Review of Decision - ICIA Montrose House
North Ayrshire Council · 12 February 2026
Back to Integration Joint Board — 12 February 2026 and its agenda
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Integration Joint Board 12th February 2026 Subject : Review of Decision relating to Island Communities Impact Assessment for Montrose House Care Home on Arran Purpose : To seek Integration Joint Board’s determination of the review of the Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) relating to the decision of 21 August 2025 in respect of provision at Montrose Care Home, Arran. Recommendation : IJB are asked to decide whether: (a) Further information is required to enable a decision to be made on the review, and, if so, what information is needed and from whom; or (b) The ICIA appended to the IJB report of 21st August 2025 was sufficient, and no further action is required; or (c) Changes are needed to the ICIA; or (d) A new ICIA requires to be carried out. Thereafter that any relevant statutory notice to reflect the decision of IJB is issued within the appropriate timescales. Direction Required to Council, Health Board or Both Direction to :- 1. No Direction Required X 2. North Ayrshire Council 3. NHS Ayrshire & Arran 4. North Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire & Arran Glossary of Terms NHS AA NHS Ayrshire and Arran HSCP Health and Social Care Partnership ICIA Islands Communities Impact Assessment 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 On 11 November 2025, the North Ayrshire Integration Joint Board (“IJB”) received an application for a review of a decision relating to an island communities impact assessment (“ICIA”) carried out in respect of Montrose House. A copy of the ICIA is attached at Appendix 1. 1.2 The review application relates to the Integration Joint Board’s decision of 21 August 2025 to redesign the model of care at Montrose House, which included a permanent reduction in bed capacity.
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This process is not a mechanism to review the substantive decision or for the IJB to reexamine the entirety of the issues that formed part of its decision, but a review of relevant issues relating to the ICIA only, in accordance with this report. 1.3 The review is made on one of the four statutory grounds provided for in the Island Communities Impact Assessments (Publication and Review of Decisions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 (the “2020 Regulations”), specifically alleging that the IJB, in making its decision: failed in its duty under section 8(3)(b) of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 (the “2018 Act”) to assess the extent to which the IJB [considered] that the service [could] be developed or delivered in such a manner as to improve or mitigate, for island communities, the outcomes resulting from it (Regulation 4(c) of the 2020 Regulations). Essentially, this ground of review relates to whether the ICIA contained an adequate assessment as to improvements or mitigations that might offset the impact on the island community, in respect of the proposals regarding Montrose House. That is the issue that the IJB must now consider and decide upon through this review process. A redacted copy of the review form is included in full at Appendix 2. Within that, the applicant has stated that the decision did not take into account the requirements of Arran residents, there was inadequate discussion with residents and no time allowed for any alternative proposals to be presented or discussed. 2. BACKGROUND 2.1 At the Integration Joint Board meeting in June 2025 the IJB asked officers to undertake further work on the proposals around the future provision of nursing care services within Montrose House Care Home, Arran, specifically in relation to the options appraisal, consultation, engagement and impact assessment, including consideration for islands impact. 2.2 On 21 August 2025 the IJB agreed to adopt and implement a revised service delivery model at Montrose House. The decision taken by the IJB on that date was on the following terms: (a) approve the outcome of the Montrose House options appraisal and the recommended option for future delivery in Montrose House of 10 permanent beds and 1 respite bed; (b) approve the recommended model of day care delivery for older people on the island of Arran; (c) support the principle of and development of an admissions policy for Montrose House to prioritise care for the residents of Arran and provide a robust admissions criteria;
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(d) note the further work undertaken over the summer period to engage and seek feedback on the proposed changes, the outputs of this engagement are shared within the report and options appraisal; and (e) agree to declare the remainder of the Montrose House building as surplus to North Ayrshire Council and work with NAC colleagues to identify alternative uses which complement the care home facility. Requirements of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 2.3 Under the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 (the ”2018 Act”), the Integration Joint Board has a duty to prepare an island communities impact assessment (“ICIA”) in relation to a policy, strategy or service which, in the IJB’s opinion, is likely to have an effect on an island community which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities) in North Ayrshire. Officers identified that an ICIA was required in relation to the likely impact of the proposals for a revised model of care at Montrose House. 2.4 A public consultation was carried out on the proposals between 15 July and 1 August 2025. Information regarding consultation responses is included in the ICIA at Appendix 1. 2.5 Under section 8(3)(b) of the 2018 Act, an ICIA must “assess the extent to which the authority considers that the policy, strategy or service (as the case may be) can be developed or delivered in such a manner as to improve or mitigate, for island communities, the outcomes resulting from it”. 2.6 The “island community” is defined in Section 2 of the 2018 Act as a community which - (a) consists of two or more individuals, all of whom permanently inhabit an island (whether or not the same island) and (b) is based on common interest, identity or geography (including in relation to any uninhabited island whose natural environment and terrestrial, marine and associated ecosystems contribute to the natural or cultural heritage or economy of an inhabited island. Application for Review 2.7 On 11 November 2025 the IJB formally received an application for a review of a decision relating to the ICIA carried out in respect of Montrose House. 2.8 The 2020 Regulations set out the possible grounds for a review of a decision relating to an ICIA. The 2020 Regulations also provide that an application for review of a decision relating to an ICIA should be made to the authority which made the decision. The application for review that is presently under consideration by the IJB is made on the ground that the applicant considers that the IJB, in making its decision, failed in its duty under section 8(3)(b) of the 2018 Act. The full text is set out in bold at paragraph 2.5 above.
