update 2025-26 and the Children’s Services Plan Performance Indicators 2025- 26 were attached at Appendices 1 and 2, respectively, to the report. The Cabinet agreed (a) to approve the North Ayrshire Children’s Services Plan Performance Report 2024/26; and (b) to note the update in relation to the new Children and Families Plan 2026-2029. Please note – the following item was heard by the Audit & Scrutiny Committee on 15 June 2026, please refer to the minute for the decision. 10. Revenue Budget 2025/26: Financial Performance to 31 March 2026 Submitted a report by the Head of Finance advising Cabinet of the financial performance for the Council for 2025/26. Officers responded to Members’ questions and Councillor Larsen, seconded by Councillor Gurney, moved as follows: “That the Cabinet supports the recommendations set out in the report, subject to the amendment below: Approve subject to the movement of £1.496m of underspend to the 26/27 revenue budget. These funds to be used to create an Our Places, Our Communities fund designed to benefit all North Ayrshire communities. The administration will bring details of this fund to council on the 24th of June for debate and approval.” There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Cabinet agreed as follows: To (a) note (i) the information and financial outturn position outlined in the report; (ii) the financial performance for the Health and Social Care Partnership highlighted at 2.5 of the report; and (b) approve (i) the earmarking of £7.691m identified at 2.4 of the report to meet future year commitments in accordance with funding requirements; and (ii) the
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION virements detailed in Appendix 8 to the report. Approve subject to the movement of £1.496m of underspend to the 26/27 revenue budget. These funds to be used to create an Our Places, Our Communities fund designed to benefit all North Ayrshire communities. The administration will bring details of this fund to council on the 24th of June for debate and approval. 11. Capital Programme Performance to 31 March 2026 Submitted a report by the Head of Finance advising Cabinet of progress in delivering the Capital Investment Programme 2025/26. Officers responded to Members’ questions and the Cabinet agreed (a) to approve the virement proposal noted within the HRA programme detailed in Appendix 2 to the report; (b) note (i) the revisions to budgets outlined in the report; (ii) the General Services and HRA revised budgets at 31 March 2026; and (iii) the net expenditure to 31 March 2026. 12. Community Asset Transfer – Blacklands Hall, Kilwinning Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) seeking approval for the transfer of ownership of Blacklands Hall (and adjacent land), Abbots Avenue, Kilwinning to the Kilwinning Community Shed. The location plan was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. Officers responded to Members’ questions and Cabinet agreed (a) to the asset transfer of Blacklands Hall and the adjacent land from North Ayrshire Council to the Kilwinning Community Shed; (b) to approve the recommended terms of transfer on this occasion at 5% of the property valuation of £85,000 (totalling £4,250); and (c) to authorise officers to conclude the associated legal and community asset transfer processes for Blacklands Hall and adjacent land. 13. Community Asset Transfer – Auld Dirrans Resource Centre, Kilwinning Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) seeking approval for the transfer of ownership of Auld Dirrans Resource Centre, 70 Dirrans Terrace, Kilwinning to Irvine Elite Boxing Club. It was noted that a revised copy of the location plan, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, had been uploaded to the Council’s website showing the correct location. Officers responded to Members’ questions and Cabinet agreed (a) to the asset transfer of Auld Dirrans Resource Centre from North Ayrshire Council to Irvine Elite Boxing Club; (b) to approve the recommended terms of transfer on this occasion at 5% of the property valuation of £85,000 (totalling £4,250); and (c) to authorise officers to conclude the associated legal and community asset transfer processes for Auld Dirrans Resource Centre. 14. Proposals for Community Investment Fund (CIF) Expenditure Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) to determine applications by Locality Partnerships to allocate CIF funding to proposed projects. The application from Dalry Community Sports Club was attached at Appendix 1 to the report.
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Officers responded to Members’ questions and the Cabinet (a) reviewed the application from Garnock Valley Locality Partnership in line with CIF criteria; and (b) agreed to approve the CIF application in relation to Dalry Community Sports Club (Appendix 1 to the report). 15. Use of Animals at Public Events Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) seeking Cabinet approval of Guidelines and Policy relating to the use of animals at public events, attached at Appendix 1 to the report. The Cabinet agreed to approve the Guidelines and Policy relating to the use of animals at public events detailed in Appendix 1 to the report. Please note – the following item was heard by the Audit & Scrutiny Committee on 15 June 2026, please refer to the minute for the decision. 16. North Ayrshire Housing Acquisition Strategy Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Communities and Housing) seeking Cabinet approval of the proposed Housing Acquisition Strategy 2026-2031, attached at Appendix 1 to the report. Officers responded to Members’ questions and Cabinet agreed to approve the proposed North Ayrshire Housing Acquisition Strategy detailed in Appendix 1 to the report. Please note – the following item was heard by the Audit & Scrutiny Committee on 15 June 2026, please refer to the minute for the decision. 17. Ardrossan Campus - Project Update Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Place) providing Cabinet with an update on the current progress of the Ardrossan Campus project, including current projections in relation to costs and programme. Officers responded to Members’ questions and Cabinet agreed (a) to note the content of this report, including the current progress of work on site; (b) to note the revised project completion date of 26 May 2028, with anticipated occupation from August 2028; and (c) to note the additional estimated cost of £9.97 million (8.74%) associated with addressing the contamination will be met from approved capital flexibility funding. 18. Ayrshire Growth Deal: International Marine Science and Environment Progress (IMSE) Update Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Place) on progress on the International Marine Science and Environment project and seeking approval for the strategic direction and to note the development of a Collaboration Agreement with partners Field Studies Council and Community of Arran Seabed Trust to support the further development of the project.
