The Executive of North Ayrshire Council

19 February 2008





IRVINE, 19 February 2008 - At a Meeting of the Executive of North Ayrshire Council at 2.00 p.m.

Present
David O'Neill, John Reid, Tom Barr, John Bell, Margaret McDougall and Peter McNamara.


In Attendance
I. Snodgrass, Chief Executive; B. Docherty, Corporate Director (Social Services); C. Kirk, Corporate Director and R. Neilly Acting Head of Service (Educational Services); T. Orr, Corporate Director, R. Small, Head of Roads and Transportation and J. Currie, Head of Cleansing, Grounds Maintenance and Transport (Property Services); A. Herbert, Assistant Chief Executive (Finance); I.T. Mackay, Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Protective); G. Lawson, Corporate Support Manager, A. Osborne, Policy Officer, M. McKeown, Corporate Support Officer, and A. Wattie, Communications Officer (Chief Executive's).


Chair
Councillor O'Neill in the Chair.




1. Proposed Changes to Weekly Domestic and Recycling Collections

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on proposed changes to the weekly collection of domestic refuse and recyclates to meet the recycling and landfill diversion targets as set by the Scottish Government, including new targets announced in January 2008.

At its meeting held on 23 October 2007, the Executive received a report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) which detailed the recycling and landfill diversion targets set for the Council by the Scottish Government and proposed changes to the weekly collection of domestic refuse and recyclates to assist the Council to meet these targets. Having considered the report, the Executive agreed to (a) establish a cross party Member/Officer Working Group to consider the options available and the practicalities of operating an alternating weekly collection system; and (b) receive a further report on the Working Groups deliberations at a future meeting.


Notes of the meetings of the Member/Officer Working Group held on 15 and 29 November and 20 December 2007 were attached at appendix 3 to the report. Having considered the proposals in detail, the Member/Officer Working Group concluded that the Council had no option but to proceed with the introduction of the alternate weekly collection scheme if it is to meet the Scottish Government's targets and avoid the financial penalties that failing to meet the targets brings. A presentation on the outcome of the Working Group's deliberations was made to elected Members on 22 January 2008.

Appendix 1 to the report set out a timetable for the phased introduction of the scheme, commencing with collections in the Garnock Valley and Kilwinning areas in July 2008 and ending with the introduction of collections in Irvine by August 2009. The timetable makes provision for an initial awareness campaign, roadshows, delivery of the bins, formal launch, and first collection dates. There will be an ongoing awareness campaign with a press release following the introduction of the scheme in each area. All Members of the Council will be kept up to date with how the scheme is progressing and a report will be submitted to the Executive following completion of the final phase of the scheme. A policy document covering the alternate weekly collection scheme was set out in appendix 2 to the report. The Executive discussed various issues surrounding the implementation of the project.

In response to questions, the Head of Cleansing, Grounds Maintenance and Transport explained that Irvine, despite being the larger area, would be phased in last due to the potential difficulties which may be faced in that area being a particular mix of properties not found elsewhere. It was considered that it would be best to introduce the scheme in other areas so as not to delay the scheme and to apply any lessons learned to the later phasing.

The Executive agreed (a) to approve the introduction of alternate weekly collections for domestic refuse and recyclates, as set out in the report, to progress as soon as is practical; (b) that all Members of the Council receive regular updates on how the scheme is progressing; (c) that a further report be submitted to the Executive following completion of the final phase of the scheme; and (d) a presentation be made to Members on the way forward beyond the introduction of the scheme in due course.

2. Corporate Grants Budget 2008/09

Submitted report by the Chief Executive on recommendations for the allocation, administration and monitoring of the corporate grants budget for 2008/09.


A corporate grants budget of £476,696 has been set aside for disbursement in 2008/09. The appendix to the report set out how the budget will be allocated. From 1 April 2008, the Council's five Area Committees will be responsible for allocating the enhanced community grants budget, which includes provision for town twinning activities, as well as the various common good funds and trusts relevant to their respective areas. The community grants budget will be allocated to Area Committees based on local population sizes. Area Committees will determine applications for funding from the community grants budget, and will receive reports on the disbursement of funds to elderly groups and voluntary playschemes within their areas. The latter will be monitored for the next year and plans for future disbursement will be considered in respect of future years.

