3. Additional Bank Holiday - 15 June 2026 Call-In Report
North Ayrshire Council · 28 April 2026
Back to Cabinet — 28 April 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 28 April 2026 Cabinet Title: Additional Bank Holiday – 15 June 2026 Purpose: To inform Cabinet of the decision of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee following a call-in of the Cabinet decision on 17 March 2026 to approve the additional bank holiday for all employees on Monday 15 June 2026. Recommendation: That Cabinet considers the decision and recommendation from the Audit & Scrutiny Committee and determines: a) whether to accept the recommendation of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee and alter its original decision accordingly or b) if it does not accept the recommendation, to refer the matter to Council for final determination. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 At its meeting on 17 March 2026, Cabinet approved an additional bank holiday for all employees on Monday 15 June 2026 and authorised the Head of Service (Education) to write to the Scottish Government to obtain approval for one less teaching day. 1.2 Subsequent to the decision taken by Cabinet, a call-in request was received from Councillors Stalker, Gallacher and Murdoch which was referred the Audit & Scrutiny Committee for consideration. 1.3 At its meeting on 14 April 2026, the Audit and Scrutiny Committee agreed to accept the call-in request and referred the matter back to Cabinet for further consideration with the recommendation that the additional bank holiday on 15th June is not approved. 1.4 Accordingly, Cabinet is asked to consider the decision and recommendation from the Audit & Scrutiny Committee and determine: a) whether to accept the recommendation of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee and alter its original decision accordingly or b) if it does not accept the recommendation, to refer the matter to Council for final determination.
Page 2
2. Background 2.1 The Cabinet, at its meeting on 17 March 2026, considered a report and agreed to approve an additional bank holiday for all employees on Monday 15 June 2026 to mark Scotland’s participation in the men’s football World Cup. A copy of the original report presented to Cabinet on 17 March 2026 is attached as Appendix 1. 2.2 Subsequently, a call-in request was received in terms of the call-in procedure set out in the Council’s Standing Orders. The report to the Audit & Scrutiny Committee and briefing note provided by the Head of Service (People & ICT) in relation to the call-in are attached at Appendix 2. 2.3 The Audit & Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 14 April 2026 heard from Councillors Stalker and Murdoch in relation to the call-in. The Committee also heard from Councillor Larsen, Depute Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, in response to the call-in. The Head of Service (People & ICT) was also present to provide information on the Cabinet report and on issues raised by the call-in received. The Committee subsequently agreed to accept the call-in and referred the matter back to Cabinet for further consideration with the recommendation that the holiday on 15th June should not be approved. The Minutes of the meeting of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee are attached at Appendix 3. 3. Proposals 3.1 Cabinet is recommended to consider the decision and recommendation from the Audit & Scrutiny Committee and determine: a) whether to accept the recommendation of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee and alter its original decision accordingly or b) if it does not accept the recommendation, to refer the matter to Council for final determination. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 The financial implications are outlined in the Additional Bank Holiday report attached at Appendix 1. Human Resources 4.2 The human resources implications are outlined in the Cabinet report attached at Appendix 1. Legal 4.3 The legal implications are outlined in the Cabinet report attached at Appendix 1.