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2.9 Redacted copies of all documentation relating to the review are available on the HSCP website in accordance with the legislative requirements under the 2020 Regulations. IJB members have been provided with unredacted copies of all documentation relating to the review. This report sets out the framework within which the IJB is being asked to make its decision and seeks to highlight relevant information for the IJB’s consideration. It does not include the entirety of the information that the IJB must consider. The IJB must consider all relevant information and submissions in making its determination on the review. Written Representations 2.10 A notice was published on the HSCP website as required under the 2020 Regulations, giving notice of the application for review and inviting members of the public to submit written representations within a defined period (as per the 2020 Regulations). 2.11 Between 12 November 2025 and the deadline of 3 December 2025, a total of 89 written representations were received in connection with the review of the ICIA. The representations received broadly expressed support for the review. Those who submitted written representations emphasised the reasons why they believe the policy will result in negative outcomes for the island community. Many also expressed concerns about the consultation that was carried out. A summary of the views expressed is included at Appendix 3. 2.12 The written representations were then sent to the applicant for their comment, as required under the 2020 Regulations. A redacted copy of all written representations is also available on the HSCP website to view. 2.13 At the closing date of 13 January 2026, no further comments were received by the applicant. Mitigations proposed by those who supported the review 2.14 Some of those who submitted written representations suggested measures which they felt would mitigate the impact of the proposal on the island community and which they felt had not been assessed. These are summarised below: 1. Addressing staffing shortages locally by: a. Engaging with local educators and training providers b. Exploring alternative ways of promoting vacancies locally c. Adapting shift patterns and working hours to suit the local workforce and align with ferry schedules d. Making further provision for full time or temporary accommodation of staff on the island to reduce the need for staff to commute from the mainland 2. Making only temporary changes in numbers to address safety concerns whilst enabling the longer-term impact to be reduced 3. Outsourcing the delivery of services at Montrose House to a delivery partner with broader experience in the sector.
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ICIA Mitigations 2.15 In reaching its decision, the IJB should also consider the position put forward by officers in August 2025 and specifically, the mitigations that were referenced in the ICIA (Appendix 1) including: 1. Accommodation and financial incentives having been offered to staff in order to address staffing challenges 2. Island Social Work teams offering support and relevant referrals to support with isolation 3. Day service review at Montrose House 4. Acknowledgement that there is no ability to mitigate the financial cost borne by family requiring to visit family in care homes on the mainland. Review Consideration 2.16 A hearing process will be followed at the IJB meeting to ensure a fair and transparent decision making process. The applicant has been invited to address the IJB. HSCP officers have similarly been invited to address the IJB. Review Decision 2.17 IJB is now asked to consider the application for review and decide whether or not the IJB discharged its duty to ensure that the ICIA for Montrose House assessed the extent to which the relevant proposals could have been developed or delivered in such a manner to improve or mitigate, for island communities, the outcomes resulting from it. 3. PROPOSALS 3.1 IJB is asked to make a decision on the review, choosing one of the following options: a) Further information is required to enable a decision to be made on the review, and, if so, what information is needed and from whom; or b) The ICIA appended to the 21 August 2025 IJB report was sufficient, and no further action is required; or c) Changes are needed to the ICIA; or d) A new ICIA requires to be carried out. 4. IMPLICATIONS 4.1 Financial None. 4.2 Human Resources None.
