East Ayrshire Council ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2018/19 How we performed in 2018/19 Contents

Foreword 4

Introduction 6

Empowering Communities 7

East Ayrshire by Numbers 8 OUR VISION Review of the year: East Ayrshire is a place with strong, safe and vibrant communities Economy and Skills 10 where everyone has a good quality of life and access to opportunities, Safer Communities 18 choices and high quality services which are sustainable, accessible Wellbeing 24 and meet people’s needs.

Managing Our Services 30

East Ayrshire Community Plan 2015 - 2030 Sustainable Development 34

External Validation 36

Awards and Accolades 37

Finance Matters 38

Front cover image: School meals at Gargieston Primary School and Early Childhood Centre

2 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2018/19 3 • New build works have been progressed, providing • Strong and consistent performance in relation to 219 affordable homes across East Ayrshire, with discharging people to the right setting within the construction of a further 886 council houses to be community when they no longer require hospital taken forward over the next five years. based treatment means that the national target Foreword of zero delayed discharges has been met in This Annual Performance Report provides a summary East Ayrshire since 2009. • We recognise the significantcontribution of of progress and key achievements in 2018/19, volunteers in our communities and provided a range of support and engagement opportunities focusing on our work with Community Planning throughout the year. Partners and across Council services to deliver the

best possible outcomes for our communities. Award winning, new council homes at Cassilis Court, Dalrymple

All Councils continue to face significant challenges, • The Ayrshire Growth Deal was secured, which will • Tackling child poverty is a key priority and as part in particular from ongoing real terms reductions in bring £251 million funding into the local economy of our efforts to reduce food poverty, all children revenue grant funding, demand for Council services over 10-15 years, to support around 7,000 new and young people attending the Active Schools growing and new legislation placing additional jobs, significant new business and innovation space, Programme were provided with a free lunch during school holiday periods, with 14,000 lunches responsibilities on local government. enhanced digital and transport infrastructure, Supporting local people with a community clean up business support and significant levels of private provided in 2018. We are responding to these challenges by sector investment. transforming our approach to ensure that our services are redesigned, aligned and delivered within reduced budgets in ways which best serve local people and our communities.

The Council is well positioned to meet the challenges of the future and, through our Community Planning arrangements and our new Transformation Strategy, we will strive to continue to deliver high quality, key services by being an engaged Council, enabling communities to share decision making and providing opportunities for joint delivery. Supporting the 2018 Year of Young People Key handover at the new William McIlvanney Campus, Free lunches at the Active Schools Programme We are pleased to share with you in the pages • We supported and encouraged a calendar of events which follow, some of our key achievements over the • The new William McIlvanney Campus in • We established a range of comprehensive support as part of the Year of Young People in 2018 and year, reflecting our ambition for East Ayrshire. Kilmarnock was formally opened in September arrangements to ensure that people adversely established joint meetings of the Council’s Cabinet Examples include: 2018 as part of part of our £549 million ten-year affected by Welfare Reform could access help and Children and Young People’s Cabinet. General Services Capital Investment Programme and advice. and work is underway at the new £68 million Barony Campus in and on new Primary School and Early Childhood Centres in and .

Fiona Lees Councillor Douglas Reid Chief Executive Leader East Ayrshire Council East Ayrshire Council

4 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2018/19 5 Introduction Empowering Our Annual Performance Report sets out a summary of key progress and achievements in 2018/19 in relation to: Communities It is important to us that we continue to work closely • working jointly with our partners and • Community led regeneration – empowering communities towards the achievement of communities. with our communities and wider stakeholders to agreed local outcomes; and The LOIP provides the formal management ensure that our local residents are empowered to • the performance of the services for which the framework against which we demonstrate progress Council has responsibility. and achievement towards improving outcomes for shape the decisions which affect their lives. our communities and local people. Our partnership Partnership Performance performance is reported to a joint meeting of the Council and the Community Planning Partnership Vibrant Voices is a new form of ‘always on’ engage with communities of interest and vulnerable In East Ayrshire, the Community Plan 2015-2030, Board in September each year. engagement with our stakeholders and has been groups – for example, targeted local engagement underpinned by our Local Outcomes Improvement used to inform the development and implementation sessions were used to inform development of our Plan (LOIP), is the overarching strategic policy The Local Outcomes Improvement Plan Annual of the Council’s Transformation Strategy, ensuring partnership’s Local Child Poverty Action Report. framework for the delivery of services by all Report 2018/19 summarises our first year of that our Community and Third Sector partners the partners. progress against our new LOIP, with 69.6% of have a strong and consistent voice in our work on Our Children and Young People’s Cabinet our performance measures improving or maintaining transformational change. The Vibrant Voices website is a central platform of engagement for young The following thematic priorities of our Community progress from the 2016/17 baseline position until page is used to share information and invite feedback, people in relation to civic and democratic decision Plan (which is the Council’s Corporate Plan) are March 2019. Our LOIP Improvement Agenda and a range of community events were used to making, which is highly valued by the Council and being taken forward through the implementation will support our work to improve performance generate new ideas. the Community Planning Partnership. In 2018, the of three strategic Delivery Plans, which operate for going forward. Children and Young People’s Cabinet set the agenda a three year period (currently 2018-2021). These The Council has supported 20 communities across for the annual Community Planning Conference. delivery themes are mirrored by the Council’s Further details on our partnership performance is East Ayrshire to develop and implement their own management structure. available on the Community Planning website at: Community Led Action Plans. In conjunction www.eastayrshirecommunityplan.org with our Vibrant Communities Team, hundreds of n Economy and Skills community representatives have come together Service Performance to develop these plans, which are designed to reflect the needs and aspirations of local people. Community Hub n Safer Communities Our service performance is summarised through a Approximately 40% of households in East Ayrshire We supported the development of range of Statutory Performance Indicators (SPIs), were surveyed as the 20 plans were developed. Ochiltree Community Hub, following a n Wellbeing which are reported to the Council on an annual basis. successful community asset transfer of Participatory Budgeting is increasingly being used We have aligned our strategic priorities with the three the site of the former community centre. We also benchmark our performance through a to provide new opportunities for communities to Community Planning Partnership Board priorities for The new £1.8 million facility opened to range of national benchmarking forums, including the decide local priorities and how certain resources are 2018-2021, which are reflected across all of our work: Local Government Benchmarking Framework, the public on 22 July 2019 and is already allocated. To date, 26 community events have taken as means of identifying best practice and supporting making a positive difference to the whole • Improving outcomes for vulnerable children and place and 319 projects were supported. continuous improvement. community and the surrounding area. young people, with a particular focus on looked This project is a noteworthy example of Targeted Local Engagement: With our partners, after children and young people and young carers. what can be done when a community is Further information on our services is available we are making increasing use of locality based on the Council’s website at: empowered to make its own decisions. Older people: adding life to years – tackling consultation and engagement exercises, including • www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk social isolation. a series of Health and Social Care Partnership ‘Get Together’ events. We are also working proactively to At the time of writing, East Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership comprises representation from the following organisations: East Ayrshire Council; NHS Ayrshire and Arran; Police (including Police Authority); Scottish Fire and Rescue Service; Scottish Enterprise, Ayrshire College; Strathclyde Partnership for Transport; Skills Development Scotland; East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership; Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry; 6 Scottish Government; Voluntary Action East Ayrshire (Third Sector Interface);and The Community (through representatives of Community Councils and 7 Community Led Action Plan Groups). LUGTON EAST AYRSHIRE A77 by numbers DUNLOP B764 A735 1 A77

