North Ayrshire Council

You are here: Home > Committee Minutes > The Executive of North Ayrshire Council

1. Declarations of Interest

In terms of Standing Order 16, Councillor Bell, through his involvement with the Sport Club Development scheme, declared an interest in item 5 on the agenda.

2. Minutes

The Minutes of (i) the previous meeting of the Executive held on 12 October 2010 and (ii) the Special meeting of the Executive held on 27 October 2010 were signed in accordance with paragraph 7(1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

3. Tenant Participation Strategy 2011-2014

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Social Services and Health) on the draft Tenant Participation Strategy 2011-2014.


The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 introduced a duty on Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords to produce a Tenant Participation Strategy. The current 2007-2010 strategy was approved by the Executive in January 2008 and was developed in partnership with tenants and residents. The strategy aims to highlight the links between tenant participation and other Council strategies and links to the Community Planning Partnership Single Outcome Agreement aims of increasing the levels of voluntary action and community involvement and increasing partnership working between the public, community and voluntary sector.

Over the last several years the Council has made great steps in involving and consulting with tenants in a range of different ways and on a range of topics. This success at involving tenants in the way that services are shaped was recognised when the Council became the first landlord in Scotland to attain Tenant Participation Advisory Service accreditation. The Council also featured in the Scottish Government’s Community Empowerment Action Plan and was commended on its approach to community empowerment. Housing Services also received an excellent report from the Scottish Social Housing Regulator who commented that “the service had an excellent approach to working with and gathering the views of its customers”. A number of activities have taken place from the Action Plan to promote and increase tenant participation and empower tenants. Some examples were detailed in the report.

The proposed new strategy for 2011-2014, which was appended to the report, builds on previous tenant involvement strategies. A review has been carried out to make sure the strategy for tenant participation is up to date and working effectively. Focus groups of staff, tenants and tenant representatives were held to establish how well the Council is involving and consulting with tenants. It was recognised by all those involved in implementing tenant participation that it is a growing and evolving process, subject to continuous review and efforts being made to consult and involve our tenants in housing and related services’ development and delivery.

The reviewed strategy 2011-2014 is based on the feedback and comments that were received during these focus groups. It meets the requirements of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 and reflects recognised methods of good practice for involving tenants. The strategy also acknowledges the proposals for a new Scottish Housing Charter (SSHC) as part of the new Housing (Scotland) Bill. It is widely anticipated that the SSHC will lead to the introduction of new national standards that will be used to measure landlord performance. The Scottish Government also want to see the SSHC include a requirement for landlords to agree localised standards with their tenants. The charter will establish the basis for the Scottish Housing Regulator's assessment of performance. Landlords will have to self-assess, which for strength requires tenant involvement.


By listening to tenants, a number of actions have been identified that aim to increase tenant involvement i.e.

• The Council will provide a range of opportunities for people to be involved, work to identify and break down barriers to involvement and increase support to traditionally excluded groups.
• The Council will promote the benefits of involvement through showing what difference the involvement of tenants has made and making it clear how tenants' views shape the service.
• To empower tenants through involvement in scrutinising and monitoring our performance and service standards.
• To develop a service that recognises and responds to tenants priorities.

The Executive agreed to approve the Tenant Participation Strategy 2011-2014.

4. Fullarton Community Association

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Education and Skills) on land requested by the Fullarton Community Association, and seeking agreement to negotiate the transfer of the land to the Association.

At its meeting on 10 August 2010, the Executive considered a proposal to transfer or sell the ground currently leased by the Fullarton Community Association to that group. The request from the Association to purchase the land is aimed at enabling it to provide a more suitable community facility for the longer term. The Executive did not take a decision on the future of the ground but requested further information in relation to the ownership and value of the land.

The land currently leased to the Association is held in the Housing Account and extends to 1,230m². The Association leases the land at an annual rent of £400 per annum. The current lease runs to November 2011. There are no known title restrictions or issues which might preclude the sale or disposal of this land.