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4.3 Legal The IJB is under a legal duty to ensure that the relevant ICIA assessed the extent to which the proposal could be developed or delivered in such a manner as to improve or mitigate, for island communities, the outcomes resulting from it. The applicant has applied for a review of the decision under the statutory review process set out in the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 and The Island Communities Impact Assessments (Publication and Review of Decisions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020. The IJB is required to make a decision in accordance with the terms of the 2020 Regulations, after due consideration of relevant matters. 4.4 Equality/Socio-Economic None. 4.5 Risk None 4.6 Community Wealth Building None 4.7 Key Priorities None 5. CONSULTATION The original decision taken by the IJB, which is the subject of the review application, was informed by a public consultation in 2025 across, citizens, community and stakeholder groups and staff. As part of the statutory review process, members of the public have had the opportunity to submit written representations in connection with the review. Aileen Craig Head of Service, Democratic Services Appendices • Appendix No 1 – ICIA Montrose House • Appendix No 2 – Application for Review • Appendix No 3 – Concerns raised in written representations about the impact of the policy on the island community and the method of consultation
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1 APPENDIX 1 - ISLAND COMMUNITIES IMPACT ASSESSMENT ISLE OF ARRAN Please ensure this template is completed in conjunction with the Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) Guidance on the Scot Gov Website Name of Policy, Strategy or Service Montrose House - Arran STEP ONE – DEVELOP A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR OBJECTIVES What are the objectives of the policy, strategy or service? Montrose House Care home on the Isle of Arran is undertaking a review of the existing services due to the following: a) Older People Day Service – the traditional day service provision closed due to infection control requirements during the Covid 19 pandemic and has not re-opened. A service review, alongside stakeholder engagement, is taking place to identify a day service model which will best meet the needs of future service users, and their carers. Proposal to explore a hybrid day-case model, that will be provided in-house and community-based working alongside the activity coordinator b) Montrose House continues to face significant operational challenges related to staffing levels, due to the limited availability of social care trained staff on the island. As a result of these staffing challenges there has been a reliance on agency workers, to ensure safe staffing levels within the home. Unfortunately, at times agency staff cover can be irregular, which affects the continuity and quality of care delivery. As a result the Montrose House Care Home budget has been overspent over the last 2 financial years. There are currently 12 residents, and the option appraisal proposal recommends a reduction from 15 permanent beds to 10 permanent care beds and 1 respite bed. This will improve service resilience, safety and quality, by having a sustainable service with a staffing model which does not rely
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2 on agency staff. If achieved, this will result in improved safe care delivery and the overspend being reduced significantly. c) The review is also proposing the development of an admissions policy to prioritise those with familial ties on the island to access the Montrose House beds.
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3 Do you need to consult? The service review requires robust engagement, and this is captured at in section 3 of this report. The engagement will influence the proposals and identify key barriers for mitigation, where this is available. How are islands identified for the purpose of the policy, strategy or service? This policy would only apply to Montrose House Care home on the Isle of Arran What are the intended impacts / outcomes and how do these potentially differ in the islands? – EMPHASISE HOW IT DIFFERS FROM MAINLAND Montrose House on Arran is the only Health and Social Care Partnership managed care home and as a result this policy does not apply to the mainland or the Isle of Cumbrae, where care homes are delivered by the private independent sector. Is the policy, strategy or service new? Yes. Although the service at Montrose House is well established the following new changes are proposed: a) Older People Day Service – the traditional day service provision closed due to infection control requirements during the Covid 19 pandemic and has not re-opened. A service review, alongside stakeholder engagement, is taking place to identify a day service model which will best meet the needs of future service users, and their carers. Proposal to explore a hybrid day-case model, that will be provided in-house and community-based working alongside the activity coordinator b) Montrose House continues to face significant operational challenges related to staffing levels, due to the limited availability of social care trained staff on the island. As a result of these staffing challenges there has been a reliance on agency workers, to ensure safe staffing levels within the home. Unfortunately, at times agency staff cover can be irregular, which affects the continuity and quality of care delivery. As a result the Montrose House Care Home budget has been overspent over the last 2 financial years. There are currently 12 residents, and the option appraisal proposal recommends a reduction from 15 permanent beds to 10 permanent care beds and 1 respite bed. This will improve service resilience, safety and quality, by having a sustainable service with a staffing model which does not rely on agency staff. If achieved, this will result in improved safe care delivery and the overspend being reduced significantly.