The monitoring of all expenditure will remain the responsibility of the Corporate Support Section except for those grants which will be reported on separately to the Scrutiny Committee under the Council's Code of Practice for Funding External Organisations. In view of the increased demand on grants budgets in recent years, it was proposed that Area Committee grants budgets be released in two phases (50% in April and 50% in September/October). Members requested a further report on how this will work in practice.

The Executive agreed (a) to approve the allocation of the corporate grants budget for 2008/09 as follows:-

Area Committee Community Grants (allocated as follows)
Irvine Area (£42,964)
Kilwinning Area (£18,951)
Ardrossan & Arran Saltcoats & Stevenston Area (£38,480)
Garnock Valley & West Kilbride Area (£26,907)
North Coast & Cumbraes Area (£17,359)		£144,661
Grants to Elderly Groups£ 71,683
Voluntary Playschemes£ 25,000
Community Council Administration £ 7,175
Volunteer Centre North Ayrshire£ 23,960
North Ayrshire Citizens Advice Service£188,900
International Links Central Fund£ 5,000
North Ayrshire wide; affiliations and contingency£ 10,317
Total£476,696

and (b) that the Corporate Director (Educational Services) report to a future meeting on how Community Learning and Development will manage the phasing of funding.


3. Links with Malawi

Submitted report by the Chief Executive on progress in developing local links with Malawi at an individual and organisation level.

North Ayrshire Council is currently a member of the Scotland Malawi Partnership and has participated at officer level in seminars on promoting and developing local governance arrangements in Malawi. In September 2007, the Executive agreed inter alia to participate in the Commonwealth Local Government Forum's (CLGF) Local Governance Project, subject to further clarification of the role to be played by North Ayrshire and others. The Project has continued to be delayed pending local elections in Malawi. The CLGF are however keen to move the project forward and have proposed that participating councils proceed by linking directly to local equivalent departments in Malawi to build capacity within the current structures. A proposed preliminary schedule for implementing the project was set out in the report.

The Council's participation in the project will require a dedicated ongoing commitment as well as intensive support around the times of proposed officer exchanges. Given existing pressures on officer time the Council will be unable to resource this. Consequently it was proposed that CLGF be advised that the Council is reluctantly withdrawing from the project at this time. The Council will nevertheless continue to support those involved in developing local links with Malawi at an individual and organisation level.

The Executive agreed to (a) reluctantly decline the invitation to participate in the CLGF project at this time; and (b) continue to support those involved in developing local links with Malawi at an individual and organisation level.

4. Review of Letting Charges for Community Facilities

The Executive unanimously resolved in terms of Standing Order 20 to suspend Standing Orders and in terms of Standing Order 21 to reconsider the decision taken on 4 December 2007 to introduce a new letting system and charges from 1 April 2008;

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Educational Services) on the outcome of the consultation on proposals to introduce new letting charges for community facilities, and proposing an approach for supporting community groups seeking Lottery funding.

At its meeting held on 4 December 2007, the Executive agreed (a) in principle to introduce the proposed letting charges from 1 April 2008; (b) that the Corporate Director (Educational Services) consult community associations and other service users on the proposed charges and report back; and (c) to receive a report at a future meeting on ways that the Council can support community associations and other groups to overcome property ownership issues that prevent these bodies from accessing Lottery funding.


Following the December meeting, documents outlining the current letting charges and the proposed charges were sent to community associations and regular users of facilities. The report summarised the views expressed by consultees and highlighted specific concerns relating to (i) the impact of the letting charges proposed, (ii) uncertainties surrounding the proposed grants scheme to help community associations and groups meet these charges, and (iii) the short consultation period. Whilst it is clear from the consultation exercise that there is resistance to the specific proposals agreed by the Executive in December 2007, there is nevertheless a recognition among consultees, including North Ayrshire Federation of Community Associations (NAFCA) and others, that the present system must change. NAFCA has offered to work with the Council to carry out a more detailed review of the letting system and scheme.

The issue of how the Council might support community associations and groups obtain Lottery funding arises from a change to Lottery criteria which requires applicants to own the property which is the subject of a funding proposal. Following the December meeting, discussions took place between officers from Educational Services and the Council's Estates Section on how the Council might help community associations and groups to satisfy the Lottery funding body's requirements. It was proposed that the Executive should consider any approaches from community associations and other groups seeking ownership of community facilities on a case by case basis on their individual merits. To ensure that local communities do not lose the benefits which might accrue from a local building, it was further proposed that "buy back" conditions should be applied to any sale to ensure that the Council has the option of taking property back into public ownership should a management group fail.