The Council's Estates Section has indicated that the value of the land depends on the site being clear and its potential use. In this case the underlying use would be housing. There is currently no planning guidance on the use of the site or how many houses may be permitted. An estimate would be for 1 single house or 2 semi-detached houses. This would suggest a current value of around £25,000. This assumes that there are no abnormal development costs or unknown title restrictions. If the land is transferred at less than full market value, the Council is obliged to carry out an assessment of the justification for such a transfer in terms of the Disposal of Land by Local Authorities (Scotland) Regulations 2010.


Members asked questions and received clarification in respect of what would happen to the asset in the event that the Association ceased to exist in the future, and on the position of the Big Lottery Fund with respect to its ownership criteria for the purposes of applications for funding.

The Executive agreed to (a) note the information in relation to the land requested by the Fullarton Association; and (b) instruct the Council's Estates Section to enter into negotiations on the transfer of the land to the Association.

5. Sports Club Development

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Education and Skills) on the outcomes of the Sports Club Development demonstration project, and seeking agreement for the continuation of this support to local sports clubs.

The North Ayrshire Physical Activity, Sport and Health Strategy, which was in place between 2003 and 2008, indicated that support would be given to developing local sports clubs. In 2007, the Council appointed a Club Development Officer with funding from sportscotland, to implement a demonstration project aimed at supporting and assisting local sports clubs to improve their capacity and sustainability. In line with the requirements of sportscotland, 6 clubs were identified to receive this support through the pilot project i.e. .Garnock Rugby Club, Ardrossan Community Sports Club, Irvine Community Sports Club, Kilwinning Community Sports Club, Auchenharvie Community Club, and Kilbirnie Community Football Club.

Over the last 3 years sportscotland has contributed £196,000 to the club development project. The Council's contribution over the same period was £50,000. The project is now nearing completion, with the end date for the funding being March 2011. The Monitoring and Evaluation Report appended to the report provided a detailed account of the demonstration project and the outcomes that have been achieved.

The traditional approach to assisting local sports clubs across Scotland has been to provide access to facilities on favourable conditions or to support the training of coaches and qualified volunteers. This project set out to support clubs as community organisations and to assist them in developing their own capacity to grow as clubs thus improving local sustainability. This approach assisted clubs to organise their management structures, constitutions and legal status. The effect was to enable clubs to gain additional funding through being able to apply for funding and be eligible for rates relief. In the last 3 years the clubs have accessed an additional £1.2m of funding.

In working with the clubs, the Club Development Officer was also able to support them in growing both their membership and coaching/volunteering base. Over the 3 year period membership rose by over 1,400 people equivalent to a 46% increase, and volunteering increased by 110 people, around a 26% increase. The activities and developments related to each club were highlighted in the appended report.


In light of the success of the demonstration project it was proposed that the approach be continued and widened to clubs across North Ayrshire. This would be in line with the strategic aims and specific targets of the new Physical Activity Strategy, "North Ayrshire Fit for the Future 2010-2015", which seeks to develop local community sports clubs.

The development of sports clubs, especially those of a community based nature, fits well with the national government and sportscotland targets to support the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. One key aspect of the legacy proposals for the games is the creation of a number of community sports hubs. Sportscotland has already indicated that funding will be available to local authorities to support the creation of such clubs. The allocation to North Ayrshire Council will be £46,350. It was proposed that discussions take place with sportscotland to negotiate the continuation of the club development approach as a response to the Commonwealth Games legacy.

The Executive agreed to (a) authorise the Corporate Director (Education and Skills) to make an approach to sportscotland to seek agreement on the continuation of the sports club development project; and (b) receive a further report on the outcome of the discussions.

6. Write-Off of Former Tenant Arrears

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Finance and Infrastructure) on former tenant rent arrears and court costs, and seeking approval to write-off irrecoverable amounts.

Rent arrears and associated court costs for former tenants of Council houses can be written off when deemed to be irrecoverable. In terms of the Council's Financial Regulations Code of Practice relating to the control of income, individual arrears of less than £1,000 can be written off by the Corporate Director (Finance and Infrastructure) in association with the Chief Executive. Arrears of £1,000 and over can only be written off following approval by the Executive.