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4 c) The review is also proposing the development of an admissions policy to prioritise those with familial ties on the island to access the Montrose House beds. STEP TWO – GATHER YOUR DATA AND IDENTIFY YOUR STAKEHOLDERS What data is available about the current situation in the islands? There has been the collection and analysis of a wide range of data sources: 1. Arran Locality Profile 2017 [http://northayrshire.community/wp- content/uploads/2018/02/Locality-Profile_Arran_Final_Version_Sept2017.pdf] 2. Arran Integrated Island Service Review - Initial Review 20th July 2020 [2020-08-17-bm- p24-arran-integrated-island-services-initial-agreement.pdf] 3. Isle of Arran – Local Island Plan March 2022 [https://www.north- ayrshire.gov.uk/Document-library/arran-local-island-plan.pdf] 4. Scottish Census 2022 [https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/] 5. Health & Social Care Partnership – Integrated Island Services Management Information on workforce, workforce recruitment, financial, resident needs, etc. [internal – not for publication] Do you need to consult? Yes. Montrose House Engagement - Goals of Engagement The engagement will provide background information and awareness of the proposals a) older people day services b) Montrose house bed reduction and c) a new admissions policy. The proposals will highlight the positive changes, such as the re-introduction of hybrid day- case model, that will be provided in-house and community-based working alongside the
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5 activity coordinator. It will be helpful to get feedback on this approach, from community views of a workable model. The engagement will include reasons for the proposals, driven by critical staffing challenges and focussing on the difficulty in providing safe person-centred care. This will also highlight the financial pressures created due to the use of agency staff. The engagement event will provide an awareness of the admission processes/ waiting list for beds if assessed as suitable for Montrose House. What we want to achieve from engagement? Receiving feedback on the proposals; as well as providing reassurance and alleviate any concerns the community may have. This information will be fed back to the NAHSCP senior management team and will be included in the updated ECRIA and IJB report for submission in August 2025. Montrose House Engagement drop in Event was held within Montrose House by the Arran Senior Management team on 22nd July 2025 from 1000-1200. The audience was the public, residents, families, and visitors. The drop-in session will include: • public, residents, families, and visitors provided with a leaflet/flyer in Montrose House for the Questionnaire/Online Survey. Survey can be accessed by a QR code but paper copies available for completion at face-to-face sessions and uploaded later. • Prepared, clear concise answers to questions that might be raised to ensure that all staff participating in the event are collectively sharing the same information. The details of the drop-in were emailed to 16 community groups; the details of which were provided by the Arran Community Voluntary Organisation. These groups included Brodick and Lamlash Sheltered Housing complexes, Older People Groups, Lunch Clubs, Community Councils, and patient participation groups. Posters about the drop-in session were shared at Montrose House and GP surgeries. Service Users and Partner staff
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6 The Questionnaire/Online Survey using a QR code was available, from 15 July 2025 to 1st August 2025; with paper copies available too for completion. Members of the public were provided with support from variety of HSCP staff. 1. Care at Home & Alert service users - completion supported by Care at home staff. 2. District Nursing caseload patients-completion supported by District Nursing staff. 3. patient participation groups- support from primary care 4. Relevant community groups-Vicki Yuill ACVS providing contact details. 5. Support from engagement team required with preparation of survey/questionnaire, QR code and analysis/overview of results There were 458 responses to the Residents, Families and Wider Island Community survey ∗ The majority reported having a spouse (36%) and/or wider family (35%) living locally. 18% said they have children on the island, while 10% (48 respondents) indicated they have no family living on Arran ∗ The vast majority of respondents, 82.8% (403 people) do not currently receive support from health and social care services on the Isle of Arran ∗ 97% of respondents (444 individuals) were aware of the current recruitment challenges across various sectors of Isle of Arran, ∗ 97.6% (447) of recipients opposed the recent change in bed capacity at Montrose House. 1.5% (7) were in favour and 0.9% (4) were unsure if it was the correct move. ∗ 73.1% of respondents (“Definitely”: 37.3% and “Possibly”: 35.8%) would consider using an outreach day care service on Arran, while only 3.3% said No and 5.2% said Unlikely, with 18.3% Unsure. ∗ 32% (145 people) support the proposed admissions policy approach, while 23% (105 people) oppose it. An additional 27% (125 people) are unsure, 5% (24 people) would support it with certain conditions, and 13% (59 people) selected "Other.“ Key themes: • Strong Opposition and Emotional Distress • Primary Concerns About Mainland Relocation
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7 o Forced Displacement from the island/ Family Separation o Personal and Family Impact Stories • Ferry Service Complications o Visiting Challenges • Staffing and Quality of Care Perspectives o Understanding of Staffing Challenges o Conditional Support for Quality Care • Use of Purpose-Built Facility o Underuse of Purpose-Built Facility • Distrust of Motivations o Suspicion of Cost-Cutting • Demographic and Demand Considerations o Ageing Population Needs • Impact on Other Services o Pressure on Healthcare System There were 23 respondents to the Staff, Professionals and Wider Partners survey. 96% (22 out of 23 participants), are residents of the Isle of Arran while only 4% (1 participant) is not. The majority of respondents (61%) did not support the proposed change. Four professionals (17%) agreed with the proposal, with only one qualifying their feedback by stating, "If that's all we can staff, it's all we can staff." How does any existing data differ between islands? The options appraisal paper, which has been published as an appendix to the Integration Joint Board report (IJB), 21 August 2025 is available on the IJB page of the North Ayrshire Council website. The option appraisal has undertaken a detailed analysis of the island community on Arran and comparisons with other islands with older people care homes.