Page 3
Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 The equality/socio-economic implications are outlined in the Cabinet report attached at Appendix 1. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 The climate change and carbon implications are outlined in the Cabinet report attached at Appendix 1. Key Priorities 4.6 The key priorities are outlined in the Cabinet report attached at Appendix 1. Community Wealth Building 4.7 Any community wealth building implications are outlined in the Cabinet report attached at Appendix 1. Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) 4.8 Any ICIA implications are outlined in the Cabinet report attached at Appendix 1. United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 4.9 Any UNCRC implications are outlined in the Cabinet report attached at Appendix 1. Consumer Duty 4.10 Any consumer duty implications are outlined in the Cabinet report attached at Appendix 1. 5. Consultation 5.1 None concerning this report. Aileen Craig Head of Democratic Services For further information please contact Shannon Wilson, Committee Services Officer, on shannonwilson@north-ayrshire.gov.uk. Background Papers Appendix 1 – Cabinet Report: 17 March 2026(Additional Bank Holiday 15June 2026) Appendix 2 – Call-in Request Report and Service Briefing Note (Head of Service People & ICT) Appendix 3 – Audit & Scrutiny Meeting Minute – 14 April 2026
Page 4
NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 17 March 2026 Cabinet Title: Additional Bank Holiday Purpose: To provide information on the additional bank holiday proposed by Scottish Government and approved by royal proclamation for the World Cup. Recommendation: That Cabinet approves the additional bank holiday for all employees on Monday 15 June 2026 and authorises the Head of Education to write to the Scottish Government to obtain approval for one less teaching day. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 The Scottish Government has announced that Monday 15th June 2026 will be an additional bank holiday to mark Scotland’s participation in the men’s football World Cup. His Majesty King Charles has approved this by Royal Proclamation. 2. Background 2.1 North Ayrshire Council has already agreed the local holidays and school term time calendar for 2026. To amend the school term time calendar, permission must be sought from Scottish Government as one less teaching day will be provided in the school term 2025/26. 2.2 The provision of an additional bank holiday will result in additional costs for services which are required to operate on Monday 15th June 2026. 2.3 Similar to previously agreed additional bank holidays (e.g. the Coronation) where employees are required to work on this day, costs for additional overtime/backfill costs will be required to be paid from service revenue budgets. Based on overtime paid on the Coronation holiday it is anticipated that the costs across the Council for overtime will be around £73,000, this does not include backfill costs associated with employees taking the compensatory day at another time. 2.4 The indirect cost is that the Council will continue to pay salaries to employees who are not at work. This will have an impact on the overall efficiency of the Council and may result in an increase in wait times as teams will have workload to catch up on from an additional day off. Appendix 1
Page 5
2.5 It is anticipated that the additional day off will have a positive impact on morale and allow families to enjoy the celebrations associated with the World Cup. 3. Proposals 3.1 That Cabinet: a) Approves the additional bank holiday for all employees on Monday 15th June 2026. b) Authorises the Head of Service (Education) to write to the Scottish Government to obtain approval for one less teaching day. c) Acknowledges that if the additional bank holiday is agreed, the main Council buildings and Schools will be closed and where employees are required to work on the day, enhanced rates will be received as per our Terms and Conditions of Employment. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 It is anticipated that the additional bank holiday would cost approximately £73,000. These indicative costs are based on the enhanced overtime rates on the Coronation holiday in 2023. Human Resources 4.2 Communications to employees will be issued to ensure that there is awareness of the additional bank holiday and the change to the Term time calendar for 2026 only. Legal 4.3 Permission should be sought from the Scottish Government by the Head of Education for an additional school closure day. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 None. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 None. Key Priorities 4.6 None. Community Wealth Building 4.7 None. Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) 4.8 None. United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
Page 6
4.9 None. Consumer Duty 4.10 None. 5. Consultation 5.1 The Trade Unions have been consulted and have indicated that they would support the additional bank holiday. Fiona Walker Head of Service (People & ICT) For further information please contact Jackie Smillie, Senior Manager (People Services), on by email. Background Papers 0
Page 7
NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 14 April 2026 Audit and Scrutiny Committee Title: Call In: Additional Bank Holiday Purpose: To allow the Committee to consider a call-in request in respect of the decision taken by Cabinet at its meeting on 17 March 2026 to approve the additional bank holiday for all employees on Monday 15 June 2026 and authorise the Head of Education to write to the Scottish Government to obtain approval for one less teaching day. Recommendation: That the Committee considers the terms of the call-in and agrees, or otherwise, to make a recommendation to Cabinet. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 In terms of the Scheme of Administration (Section 5), the Audit and Scrutiny Committee has a remit to consider call-in requests and invite at least one of the Members who has requested the reference to call-in to attend the Committee to explain the request. 1.2 This report sets out the background to a call-in request in respect of the decision taken by Cabinet at its meeting on 17 March 2026 in relation to the report on the approval of an additional bank holiday for all employees on Monday 15 June 2026. 2. Background 2.1 The Cabinet, at its meeting on 17 March 2026, considered a report on the approval of an additional bank holiday for all employees on Monday 15 June 2026. 2.2 A request was received in terms of the call-in procedure set out in the Council's Scheme of Administration and Standing Orders, that the Audit and Scrutiny Committee examine the decision taken by the Cabinet. 2.3 The call-in request, which was signed by Councillors Stalker, Gallacher and Murdoch is in the following terms: - Reason for call-in “The cost: the report highlights that the cost of the bank holiday to the Council will be £73,000 in overtime which could potentially rise if staff take the bank holiday at another time which would require a backfill. Furthermore, productivity costings show that the bank holiday will cost the council £1.2m in loss of productivity from Appendix 2
Page 8
staff not working. At a time when we are asking residents in North Ayrshire to pay more council tax (8.5% rise for 26/27) we should be prioritising spending money on services to do those jobs, not a bank holiday that is not necessary. The necessity of the holiday: The game will kick off at 2am on the 14th of June which is a Sunday morning. This gives staff members ample time to have all day to rest and be ready for work on the Monday morning. This shows that the bank holiday is not necessary for staff to enjoy the game with family, when this can be done the day before Monday.” Desired Outcome “For the bank holiday not to go ahead.” 2.4 A copy of the original report presented to Cabinet on 17 March 2026 is attached as Appendix 1 to this report. A briefing note has been provided by the Head of Service People & ICT and is attached at Appendix 2. 2.5 The call-in request is valid for consideration by the Committee. The request was received within the appropriate timescale, it was requested by three Elected Members and details were provided on both the reason for the call-in and the desired outcome. 2.6 The Elected Members who have submitted the call-in will be invited to address the Committee to explain the respective call-in request. The appropriate Cabinet Member will then be invited to clarify the reasons for the decision. The relevant senior officer will also be present to provide information on the report presented to Cabinet and on issues raised by the call-in received. The Committee will have an opportunity to ask questions of both parties and of those officers in attendance. 2.7 The Committee will then debate the call-in request and decide whether or not it agrees with the decision of the Cabinet. 2.8 The Audit and Scrutiny Committee:- i) decides if it agrees or not with the decision of the Cabinet; and ii) if it does not agree with the decision, considers what alternative action the Committee would recommend to the Cabinet. 2.9 If the Committee supports the decision of Cabinet and does not accept the call-in, the original decision of Cabinet remains in effect and no further procedure is required. 2.10 If the Committee accepts the call-in, the matter is referred to Cabinet with a recommendation. When the matter is considered by the Cabinet, the Chairperson or another member of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee will have the right to attend the Cabinet and speak in support of any recommendation. 2.11 In the event that Cabinet declines to accept the recommendation from the Audit and Scrutiny Committee, the matter will be referred to Council for determination. The decision of the Council will be final.
Page 9
3. Proposals 3.1 It is proposed that the Committee considers the call-in request. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 The financial implications are outlined in the Additional Bank Holiday report attached at Appendix 1. Human Resources 4.2 The human resource implications are outlined in the Additional Bank Holiday report attached at Appendix 1. Legal 4.3 The legal implications are outlined in the Additional Bank Holiday report attached at Appendix 1. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 The equality/social-economic implications are outlined in the Additional Bank Holiday report attached at Appendix 1. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 The climate change and carbon implications are outlined in the Additional Bank Holiday report attached at Appendix 1. Key Priorities 4.6 The key priorities are outlined in the Additional Bank Holiday report attached at Appendix 1. Community Wealth Building 4.7 Any community wealth building implications are outlined in the Additional Bank Holiday report attached at Appendix 1. Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) 4.8 Any ICIA implications are outlined in the Additional Bank Holiday report attached at Appendix 1. United Nations Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 4.9 Any UNCRC implications are outlined in the Additional Bank Holiday report attached at Appendix 1.