The total value of ex-tenant rent arrears, including any related court costs, deemed to be irrecoverable amounted to £198,481.06 (the comparative figure for the same period for 2009/10 was £171,905.78). Of this sum, £177,886.71 related to rent arrears, with the balance of £20,594.35 being associated court costs. The proposed rent write-off represents 15.85% of the current total of rent arrears outstanding, and 0.46% of the Council's budgeted house rent income for 2010/11.

In accordance with the Code of Practice, £111,883.02 has been written by the Corporate Director (Finance & Infrastructure) after consultation with the Chief Executive. A balance of £86,598.04 related to accounts with balances of £1,000 or more remained to be written off.


The Executive agreed to (a) approve the write offs totalling £86,598.04, as detailed in section 2 of the report; and (b) note that every effort will be made to pursue recovery whenever possible.

7. Group Life Assurance Scheme

Submitted report by the Head of Human Resources on the proposed discontinuation of the Group Life Assurance Scheme.

North Ayrshire Council currently operates a Group Life Assurance Scheme providing a benefit in the event of an employee's death whilst in the service of the Council. The benefit, which is equivalent to one year's contractual earnings, is paid to the dependants or other individuals as pre-nominated by the employee. Eligible employee groups include Local Government Employees, Craft Operatives, Chief Officials and Elected Members. Teaching Staff are not included.

The cover provided by this Scheme complements a lump sum death grant (equivalent to three times annual contractual earnings) which is part of a package of benefits available to employees who are members of Strathclyde Pension Fund. The Scheme does not form part of the Council's Terms and Conditions of Service and has historically been provided at the discretion of the Council.

In recognition of the challenges facing the Council, the Change Workstream, "Our Future Workforce", which has been tasked with identifying staff efficiencies, has proposed that with effect from 31 March 2011, the Group Life Assurance Scheme be withdrawn.

Members asked questions and sought clarification in relation to (i) the impact of the proposals on those employees not in the Strathclyde Pension Scheme; (ii) the Government's announcement regarding compulsory pension provision; and (iii) scope for reducing the premium paid for the cover.

The Executive agreed to the continue the report to a future meeting to allow further information on these issues to be brought forward.

8. Environment & Related Services Operational Buildings - Garnock Valley

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Finance and Infrastructure) on proposals to rationalise the number of operating premises utilised by Environment & Related Services with the Garnock Valley area.


At its meeting on 21 September 2010, the Executive agreed a strategy for "Our Future Working Environment", one of five Council-wide workstreams in the Council's Change Programme. In line with the principles of this strategy, Environment & Related Services has commenced a review of the properties it utilises to deliver services. The initial investigations have identified two properties within the Garnock Valley that are not fully utilised i.e the public office at Sharon Street, Dalry, and the sub-depot at Paddockholm, Kilbirnie.

The office at Dalry is staffed by a Clerical Assistant and is utilised as a base by the Foreman who supervises Waste Collection and Street Cleansing operations within the area. The continued development of the Council's contact centre and website to enable residents to access Council services without the need to visit the office has resulted in a significant fall in the number of face to face enquiries. Furthermore the building requires infrastructure improvements to support the efficient operation of the ICT based Customer Relationship Management System and to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. It was therefore proposed that the office be closed and that those public services that cannot be completed over the telephone or through the website or where residents prefer face to face contact will be directed to Housing Services in Dalry. Dog waste bags will also be available at the Library at The Cross, Dalry.

The Paddockholm sub-depot also requires improvements to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. It was proposed that this depot also be closed and that service operations from this depot be re-located to other depots. Waste Collection operations will be re-located to the principal depot of Environment & Related Services at Montgomerie House, Kilwinning, and Street Cleansing functions will be re-located to the former Ground Maintenance sub-depot at Ladysmith Road, Kilbirnie as part of the integrated Streetscene Service.

The Executive agreed (a) to approve the closure of the Public Office at Sharon Street, Dalry and the Cleansing sub-depot at Paddockholm, Kilbirnie; (b) that face to face public enquiries be directed to the Housing Office at Townend Street, Dalry; and (c) that the Council seeks to dispose of these properties as part of the Our Future Working Environment strategic review.