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8 Care Homes – Island Comparison Comparisons with other island services are covered below. We used the following classifications from the Scottish Government. Islands/island groupings with mid to high population levels, have populations which are higher than at least 60% of the islands covered in this chapter, but lower than 10% of the islands covered by this chapter The population of these islands varies significantly. The islands in this category are: • Bute (population 6,498) • Uist & connected isles (population 4,846) • Arran (population 4,629) • Islay (population 3,228) • Mull (population 2,800) • Great Cumbrae (population 1,376) • Barra & Vatersay (population 1,264) • Whalsay (population 1,061) • Yell (population 966) • Tiree (population 653) • Unst (population 632) • Westray (population 588) • Seil (population 551) • Sanday (Orkney) (population 494) • Hoy & Walls (population 419) • Bressay (population 368) A comparison of Care Homes within these areas found that the national average of bed spaces available is twelve as described at Chart 1.
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9 Chart 1: Care Home Capacity There are 16 Care Homes within North Ayrshire. Montrose House on Arran currently has a vacancy rate of 13.3%, which is significantly higher than the overall average vacancy rate across care homes in North Ayrshire, which stands at approximately 6.6% [see chart 2].
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10 Chart 2 Vacancy % by Care Home
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11 Are there any existing design features or mitigations in place? The Health and Social Care partnership has provided accommodation for staff who travel to Arran to deliver key services on Arran. Nursing and Care staff also receive a financial enhancement to work on the isle of Arran. However, neither mitigation have resolved the staffing challenges at Montrose House. STEP THREE – CONSULTATION Who do you need to consult with? The engagement will be open to all members of the public, community organisations, residents and families using Montrose House and staff. How will you carry out your consultation and in what timescales? Montrose House Engagement drop in Event was held within Montrose House by the Arran Senior Management team on 22nd July 2025. A public online survey was opened on the 15 July 2025 to 1st August 2025 and paper copies were also made available. Staff supported people to complete the paper copies. A staff online survey was opened on the 25th July to the 1st August 2025. 10 % of the island community contributed their views. What questions will you ask when considering how to address island realities? A full analysis of the questions asked is available on the IJB page of the North Ayrshire Council website. With reference to the consultation undertaken, due to the nature of some of the feedback which includes the personal circumstances of some respondents, and in order to avoid any risk of identification, full details have not been made publicly available, however, full details of consultation responses have been shared with Integration Joint Board members on a confidential basis. What information has already been gathered through consultations and what concerns have been raised previously by island communities? Previous engagement on the island plan highlighted the following areas of concern: - Staff sustainability due to the high cost of housing, reducing the attractiveness of living on the island.