The Executive agreed (a) to reaffirm the need to review the existing letting system; (b) to resolve in terms of Standing Order 21 not to proceed with the introduction of a new system of letting charges on the basis agreed at the meeting held on 4 December 2007; (c) that Educational Services should work with NAFCA, individual community associations not covered by NAFCA, and other relevant groups, to review the existing letting system and develop proposals for a replacement system by the end of 2008; (d) to receive a further report on the outcome of these consultations at a future meeting; and (e) to consider on a case by case basis any approaches from community associations and other community groups in respect of the transfer of community facilities for Lottery funding purposes.

5. Play Strategy

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Educational Services) on the development of a Play Strategy for North Ayrshire.


Over the past few years there has been greater recognition of the importance of play opportunities for young people. Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child notes how important it is that "parties recognise the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activity appropriate to the age of the child". Quality play provision is regarded as a fundamental part of the holistic development of the child, and not as an added extra. Easy access to quality, diverse, safe but challenging play provision should be acknowledged as a key policy issue in the development of safe, sustainable communities. Offering a wide range of play opportunities is an important element in the push towards better health and to reducing obesity in children.

In October 2004, North Ayrshire Council Childcare Partnership commissioned Genesis Strategic Management Consultants to work with the Council to produce a Children's Play Strategy for North Ayrshire. A consultative draft Play Strategy and Action Plan was approved by the former Corporate Policy Committee in December 2005. With a Play Strategy in place North Ayrshire Council is better placed to access future sources of funding. Having an integrated approach to service delivery will also put North Ayrshire Council into a strong position in any bidding process. A multi-agency steering group with representation from various Council Services as well as from Health, Police, and North Ayrshire Leisure Ltd., continues to monitor the implementation of the Play Strategy through the delivery of the Action Plan. The Steering Group has now drawn up a Play Policy and associated Visions and Goals Statement which encapsulate the issues which will facilitate the promotion of positive play opportunities across North Ayrshire. Copies were appended to the report.

The Executive agreed (a) to approve the Play Policy and associated Visions and Goals Statement as set out in the report; (b) to note the launch of the Play Strategy and Play Policy planned for 24 April 2008; (c) that a copy of the Play Strategy Action Plan be issued to Members; and (d) that a report on the implementation of the Play Strategy Action Plan be submitted to a future meeting.

6. Supply and Delivery of Library Materials 2008-2010

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Educational Services) on tenders received for the supply and delivery of library materials in the period 2008-2010.

The current contract for the supply and delivery of library materials is due to expire on 31 March 2008. A Contract Notice was placed in both the Official Journal of the European Journal and Supply2.gov.uk on 2 November 2007, with a tender closing date of 19 December 2007. Given the nature of the supply market the Open Procedure was selected. Tender submissions from 3 suppliers were received by the deadline. Following an evaluation process, details of which was appended to the report, the offer submitted by Bertram Library Services Ltd., was considered to be the most economically advantageous.


The Executive agreed to accept the tender submitted by Bertram Library Services Ltd., for the supply and delivery of library materials in the period 2008-2010, as set out in the report.

7. Kilwinning: Eglinton Park: Tournament Bridge Restoration Project

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on tenders received for the proposed restoration of the Tournament Bridge in Eglinton Country Park, Kilwinning.

The restoration of the Tournament Bridge is the final part of a programme to upgrade the structures within Eglinton Country Park. The works form part of a corporate project to use the restoration of a structure of major historical significance as the focus for an educational project for schools whereby children will be able to study natural, social and heritage subjects linking to areas of the 5-4 curriculum. The proposed restoration works involve a faithful and historic renovation of the Tournament Bridge based on surviving documentary evidence. The works will involve replacing the concrete arches on the bridge, refurbished cast iron arch sections and adding new cast iron fascia sections, the addition of new timber decking with anti-slip coating, and the replacement of the timber parapets with cast iron sections to match the original items.

Restoration works were first tendered in August 2005 and it was envisaged at that time that the works would be funded solely by the Council. However during consultations with respect to Listed Building Consent, it became apparent that the restoration works proposed at that time fell short of the standards required to satisfy Historic Scotland. Historic Scotland requires a faithful restoration where all details are replicated as closely as possible in terms of material, design and construction. Accordingly, the tender process was halted to allow further investigation of original construction techniques and to allow the restoration works to be redesigned and re-tendered. Meantime, Historic Scotland indicated that grant funding could be available for the restoration works and a successful application.