9. West Kilbride: 13A, 13B, 15A & 15B Ritchie Street

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Finance and Infrastructure) on the condition of the properties at 13A, 13B, 15A and 15B Ritchie Street, West Kilbride.

Closing Orders have previously been served on the properties at 13A, 13B, 15A & 15B Ritchie Street, West Kilbride, as the properties were deemed to be below Tolerable Standard. Following repair and improvements by the owners, the properties now meet the Tolerable Standard.


The Executive agreed to authorise the revocation of Closing Orders on the properties.

10. Property at 15 Lade Street, Largs

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Finance and Infrastructure) seeking homologation of the Chief Executive's instruction to purchase the property at 15 Lade Street, Largs.

Currently the Council is unable to take forward developments in Largs due to a lack of available land/property. Members have expressed an interest in developments such as a Community Centre; Dementia Day-care Services; and Affordable Housing.

The property at 15 Lade Street, Largs (Stevenson Institute) was recently made available for sale on the open market. The site area with building thereon extends to approximately 0.16 hectares (0.4 acres). The Chief Executive in exercise of delegated powers in terms of the Scheme of Delegation authorised the submission of an offer to purchase the property for future Council development. An offer to purchase at a price of £160,000 was lodged with the agents acting for the Trustees of the Stevenson Institute and this offer has now been accepted.

The Executive agreed to homologate the actions taken by the Chief Executive to purchase the Stevenson Institute property at 15 Lade Street, Largs on the terms and conditions contained in the report.

11. Financial Assistance to Outside Bodies 2010/11

Submitted report by the Chief Executive on applications for financial assistance received from Outside Bodies.

The Executive agreed to make the following awards:-

Organisation Award
Ayrshire Minority Ethnic Communities Association (AMECA) £1,500
Ayrshire Sikh Association £ 998

12. Chief Executive's Service: Performance Report to 30 September 2010

Submitted report by the Chief Executive on the performance of the Chief Executive's Service to 30 September 2010.

Overall the Service is operating satisfactorily. Members asked questions and received clarification in respect of the content of the report. The need for future reports to highlight progress against ongoing strategies and plans was discussed.


The Executive agreed to (a) note the report; and (b) refer it to the Scrutiny Committee for further consideration.

13. Building Services: Performance Report to 30 September 2010

Submitted report by the Chief Executive on the performance of Building Services to 30 September 2010.

Building Services have used the Covalent computerised performance management system to inform the performance report, both as a means of testing its functionality and as a 'pilot' for gauging Elected Members' views on the level of detail provided and on the appropriateness of the format.

Overall the Service is on target to deliver the objectives and priorities contained in its Service Plan 2010/11. Members asked questions and received clarification in respect of the content of the report, particularly around performance against targets for aids and adaptations and improvements in sickness absence rates. In respect of the Covalent reporting format, Members requested more clarity on the meaning of the 'trend arrows' contained in the report.

The Executive agreed to (a) note the report; and (b) refer it to the Scrutiny Committee for further consideration.

14. Finance and Infrastructure: Performance Report to 30 September 2010

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Finance and Infrastructure) on the performance of Finance and Infrastructure to 30 September 2010.

The Service is making good progress against its priorities for 2010/11 and further work will be undertaken until they are achieved. Members asked questions and received clarification in respect of the content of the report, particularly around progress in implementing the requirements of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009.

The Executive agreed to (a) note the report; and (b) refer it to the Scrutiny Committee for further consideration.

15. Education and Skills: Performance Report to 30 September 2010

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Education and Skills) on the performance of the Education and Skills Directorate to 30 September 2010.

Overall the Service is operating effectively. Members asked questions and received clarification in respect of the content of the report, particularly around attainment.





The Executive agreed to (a) note the report and the action being taken to address the performance issues raised; and (b) refer it to the Scrutiny Committee for further consideration.

16. Social Services and Health: Performance Report to 30 September 2010

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Social Services and Health) on the performance of Social Services and Health to 30 September 2010.