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12 - Growth in the aging population of the island and the lack of working age population to provide support, Is your consultation robust and meaningful and sufficient to comply with the Section 7 duty? The Consultation undertaken between 15 July 2025 to 1st August 2025 has been determined by officers as robust and meaningful and sufficient to comply with the Section 7 duty. STEP FOUR - ASSESSMENT Does your assessment identify any unique impacts on island communities? As a result of a lack of staffing to offer social care support, which has raised concerns about safe staffing levels the following new changes are proposed: a) Older People Day Service – the traditional day service provision closed due to infection control requirements during the Covid 19 pandemic and has not re-opened. A service review, alongside stakeholder engagement, is taking place to identify a day service model which will best meet the needs of future service users, and their carers. Proposal to explore a hybrid day-case model, that will be provided in-house and community-based working alongside the activity coordinator b) Montrose House continues to face significant operational challenges related to staffing levels, due to the limited availability of social care trained staff on the island. As a result of these staffing challenges there has been a reliance on agency workers, to ensure safe staffing levels within the home. Unfortunately, at times agency staff cover can be irregular, which affects the continuity and quality of care delivery. As a result the Montrose House Care Home budget has been overspent over the last 2 financial years. There are currently 12 residents, and the option appraisal proposal recommends a reduction from 15 permanent beds to 10 permanent care beds and 1 respite bed. This will improve service resilience, safety and quality, by having a sustainable service with a staffing model which does not rely on agency staff. If achieved, this will result in improved safe care delivery and the overspend being reduced significantly. c) The review is also proposing the development of an admissions policy to prioritise those with familial ties on the island to access the Montrose House beds.
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13 The assessment identifies that not all residents of Arran will be able to be supported at Montrose House in the future and that off island placements may cause distress and additional expenses to those visiting, as described in the section below. It should also be noted that North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership currently funds 816 placements for adults over 65 in care homes within and outside North Ayrshire. Montrose House accounts for 1.6% of the total service users currently funded for care home places. Of these, 606 residents (74%) are accommodated in care homes based in North Ayrshire, while 210 residents (26%) are placed outside the local authority area. Does your assessment identify any potential barriers or wider impacts? The assessment has identified the following impacts and barriers. In the event that a relative requires to move off island for residential care, it is recognised that this may cause anxiety and distress for the resident and family member; and although the island social work teams will work with families to reduce their isolation e.g. referrals for support from carers groups, all of this distress cannot be mitigated against. There will also be longer travel times and additional travel expenses. Currently the foot passenger day return cost is £ 10.20 per adults and £5.10 per child; subject to concessions. There may also be bus/train fares from ferry to home and ferry to care home. It also costs £51.20 to take a car on a return trip. There may also be car fuel costs from ferry to home and ferry to care home. The HSCP has no mechanisms available to reduce or mitigate these costs, noting the responsibility only extends to providing care and support for the individual requiring access to residential care. How will you address these? The HSCP has no mechanisms available to reduce or mitigate the issues highlighted above. You must now determine whether in your opinion your policy, strategy or service is likely to have an effect on an island community which is significantly different from its effect on other YES.
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14 communities (including other island communities). STEP FIVE – PREPARING YOUR ICIA Assess the extent to which you consider that the policy, strategy or service can be developed or delivered in such a manner as to improve or mitigate, for island communities, the outcomes resulting from it. In the event that a relative requires to move off island for residential care, it is recognised that this may cause anxiety and distress for the resident and family member; and although the island social work teams will work with families to reduce their isolation e.g. referrals for support from carers groups, all of this distress cannot be mitigated against. There will also be longer travel times and additional travel expenses. Currently the foot passenger day return cost is £ 10.20 per adults and £5.10 per child; subject to concessions. There may also be bus/train fares from ferry to home and ferry to care home. It also costs £51.20 to take a car on a return trip. There may also be car fuel costs from ferry to home and ferry to care home. The HSCP has no mechanisms available to reduce or mitigate these costs , noting the responsibility only extends to providing care and support for the individual requiring access to residential care. Consider alternative delivery mechanisms and whether further consultation is required. There are no other delivery models available due to the lack of staffing capacity. Describe how these alternative delivery mechanisms will improve or mitigate outcomes for island communities. Any further required mitigations will continue to be assessed on an ongoing basis. Identify resources required to improve or mitigate outcomes for island communities. In order to sustain current levels of bed capacity on Arran this would require an additional £0.50million per annum, to cover agency staff costs. However this will not ensure continuity of care as staff from agencies are often not regular.