In April 2007, six contractors were invited to submit tenders for the proposed restoration works. All six contractors returned their tenders before the deadline of 8 June 2007. Details of the offers received were set out in the report. The lowest tender was still substantially above the funding available from the Council and the grant offer from Historic Scotland. Accordingly an application for grant funding was developed and submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The HLF Committee for Scotland will determine the application on 26 February 2008.


In accordance with the Council‘s Standing Orders and advice from the Council's Procurement Section, all tenderers were contacted again and asked if they would extend the period during which their tenders would remain open until 6 March 2008, and what effect that would have on their tenders. Details were summarised in the report with the lowest extended tender submitted by W.I. & A. Gilbert Ltd., in the sum of £557,061.44.

Overall the project will cost an estimated £720,000. The Council has committed £200,000 to the project in 2007/08, plus £5000 in 'in-kind' assistance. Historic Scotland has offered a grant of £161,000 which must be committed in the current financial year. The application to the HLF covers the balance of £354,000. In the event that the application to the HLF is successful it was proposed that the offer by W.I. & A. Gilbert Ltd., should be accepted and works commenced immediately to secure the Historic Scotland grant. In the event that the application is unsuccessful the project will not proceed due to inadequate funding.

The Executive agreed to accept the tender in the corrected amount of £557,061.44 submitted by W.I. & A. Gilbert Ltd., subject to confirmation of grant from Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

8. Irvine: Shewalton Landfill Site: Construction of Surface and Ground Water Drainage

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on a proposal to award a contract to W.H Malcolm Ltd., for construction of surface and ground water drainage at Shewalton Landfill Site.

The permit granted to North Ayrshire Council for the Shewalton Landfill Area requires that a gravity drainage system for surface and ground water be installed at the permitted installation, discharging to the River Irvine. To ensure compliance with this condition the Council has entered into discussions with the Scottish Wildlife Trust who currently occupy the area of land known as Shewalton Area 1 which is adjacent to a property owned and operated by W.H. Malcolm Ltd. To satisfy the requirements of the permit, and to ensure the creation of a wetland area on the Scottish Wildlife Trust property, it is proposed that a SUDS pond be provided on the Scottish Wildlife Trust property and that the ground water from Shewalton Area 2 be taken under the road to this point. Following discussions with the Scottish Wildlife Trust regarding the proposal, a detailed scheme has been prepared on behalf of the Council by Halcrow Group Ltd. This scheme satisfies the requirements of the Scottish Wildlife Trust and has been approved by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.


W.H. Malcolm Ltd., who own part of the access to the proposed works, have local capability to undertake the necessary drainage works, and are already carrying out works for the Scottish Wildlife Trust at the site. The report summarised the potential benefits to the Council of direct negotiation with W.H. Malcolm Ltd., to undertake the drainage works, and it was proposed that the Council should proceed on that basis. As the negotiated tendering procedure will remove the stimulus of the competitive tender from W.H. Malcolm Ltd., while preparing a price, Halcrow Group Ltd., has been employed to check the costs provided by W.H Malcolm Ltd., to ensure the Council receives the best possible price.

The Executive agreed to award the contract for the construction of surface and ground water drainage to W.H. Malcolm Ltd., subject to Halcrow Group Ltd., being satisfied that the cost is reasonable, as set out in the report.

9. Tenders for Specialist Asbestos Surveys

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) seeking approval to invite tenders for the provision of asbestos surveys in Council housing stock.

The Capital Investment Programme within the Council's Stock Retention 30 year Business Plan makes provision for the replacement of existing kitchens, bathrooms, central heating and electrical installations to achieve compliance with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard. The Health and Safety at Work Act places a duty on employers to assess and manage the risks from asbestos in premises and inform anyone who is likely to disturb it about the location and condition of the material. It is therefore necessary to survey and record the condition and location of asbestos material in Council housing stock before any improvement works can be carried out.

The Council has already surveyed approximately 30% of its housing stock and an asbestos register containing the relevant information for each property surveyed is available for inspection by any contractor. The proposed contract, which will cost an estimated £250,000 inclusive of professional fees, covers housing stock that will be involved in the capital programmes of work in the next few years. The remaining stock will be surveyed in future years subject to funding being available. In terms of the Council's Standing Orders relating to Contracts, Executive approval is required to advertise a contract for the survey works in the European Journal for the Provision of Asbestos Surveys and to invite tenders for approximately 2500 asbestos surveys.