Overall the Service is operating effectively.

The Executive agreed to (a) note the report; and (b) refer it to the Scrutiny Committee for further consideration.

17. Corporate Services Performance Report to 30 September 2010

Submitted report by the Solicitor to the Council on the performance of Corporate Services to 30 September 2010.

Overall the Service is operating effectively.

The Executive agreed to (a) note the position to 30 September 2010 and the management action to address the performance issues raised; and (b) refer the report to the Scrutiny Committee for further consideration.

18. Report to Members and the Controller of Audit on the 2009/10 Audit

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Finance and Infrastructure) on the report by the external auditors on the outcome of the 2009/10 Audit of the Council.

The 2009/10 Audit was conducted by Audit Scotland. The external auditor Report to Members was appended to the report and representatives from Audit Scotland were in attendance at the meeting to present the Report to the Executive. The audit considered the Council's financial statements, use of resources, and governance and accountability arrangements.


The auditors gave an unqualified opinion that the Council's financial statements for 2009/10 give a true and fair view of the financial position and expenditure and income of the Council and its group for the year.

The auditors also certified that the accounts have been prepared in accordance with relevant legislation, applicable accounting standards and other reporting requirements. The Council’s net operating expenditure of £356.4 million exceeded its total income from government grants and local taxation of £326.9 million, resulting in a deficit of £29.6 million as at 31 March 2010. However, after the necessary accounting adjustments were made, the balance on the general fund to be carried forward at 31 March 2010 is a surplus of £18.9 million.

The Report highlighted areas of governance and accountability where improvements could be made. Specific issues with regard to (i) a breakdown in governance and internal control procedures within Social Services and Health which resulted in £0.5 million of expenditure being charged to the wrong year (this was identified by Internal Audit and corrected by the Council in-year); and (ii) the accuracy and timing of information provided to Members regarding the procurement of a roads vehicle tracking system, were highlighted. The Report further highlighted a need for the Council to consider the wider risks relating to partnership working, and need to ensure that Members are presented with all relevant information in order to enable them to make informed decisions. An Action Plan has been put in place to address key risk areas.

Members asked questions and received clarification on the findings of the Report and in relation to the specific issues around governance and accountability highlighted.

The Executive agreed to (a) note the report; and (b) refer it to the Scrutiny Committee for further consideration.

19. European Community (EC) Bathing Water Directive 76/160/EC & European Community Bathing Water Directive 206/7/EC Bathing Water (Scotland) Regulations 2008

Submitted report by the Solicitor to the Council on the quality of bathing water at European Community (EC) identified and non identified bathing waters within North Ayrshire during summer 2010.

The Council is required to take all necessary steps to comply with the water quality standards laid down in EC Bathing Water Directives. There are five EC identified beaches within North Ayrshire. Monitoring and sampling during the bathing season, which runs from May to September, is undertaken at these beaches by SEPA.


The Water Quality Standards comprise microbiological, chemical and physical parameters which must be met at each of the beaches. Compliance with the Directives is based on the microbiological standard whereby of 20 samples taken at each beach during the summer season, 19 must pass the standard in order for the beach to comply.

Appendix 1 to the report detailed the results of the sampling undertaken during summer 2010. Four of the identified beaches passed the standard i.e. Millport, Largs Pencil Beach, Seamill Beach, and Saltcoats/Ardrossan South Beach. During the season Irvine Beach had three samples which failed the mandatory quality standard, with one of the failures being removed as an abnormal weather waiver was granted. However the two failures during August meant that overall the beach failed the EC standard. Both non identified beaches in North Ayrshire (beaches which are sampled but are not officially subject to the EC Directive) i.e Stevenston and Largs Main Beaches, passed the EC standards.

The 2010 season was a difficult season for the Ayrshire beaches with both Ayr beaches and Irvine beach failing the standard. The Ayrshire beaches are vulnerable to wet weather episodes. Generally, the beaches were in compliance in the early part of the summer which was relatively dry and sunny but during August when cooler wet weather predominated the three Ayrshire beaches failed to meet the standards on a number of occasions. Members noted that the standards applied to water quality and not to the cleanliness of the beaches themselves.