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15 STEP SIX – MAKING ADJUSTMENTS TO YOUR WORK Should delivery mechanisms/mitigations vary in different communities? Montrose House on Arran is the only Health and Social Care Partnership managed care home and as a result this policy does not apply to the mainland, where care homes are delivered by the private independent sector. Do you need to consult with island communities in respect of mechanisms or mitigations? Island communities have provided detailed feedback on the proposals. A full analysis of the questions asked is available on the IJB page of the North Ayrshire Council website. In the event of any unintended consequences of this policy being identified in the course of ongoing monitoring, consideration will be given to appropriate steps which may be required to mitigate these across different communities as required, including whether further consultation is required. Have island circumstances been factored into the evaluation process? The particular circumstances on Arran have factored into the evaluation process as set out above. Have any island-specific indicators/targets been identified that require monitoring? A target of 10 permanent beds and 1 respite bed has been identified. A suite of performance measures will be developed for the hybrid day service model as it is developed. How will outcomes be measured on the islands? Monitoring the number of residents taking up day services and the number of residents waiting for a bed at Montrose House and those being placed off island, will provide a sufficient level of information to assess the ongoing impact of the policy and any associated outcomes. A suite of performance measures will be developed for the hybrid day service model as it is developed. How has the policy, strategy or service affected island communities? This would be monitored on an ongoing basis. How will lessons learned in this ICIA inform future policy making and service delivery? This would be assessed on an ongoing basis as the policy was implemented.
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16 STEP SEVEN – PUBLISHING YOUR ICIA Have you presented your ICIA in an Easy Read format? No. Does it need to be presented in Gaelic or any other language? This is not considered proportionate for the Island or wider North Ayrshire community Where will you publish your ICIA and will relevant stakeholders be able to easily access it? The completed ICIA will be included in a report to North Ayrshire integration Board scheduled for 21 August 2025, therefore, the information will be publicly available. Who will sign-off your final ICIA and why? ICIA approved by: ……………KerryKerry Logan……………………………………………………………… Position: ……………Head of Health & Community Care……………………………………………………………… Signature: …………………………………………………………………………… Date completed: ………………12082025…………………………………………………………… ICIA approved by: …………………………………………………………………………… Position: …………………………………………………………………………… Signature: …………………………………………………………………………… Date completed: ……………………………………………………………………………
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Application for Review of Decision Relating to Island Community Impact Assessment Regulation 5 of The Island Communities Impact Assessments (Publication and Review of Decisions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 Notes: 1. This form is to be used by an applicant applying for a review of a decision relating to an island community impact assessment (“ICIA”) under regulation 5 of the Island Communities Impact Assessments (Publication and Review of Decisions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020. 2. You may download this form and complete it manually or electronically. 3. If you complete the form manually, please do so using black or blue ink and capital letters. 4. Whether you complete the form manually or electronically, you may continue any answer on a separate sheet of paper. If you do this, please— • indicate on the form where any answer is given or continued on a separate sheet, • indicate on each separate sheet the question number(s) to which it relates. 5. This form must be submitted directly to the relevant authority identified in Section 3. For details of where to send this form and attached documents, please visit www.gov.scot and search for “empowering our island communities”. 6. Failure to supply all relevant information could invalidate your application. Section 1 - Who Is Applying 1.1 Please put an “X” in the relevant box:— Applicant is an individual ☒ Applicant is a community controlled body ☐ Applicant is a relevant local authority☐ 1.2 Please state who is applying for the review: Section 2 – Details Of Who Is Applying 2.1 Please supply the contact details of the applicant: Postal Address: Postcode: E-mail: 2.2 Please confirm if you agree to all correspondence regarding your application being sent by e-mail (put an X in the box)? Yes☒ No☐ Information Redacted under Regulation 9(2) Info redacted under Reg 9(2)
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Section 3 – Details of Relevant Authority 3.1 Please provide the name of the relevant authority who made the decision which you are applying to have reviewed: North Ayrshire Council / North Ayrshire IJB Section 4 – Grounds for Review 4.1 Please mark an “X” in the relevant box to confirm which ground applies to this application (tick one box only, unless both grounds (ii) and (iii) apply): i. the applicant disagrees with the published explanation of the relevant authority for not preparing an island communities impact assessment, ☐ ii. the applicant considers that the relevant authority, in making its decision, has failed to describe the likely significantly different effect of the policy, strategy or service (as the case may be), ☐ iii. the applicant considers that the relevant authority, in making its decision, has failed to assess the extent to which the relevant authority considers that the policy, strategy or service (as the case may be) can be developed or delivered in such a manner as to improve or mitigate, for island communities, the outcomes resulting from it, or ☒ iv. the relevant authority has reviewed a policy, strategy or service and has decided not to prepare an island communities impact assessment for that policy, strategy or service and has not published an explanation for not preparing an island communities impact assessment and the applicant considers that policy, strategy or service has an effect on an island community which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities) in the area in which the relevant authority exercises its functions. ☐ Section 5 – Details of Decision to which the Application Relates 5.1 Please supply the following details about the decision: Has an ICIA been prepared? (put an X in the box)? Yes☒ No☐ If Yes, date of publication of ICIA: 21 September 2025 If No, has the relevant authority published reasons for not preparing an ICIA? (put an X in the box) Yes☐ No☐ If Yes, date of publication of reasons: If No, please provide details of the policy, strategy or service to which this application relates:
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Section 6 - Statement of Reasons 6.1 You MUST state, in full, why you are applying for a review of the relevant authority’s decision. Your statement must set out all matters you consider require to be taken into account in determining the review. Note: you might not have a further opportunity to add to your statement of reasons at a later date, so it is essential that you produce all of the information you want the decision-maker to take into account. You will though be entitled to comment on (i) any additional matter which may be raised by the relevant authority in its response to your application, or (ii) any representations the relevant authority might receive from any other person or body. State the reasons for your application and all matters you wish to raise here. (If necessary, this can be continued or provided in full on a separate document.) The decision did not take into account the requirements of Arran residents, there was no discussion with residents merely a presentation, which was/is inadequate. No time was allowed for any alternative proposals to be presented or discussed. This is contrary to the Islands plan laid down by Scottish Government. Provision for elderly residents has already been cut by private care homes closing in the last 2/3 years, the local authority built a new care home on Arran which they guaranteed would have full use of the 30 beds provided, they have reneged on this guarantee and this needs fully investigated. Elderly relatives/friends of those in care also need to be treated with dignity and respect, having to travel to care homes on the mainland given our poor ferry service causes distress and worry for these relatives, and younger relatives who want to stay in touch with those in care are normally working and unable to regularly visit. Nobody who has spent all/most of their lives living on Arran wishes to be banished – and that is exactly how it feels – to a care home on the mainland, in a place to which they have no connection whatsoever, and where they can rarely see family r friends. The elderly on islands deserve the same amount of consideration and care as those on the mainland, not to be treated as if they, and their family’s wishes are dismissed as being irrelevant. Visiting a care home on the mainland is not the same for islanders as it is for mainland dwellers. For us, it involves a long day of travel and can take more than 2-3 hours from leaving home to even reach the mainland, and the same time of return journey, but also having to work with ferry times and cancellations into the bargain. If NAC didn’t intend to fully open the new Montrose House and make all beds available to islanders, what on earth did they spend the money building it for? There must be ways and means to provide the staffing levels required by training local people, and having sensible shift times to fit in with family life, this is not rocket science and if there was the will to do it, it could – and should - happen.
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We need a proper review of the decision made on our behalf, which has not been to islanders benefit at all. Section 7 - Statement Demonstrating Direct Effect 7.1 You MUST state, in full, how you have been, or are likely to be, directly affected by the policy, strategy or service to which the decision relates. I have lived on Arran for 52 years, I hope I never need to go into care, but if I do, then the last place I want to have to go to receive that care, is some mainland care home. Section 8 - List of Documents / Evidence 8.1 Please provide a list of all documents, materials and evidence which you have provided with your application and intend to rely on in support of your application and ensure that the documents are clearly numbered (if necessary, this can be continued or provided in full on a separate document). n/a The relevant authority will publish all documents relating to the review on its website. If you take part in the review process or use the website of the relevant authority, the relevant authority may collect certain information about you. If the relevant authority is the Scottish Ministers, to find out more about what information is collected and how the information is used and managed, please read the Scottish Government island community impact assessments review of decisions procedure privacy notice on the Scottish Government Website www.gov.scot. For any other relevant authority, please see the website of that relevant authority for details of their privacy notice. Declaration I apply to the Relevant Authority as set out on this form and supporting documents. Signed Date 08/11/2025 This form and all supporting documents should be sent to the relevant authority identified in Section 3. Details of the contact addresses for each relevant authority can be found on the Scottish Government Website www.gov.scot. Info redacted under Regulation 9(2)
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Appendix 3 Concerns raised in written representations about the impact of the policy on the island community and the method of consultation • Impact on Residents and Families (if care home placement is on the mainland); (100%) • Inadequate Consultation & Engagement (90+%) • Non-compliance with the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 (80%) • Workforce and Recruitment Model (75%) • Loss of Day Services & Impact on Carers (60%) • Long term risk to community sustainability (50%), and • Lack of Transparency, Data Quality and Decision Making (40-50%)