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION The Cabinet agreed to (a) note the progress to date and approves the strategic direction for the International Marine Science and Environment project; (b) notes the development of a Collaboration Agreement with the Field Studies Council and the Community of Arran Seabed Trust to progress the project and develop the full business case; and (c) notes the progression of the change management requirements and Outline Business Case for the project, informed by feedback from the Scottish and UK Governments. 19. Flexible Advanced Manufacturing Space, i3 Irvine: Phase 2, Full Business Case Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Place) seeking endorsement of the Full Business Case for Phase 2 of the Flexible Advanced Manufacturing Space Project at i3, Irvine, attached at Appendix 1 to the report. The Cabinet agreed (a) to endorse the Full Business Case for Phase 2 of the Flexible Advanced Manufacturing Space project at i3, Irvine, subject to feedback from Scottish and UK Governments and the successful outcome of the tender process; (b) that authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Place) to update the Full Business Case to reflect the feedback and outcome of the tender process; and (c) to approve the submission of the Full Business Case to the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee. 20. National Islands Plan and North Ayrshire Islands Programme Update Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Place) on the North Ayrshire Islands Programme and the new National Islands Plan and outlining proposed next steps. The North Ayrshire Islands Programme Achievements 2022 to 2025 was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. Officers responded to Members’ questions and Cabinet agreed (a) to note (i) the progress of the North Ayrshire Islands Programme and achievements to date, (ii) the publication of the National Islands Plan 2026 to 2031 and associated investment in 2026/27; (b) to the refresh and refinement of the current Local Island Plans and associated delivery plans and their intended reporting; and (c) to the finalisation and submission of the proposed funding applications to the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme. 21. Regeneration Delivery Plan Funding Proposals Update 2026/27 Submit a report by the Executive Director (Place) on progress of the Regeneration Delivery Plan and seeking approval for proposed funding allocations in 2026/27. The Regeneration Funding Proposals and the Project Updates were set out in Appendices 1 and 2, respectively, to the report. The Cabinet agreed (a) to approve (i) the Regeneration funding proposals as detailed at Appendix 1 to the report; and (ii) the proposed delegated authority changes following service restructure; (b) to note (i) the progress made on the implementation of the Regeneration Delivery Plan; and (ii) the update on previously secured or applied for funds provided at Appendix 2 to the report; and (c) that delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director (Housing and Communities) to agree changes to the funding
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION allocations in Appendices 1 and 2 in the report, in consultation with the Portfolio Lead as required. 22. Fleet Decarbonisation Submitted a report by the Executive Director (Place) on progress made to date with decarbonisation of the Council Fleet and providing details of the further proposed decarbonisation-first approach work going forward. Officers responded to Members’ questions and Cabinet agreed (a) the decarbonisation- first approach for fleet replacement outlined at paragraph 2.17 of the report; (b) note (i) the progress made to date in decarbonising the fleet, and against the actions set out in the May 2023 Cabinet paper, and (ii) that the Council’s current fleet decarbonisation actions would continue to evolve to reflect the Scottish Government’s refreshed Climate Change Plan 2026-2040 and the awaited public sector fleet decarbonisation action plan. 23. Urgent Items There were no urgent items. The meeting ended at 4.45 p.m. The full meeting proceedings can be viewed at https://north-ayrshire.public-i.tv/core/portal/home
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION Special Cabinet 19 June 2026 At a Special Meeting of the Cabinet of North Ayrshire Council at 3.00 p.m. involving a combination of participation by remote electronic means and physical attendance within the Council Chambers, Irvine Present (Physical Participation) Tony Gurney and Christina Larsen. Present (Remote Participation) Eleanor Collier, Alan Hill and Margaret Johnson. In Attendance D. Hammond, Executive Director (Communities and Housing); S. Anson, Executive Director (Education); L. Cree, Head of Service (Sustainability, Transport and Corporate Property) (Place); M. Boyd, Head of Service (Finance); F. Walker, Head of Service (People & ICT); A. Craig, Head of Democratic Services, J. Hutcheson, Senior Communications Officer (Media and Internal Communications), H. Young, Senior Committee Services Officer and C. Stewart, Committee Services Officer (Democratic Services) (Corporate Services). Chair Tony Gurney in the Chair. 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. 2. Revenue Budget 2025/26: Financial Performance to 31 March 2026 Submitted report by the Head of Democratic Services informing Cabinet of the decision of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee following a call-in of the Cabinet decision on 2 June 2026 in relation to the underspend. Officers responded to Members’ questions in respect of the call-in including the nature of the recommendation by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee and Councillor Hill, seconded by Councillor Collier, moved that the Cabinet do not accept the recommendation of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee and that the matter be referred to Council for determination.There being no amendment, the motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Cabinet agreed (a) not to accept the recommendation of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee and (b) in terms of Standing Order 26.7, referred the Cabinet decision of 2nd June 2026 in relation to the underspend to the next meeting of the Council for determination.
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OFFICIAL INFORMATION OFFICIAL INFORMATION 3. Ardrossan Campus - Project Update Submitted report by the Head of Democratic Services informing Cabinet of the decision of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee following a call-in of the Cabinet decision of 2 June 2026 which noted the current progress of the Ardrossan Campus project, including current projections in relation to costs and programme. Following consideration, the Cabinet noted Councillor Collier’s recommendation to the Audit & Scrutiny Committee and agreed to accept the recommendation of the Committee and altered its original decision to the effect that an update report will be taken to a future meeting of Council in six months for consideration. The meeting ended at 3.25 p.m. The full meeting proceedings can be viewed at https://north-ayrshire.public-i.tv/core/portal/home