Noted.

20. Impact of Changes to the Independent Living Fund Eligibility Criteria

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Social Services and Health) on changes to the Independent Living Fund (ILF) and on the implications for the Council.

The ILF is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department of Work and Pensions set up in 1988 to provide dedicated financial support to people with disabilities aged between 16 and 65 years. The ILF provides payments to cover the purchase of personal care and assists people with disabilities to live in the community rather than in residential care.

In March 2010, the ILF advised of changes to its eligibility criteria whereby (i) the local authority threshold contribution increased from £320 to £340 per week; and (ii) only people in paid employment of at least 16 hours per week eligible to apply. Furthermore, in June 2010, the ILF advised that it was ceasing to accept any further applications for funding. It is not clear when or if new applications will be accepted in future.


Currently 90 people in North Ayrshire receive an award from the ILF. The ILF contributes £1.65m a year to their care, equivalent to an average of £18,333 per person in addition to the Council contribution. Of ILF expenditure in North Ayrshire, 59% goes to people with learning disabilities and a further 36% to people with physical disabilities, with acquired brain injuries or who have sensory impairments.

The introduction by the ILF of the requirement that recipients are in employment of 16 hours or more per week effectively closed the fund to new applications. The ILF decision in June to suspend new applications made absolute the earlier effective suspension of new funding awards.

Since the Council was notified in March of changes to the ILF, 11 people have made applications that would previously have been expected to be successful. These applications, which have all been refused, were seeking funds of £242,000. The Council requires to meet the costs of care.

In the short term there is no legal alternative to meeting the £242,000 costs of the 11 care plans. These care plans were previously agreed by the Council in anticipation that part of the costs would be met by the ILF. These costs will be met in the current financial year by delaying implementation of other care packages across the Adult Service. On a medium term basis, the 11 care plans will be reviewed and will be reconsidered within the context of peoples' changing needs and the available resources. This will result in some savings on the original care plan costs.

Annually new cases come forward for care packages that would previously have attracted ILF funds. These will be considered against the Council's eligibility criteria and the care plans agreed will take account of people's needs and available resources. Ultimately this will result in a shortfall which will accumulate year by year. A revenue budget pressure bid of £176,000 has been submitted to address this shortfall over the three years commencing 2011/12.

Noted.

21. Reporting of Carbon Dioxide Emissions Reduction

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Finance and Infrastructure) on a six-monthly report on the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and on proposed actions to improve the Council’s rating with regard to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

The Council's cross-service Carbon Management Team steers the Council’s commitment to the reduction of it’s carbon footprint by initiating various projects. The Carbon Trust has set the Carbon Standard as a uniform way for organisations to present their information on carbon dioxide emissions. Part of that is the Carbon Management Assessment Tool.


The report summarised the Council's performance in reducing emissions since 2005/06. Since the 2005/06 base line year, fuel savings resulting from meeting carbon dioxide emissions targets are of the value of £1.45m. The Council has exceeded its target for 2009/10 by 6.7%.

In conjunction with the Carbon Trust, the Carbon Management Team has used the Carbon Management Assessment Tool to set a score on how well the Council is performing. The Tool consists of six matrices, each comprising five factors, which are scored from 0 to 4. The Council’s current score has been rated at 40.8%. The scored Assessment Tool was appended to the report. Using the Assessment Tool, it is evident that the Council may attain a higher score simply by reporting data at certain levels within the Council, varying the frequency of reporting and by naming a “Champion” at certain establishments.

Appendix 2 set out actions that will be taken to increase the Council’s score without any impact on service delivery, staff workloads or existing budgets. The Carbon Trust has examined the proposals and has intimated that, should these be approved and implemented, the Council will be the best performing public body in Scotland when using the Carbon Management Assessment Tool as a measure. In future, the reporting of carbon dioxide emission reductions will be done to coincide with the report on the Council’s performance regarding the Scottish Climate Change Agenda.

The Executive agreed to note (a) the figures and actions to be taken to achieve a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions; and (b) the actions proposed at appendix 2 of the report.

