There is no escaping the fact that 2024 was a challenging year for many people living here in North Ayrshire.
The Cost-of-Living Crisis has, sadly, endured and families and individuals have been under financial stress as they coped with increasing food costs and household bills.
However, it has been encouraging for me – as Leader of North Ayrshire Council – to see the fantastic work that is being done to support residents, by both Council staff and partner organisations working in our towns and villages.
Combatting child poverty and the cost of living is a priority. Sadly, it has to be.
And the continued, tireless effort from community groups, voluntary organisations, friends, families and neighbours to support each other is inspiring.
Many people are genuinely struggling to make ends meet, and it is vital that we continue to support one another in 2025 and understand that there is no stigma or embarrassment in reaching out for help.
One of the many things we are doing at the council to support residents is continuing the rollout of our No Wrong Door Policy. This encourages council staff to continue the great work they already do in helping residents find the right information they need to help them access Cost-of-Living support.
If a resident approaches any council colleague for advice on things like paying energy bills and school meals for their children, we will ensure they are told how to access the right advice and support.
One of the many things I have been proud of throughout 2024 is the way we have welcomed New Scots – from places like Hong Kong, Syria and Ukraine – to North Ayrshire and helped them integrate into their new communities.
I have spoken to many of them, and they have been touched by the welcome and support they have received from neighbours and local groups.
We have also continued to encourage older people to have a voice and speak up on matters that are important to them through our Older People’s Voice Network sessions and the annual Older People's Voice Network Conference.
And, while we have some very difficult budget decisions to make – in line with all local authorities across Scotland – I am very heartened by the fact that there were more than 4400 submissions to our recent budget engagement exercise.
Despite facing a budget gap of up to £16 million, the council will still spend hundreds of millions of pounds on services that help make people’s lives better.
The gap can only be closed by bringing in further income or by making further reductions to services.
It’s a difficult balance but the survey responses will help inform elected members before they make ANY decisions in February.
Looking ahead, there are some exciting projects that are expected to be completed next year, including the two solar PV farms at Nethermains – a former landfill site between Irvine and Kilwinning – and at Shewalton in Irvine.
These ground-breaking facilities are thought to be the first solar farms to be owned and operated by a local authority in Scotland, and will help raise revenue while creating enough energy for thousands of homes.
And we continue to invest in affordable housing developments of different sizes across North Ayrshire, including at the former King’s Arms site and the former Stanecastle School, both in Irvine and the former Garnock Academy land and Newhouse Drive, both in the Garnock Valley.