The Executive agreed to authorise the Corporate Director (Property Services) to invite tenders for specialist asbestos surveys, as set out in the report.


10. Extension of Term Maintenance Contracts

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on the proposed extension of The Building Maintenance (Housing) Contract and The Maintenance and Minor Works (Non-Housing) Contract, which have previously been awarded to the Council's Building Services, and which are due to expire.

Building Services has continued to demonstrate its value as a top performer in relation to housing repairs over the contract period to date. In 2006/07, 99% of emergency repairs and 99.8% of repairs by appointment were completed on time. Sustained good performance on void repairs has contributed to the Council having the lowest void rent loss in Scotland. In addition, good progress has been made in relation to the development of the Council's tenant participation strategy in recent years. The number of tenant groups now stands at 19 and during 2006-07, Customer Satisfaction Surveys showed 98% of customers are satisfied with the repairs service received.

Continuous improvement by Building Services has been further demonstrated by their winning the Scottish Award for Business Excellence 2007. Further developments include changes to Building Services procedures with the implementation of electronic mobile operations to streamline the repairs instruction process and improve overall efficiency of the Service. Additionally the creation of the Joint Service Improvement Group in 2007 has allowed Technical Services and Building Services to jointly approach better working practices, address efficiencies and, coupled with the regular performance and progress monitoring meetings, take a stronger partnering approach to the operation of the contracts.

In the circumstances it was proposed that both term contracts should be extended for a further year to April 2009. The extension of the contracts will ensure continuity of current levels of service and will allow recent improvements and existing partnership arrangements to continue for the benefit of service users.

The Executive agreed to approve the extension of The Building Maintenance (Housing) Contract and The Maintenance and Minor Works (Non-Housing) Contracts until April 2009, as set out in the report to enable consideration to be given to how the contracts should be taken forward in future in terms of the Best Value regime.

11. Ardrossan: Stanley Road: Site of Former Stanley Primary School

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on the proposed sale of land at Stanley Road, Ardrossan, to Cunninghame Housing Association for the development of affordable housing.


Demolition of the former Stanley Primary School, at Stanley Road, Ardrossan, is nearing completion with the eventual cleared site extending to approximately 0.81 hectares. Cunninghame Housing Association have been selected to 24 mixed terrace, detached, and cottage flats on the site, all for rent. The Association requires ownership of the land by 31 March 2008. With the site not due to be cleared until after that date, it has been provisionally agreed that a lease-back of the site by the Association to the Council will be granted from 1 April 2008 until the cleared site can be transferred. The District Valuer has advised that the unrestricted market value of the site can be fairly stated at £800,000, with the affordable housing value of the site being £480,000. The proposed sale at less than unrestricted market value requires the approval of the Scottish Government.

The Executive agreed (a) to approve the sale of the site of the former Stanley Primary School, Stanley Road, Ardrossan, to Cunninghame Housing Association in the sum of £480,000; (b) that a lease-back be entered into over the site from 1 April 2008 until such time as a cleared site can be transferred to the Association; and (c) that the sale be referred to the Scottish Government for approval.
NOTE: This item was subject to the call-in procedure per the Council's Scheme of Administration. Please refer to the Minutes of the Meeting of the Scrutiny Committee held on 3 March 2008.

12. Irvine: Land at Vineburgh Avenue

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on the proposed sale of land at Vineburgh Avenue, Irvine, to Cunninghame Housing Association for the development of affordable housing.

Demolition of existing houses at Vineburgh Avenue, Irvine, is currently underway as part of the Vineburgh Area Regeneration project. A cleared site extending to approximately 1.93 hectares will be created once the demolition works have been completed. Cunninghame Housing Association has expressed an interest in acquiring the site to develop 81 housing units, 74 for rent and 7 for Homestake. Following a joint approach by the Council and Cunninghame Housing Association, the District Valuer has advised that the unrestricted market value of the site can be fairly stated at £2.6 million, with the affordable housing value of the site being £1,336,500. The proposed sale of the site at less than the unrestricted market value will require the approval of the Scottish Government.

The Executive agreed (a) to approve the sale of the site at Vineburgh Avenue, Irvine, to Cunninghame Housing Association in the sum of £1,336,500; and (b) that the sale be referred to the Scottish Government for approval.