22. Treatment of Organic Waste

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Finance and Infrastructure) on a proposal to invite expressions of interest for a contract for the treatment of organic waste.

At its meeting of 30 March 2010, the Executive agreed to form a Member/Officer Working Group to devise a new waste strategy and implementation plan to enable the Council to meet the requirements of the national waste agenda. The Group has, to date, met on four occasions and has visited Perth & Kinross Council to review its waste management methodologies. Amongst a range of issues being considered by the Group is the collection and treatment of food waste which accounts for the largest proportion of waste for which recycling services are not currently provided, and is also one of the key actions of Scotland's Zero Waste Plan.

The Zero Waste Plan issued by Scottish Government in June 2010 sets down a series of actions that the working group is currently considering in the development of a strategy for the Council. One of the actions within the Plan is the intention of Scottish Government to introduce legislation to require the separate collection of food waste by 2013 and to ban the disposal of food waste through landfill by 2015.


A compositional analysis has established that food waste constitutes the largest remaining element of waste within the Council's residual grey bins that can be readily recycled through the introduction of new services. The successful recycling of food waste is central to achieving the target set by Scottish Government to recycle 50% of waste from households by 2013.

In order to enable the working group to complete its considerations in respect of food waste collections, and for the Council to be sufficiently prepared to meet the intentions of the Zero Waste Plan, it is necessary to formally establish what facilities the market is able to supply. The report proposed therefore that the Council, in association with South Ayrshire Council, should seek expressions of interest in the treatment of organic food waste.

The Executive agreed to authorise the Corporate Director (Finance and Infrastructure) to publish an OJEU Prior Information Notice, followed by an OJEU Contract Notice, inviting expressions of interest for the treatment of organic waste arising from South and North Ayrshire Councils.

23. Waste Management System

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Finance and Infrastructure) on a proposed procurement exercise for an ICT based Waste Management System.

The Council's Waste Management Service has implemented a wide range of service changes primarily in response to the national waste agenda. The predominantly paper based management systems utilised to operate the Service are now struggling to support the delivery of a customer responsive, cost efficient and effective Service.

There are a number of proprietary ICT based waste management systems within the market place that can be utilised to improve customer service and optimise collection routes to enable the delivery of cost efficient services. It was proposed that the Council should seek to procure such a system.

The Executive (a) agreed that a tender be let for the procurement of an ICT based waste management system; and (b) noted that a Working Group consisting of officers and workforce representatives will assist in the identification of a suitable system.

24. Council House Building: Kilwinning: Winton Avenue: Appointment of Contractor

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Social Services and Health) on the proposed award of a construction contract for the development of 40 new Council house units on the former St Michael's School site, Winton Avenue, Kilwinning.


During Spring/Summer 2010, Housing Services, in partnership with the Council's Corporate Procurement Team, developed a Contractor Framework Agreement which identified 9 organisations who would be invited to tender for future Council house building construction contracts, with tenders evaluated against quality and cost criteria. The Framework Agreement means that mini-competitions can be undertaken between the 9 framework organisations for any prospective Council house building contracts. The mini-competitions are based solely on the cost of the works as the quality element has already been assessed during the establishment of the Contractor Framework Agreement. This has resulted in a more streamlined and efficient tendering process which is particularly important given the extremely tight timescales imposed by the Scottish Government as a condition of their funding.

On 10 August 2010, the Executive was advised that funding had been awarded to North Ayrshire Council, by the Scottish Government, for the purpose of developing 40 new homes in Kilwinning. It is a condition of Government funding that the development project commences on-site by December 2010. In September 2010, all 9 organisations in the Framework Agreement submitted tenders to the Council for the Winton Avenue project. These tenders have been reviewed and evaluated by the project's Quantity Surveyor and members of the design team. Wates Living Space were identified as the lowest tenderer.

The Executive agreed to approve the award of the construction contract, at a value of £3,614,085, to Wates Living Space, for the construction of 40 new build council house units on the former St Michael's School site, Winton Avenue, Kilwinning, as set out in the report.

The meeting ended at 4.15 p.m.