Page 10
Consumer Duty 4.10 Any consumer duty implications are outlined in the Additional Bank Holiday report attached at Appendix 1. 5. Consultation 5.1 None concerning this report. Craig Hatton Chief Executive For further information please contact Shannon Wilson, Committee Services Officer, on shannonwilson@north-ayrshire.gov.uk. Background Papers N/A
Page 11
Audit & Scrutiny: 14 April 2026 Briefing Paper: Additional Bank Holiday Overview An additional bank holiday on Monday 15 June 2026 has been proposed by the Scottish Government to mark Scotland’s participation in the men’s football World Cup. This was considered and agreed by Cabinet on 17 March 2026. Financial Implications The additional bank holiday is expected to cost approximately £73,000 in enhanced overtime payments, based on costs incurred during the Coronation holiday. This excludes backfill costs for compensatory days. There will also be an indirect cost and impact on overall efficiency due to staff not being at work that day. Education The Head of Service (Education) is required to request approval from the Scottish Government for the one-day reduction in the 2025/26 teaching calendar. This approval has already been obtained due to the requirement to meet a March deadline set by Government for requesting this. Additional Information The Council has previously granted additional holidays for events such as the 75th anniversary of VE day (2020), the Jubilee (2022) and the Coronation (2023). NHS Ayrshire and Arran have been granted this additional bank holiday. Granting the request for the Council would provide consistency, particularly within the Health & Social Care partnership. Fiona Walker Head of Service (People & ICT)
Page 12
Audit and Scrutiny Committee 14 April 2026 At a Special 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, Cameron Inglis, Shaun Macaulay and John Sweeney. Present (Remote Participation) Davina McTiernan and Donald L Reid. In Attendance D. Hammond, Executive Director (Communities and Housing); S. Anson, Executive Director (Education); F. Walker, Head of Service (People & ICT); A. Craig, Head of Service; S. Wilson, Committee Services Officer, and J. Hutcheson, Senior Communications Officer (Media and Internal Communications) (Democratic Services) (Corporate Services). Also In Attendance Ian Murdoch and Ronnie Stalker. 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. 2. Additional Bank Holiday : 15 June 2026 Submitted report by the Head of Democratic Services to consider a call-in request in respect of the decision taken by Cabinet at its meeting on 17 March 2026. The original Cabinet report was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. Appendix 2 to the report contained a briefing note provided by the Head of Service (People & ICT) in response to the matters raised in the call-in request form. The Cabinet, on 17 March 2026, agreed to approve the additional bank holiday for all employees on Monday 15 June 2026 and authorised the Head of Education to write to the Scottish Government to obtain approval for one less teaching day. Subsequently, a call-in request was received from Councillors Stalker, Gallacher and Murdoch in the following terms:- Appendix 3
Page 13
Reason for Call-In “The cost: the report highlights that the cost of the bank holiday to the Council will be £73,000 in overtime which could potentially rise if staff take the bank holiday at another time which would require a backfill. Furthermore, productivity costings show that the bank holiday will cost the council £1.2m in loss of productivity from staff not working. At a time when we are asking residents in North Ayrshire to pay more council tax (8.5% rise for 26/27) we should be prioritising spending money on services to do those jobs, not a bank holiday that is not necessary. The necessity of the holiday: The game will kick off at 2am on the 14th of June which is a Sunday morning. This gives staff members ample time to have all day to rest and be ready for work on the Monday morning. This shows that the bank holiday is not necessary for staff to enjoy the game with family, when this can be done the day before Monday.” Desired Outcome “For the bank holiday not to go ahead.” The Head of Democratic Services summarised the procedure for considering the call-in request in terms of Standing Orders and referred to the Cabinet decision. Thereafter, the Members who had requested the call-in were invited to speak and Councillor Stalker addressed the Committee in support of the call-in request. The Chair then invited Councillor Larsen, as the Cabinet Member for Finance, to address the meeting. Councillor Larsen explained the reasoning for the Cabinet decision and referred to a briefing note from the Head of Service (People & ICT) provided at Appendix 2 to the report. She was also heard in answer to Members’ questions. The Head of Service (People & ICT) was heard in answer to Members’ questions. Councillor Murdoch was also heard in summing up the reasoning for the call in. Councillor Inglis, seconded by Councillor Sweeney, moved that the Committee agree to accept the terms of the call-in request and refer the matter to the Cabinet for further consideration with the recommendation that the holiday on 15th June 2026 should not be approved for all staff. As an amendment, Councillor Macaulay, seconded by Councillor McTiernan moved that the Committee agree not to support the call-in request and that the decision of Cabinet should stand. There followed questions, debate and summing up on the motion and amendment presented for consideration.
Page 14
Thereafter, on a division and a roll call vote, there voted for the amendment, Councillors Macaulay and McTiernan (2), and for the motion, Councillors Bell, Reid, Inglis, D.L Reid and Sweeney (5). The motion was declared carried. Accordingly, the Committee agreed (a) to support the call-in request; and (b) that the matter be referred to Cabinet for further consideration with the recommendation that the holiday on 15th June 2026 should not be approved for all staff. The meeting ended at 10.45 a.m.