13. Closure of Housing Offices for Staff Development and Training Purposes

Submitted report by the Corporate Director (Property Services) on the proposed closure of Housing Service Offices from 12.30 p.m. every second Thursday of the month to facilitate effective staff development and allow monthly team/office meetings to take place.


Housing Services recognises that motivated, highly trained, and informed staff are integral to the development and provision of high quality services to customers. It is also important that staff across all areas of the Service receive structured and consistent opportunities for effective communication in relation to the introduction of new policies, procedures, and legislation, and the sharing of information and good practice examples. The proposed office closures will facilitate staff development and training.

The Executive agreed to approve the proposals for closure of Housing Service offices to facilitate staff development and meetings as detailed in the report.

14. Transfer of Activities from Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Submitted report by the Chief Executive on the transfer of activities from Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Until September 2007, business start up and business growth services were delivered in North Ayrshire by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise. From 1 October 2007 services for mainland North Ayrshire were included in an all Ayrshire Gateway contract awarded to Alba Smart Thinking (AST). On Arran and Cumbrae, similar services are available through Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE). The Highlands & Islands contract is delivered through a single contractor for the whole of the Highlands & Islands area and does not fall within the procedures of the Business Gateway model used in the Scottish Enterprise area. The mainland and island contracts cover multi Council areas and are not disaggregated by local authority area. In September 2007, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance announced in the Scottish Parliament that responsibility for local economic development, including the Business Gateway, will pass to local authorities from 1 April 2008. The Cabinet Secretary also indicated that the Business Gateway arrangements in the Highlands & Islands should in future replicate those in the Scottish Enterprise area.

Since September 2007, there has been and continues to be, discussions with the Scottish Government on the details of the transfer. COSLA has appointed a project management to oversee the process and the indications are that subject to agreement on timing and details the transfer will take place on time. COSLA has requested that lead authorities are identified where contracts cover more than one Council area. North Ayrshire Council has offered to be the lead authority for Ayrshire, subject to clarification of legal and financial aspects of the contract. In assuming this responsibility, North Ayrshire Council will seek to enter into Service Level Agreements with both East and South Ayrshire Councils and, to ensure that all Ayrshire Councils are engaged in monitoring of the contract, a Joint Management Agreement will be put in place.


Discussions are ongoing between the seven Highlands & Islands Councils, including North Ayrshire, regarding the replication of the Gateway model within the HIE area. During discussions, COSLA has made clear to the Scottish Government that the transfer of the Gateway service to local government should only proceed if it is cost neutral to Councils. It is expected that contract management members of staff will be required to transfer from Scottish Enterprise to the Council under TUPE.

Other activities being disaggregated from Scottish Enterprise include Skills Development (which will merge with the Careers Service), and Local Regeneration which is to transfer to local authorities. Arrangements for the transfer of the skills activities are progressing well and it is anticipated that the Council will develop an outgoing relationship with the new organisation regarding continuing work and potential new initiatives. In relation to Local Regeneration activities, discussions are continuing between COSLA, Scottish Enterprise, and the Scottish Government with a view to agreeing what projects and resources should transfer. It is clear that the gap is large and will require a political decision. It is also clear that if the view of Scottish Enterprise is upheld local regeneration will become the responsibility of local government but with virtually no additional funding. In these discussions the commitment to the URC projects is still to be clarified. COSLA has made a bid for the non-operational assets of Scottish Enterprise to be transferred to local authorities to facilitate regeneration. Currently Scottish Enterprise seeks to retain these assets as they represent a source of capital receipts to fund core business development activities. This also will require a political decision but is important for North Ayrshire as it would include important assets such as Lochshore, Glengarnock, etc.

The Executive agreed (a) to note the current position with regard to the transfer of local regeneration activities; and (b) that North Ayrshire Council (i) acts as lead authority for the transfer of the Ayrshire Business Gateway contract, and (ii) engages in the establishment of a Gateway model in the Highlands & Islands area, both subject to:-
  • satisfactory conclusion of discussions between COSLA and the Scottish Government on the transfer process;
  • sufficient funding and other resources including management systems being transferred to the Council to cover contract costs and the cost of managing the Gateway service; and
  • a Service Level Agreement being concluded between the Council and the other Councils of East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire.

The meeting ended at 3.45 p.m.