WATERSIDE 2 FENWICK 6 A719 3 MOSCOW 4 KILMARNOCK 5 B7081 Multi-Member Wards 9 CROOKEDHOLM A71 A71 A71 Elected Members 32 GALSTON (14) GATEHEAD A719 (minority administration) 7 A77 Party (9) Scottish Conservative Party (6)

A76 The Rubbish Party (1) A70 Independent Members (2)

MAUCHLINE SORN Employees 6,191 8 Male 26.9% A70 Female 73.1% 9 OCHILTREE COALHALL LUGAR LOGAN A70 CUMNOCK NETHERTHIRD A713 CRAIGENS Property Assets 307 council buildings

SKARES SINCLAIRSTON Population 121,840 Total funding spent HOLLYBUSH Male 48.5% on Council services DALRYMPLE A76 Female 51.5% 2018/19 £569.803 million BANK GLEN WARD 1 Ages 0-15 17.3% ANNICK Capital Expenditure PATNA B741 Ages 16-64 62.5% 2018/19 £131.592 million WARD 2 WATERSIDE Ages 65+ 20.2% KILMARNOCK NORTH BURNTON (including £100.224 million investment in WARD 3 Land Area 127,033 hectares KILMARNOCK WEST AND CROSSHOUSE (490 square miles) roads, schools and business infrastructure BELLSBANK and £31.368 million on the Housing Capital WARD 4 A713 Urban land 3.4% KILMARNOCK EAST AND HURLFORD Rural land 96.6% Programme) WARD 5 KILMARNOCK SOUTH Largest Towns Statistics based on the latest data available at 31 March 2019. Kilmarnock 46,005 WARD 6 IRVINE VALLEY Cumnock: 8,657 The remaining population live in WARD 7 smaller, rural and isolated communities. BALLOCHMYLE WARD 8 Dwellings on the CUMNOCK AND NEW CUMNOCK Council Tax Register 58,504 WARD 9 DOON VALLEY Number of Council Houses 12,224

Roads Network 1,207km 8 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2018/19 9 Economy PERFORMANCE ON A PAGE 1,200 71.1% and Skills BUSINESSES ENGAGED WITH OUR OF WORKING AGED PEOPLE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM EMPLOYMENT With our Community Planning Partners, we are (Up from 66.7%) committed to supporting an economic environment which will improve the future prosperity of 235 communities. We are helping new and existing NEW START-UP BUSINESSES 94% WERE SUPPORTED BY BUSINESS SCHOOL LEAVERS (S4-S6) businesses to flourish, equipping local people to GATEWAY ENTERED A POSITIVE access employment opportunities and supporting our DESTINATION (Up from 93% and higher than the young to people maximise their potential, ensuring Scottish average of 93%) that they are prepared for the world of work. 353 NEW BUILD SOCIAL RENTED HOMES COMPLETED 88.9% KEY PRIORITIES LOOKED AFTER SCHOOL LEAVERS ENTERED A POSITIVE To address inclusive growth and embed ambition, aspiration, 14% DESTINATION (Up from 61.8% and higher than the Scottish creativity and entrepreneurship in our culture, we will work in TOWN CENTRE VACANCY RATES average of 80.4%) partnership to: (Down from 14.5%) • Promote East Ayrshire as a great place to live, work and visit. 876 • Attract, grow and retain business. £251M INDIVIDUALS SUPPORTED SECURED FOR THE AYRSHIRE THROUGH OUR EMPLOYABILITY GROWTH DEAL PROGRAMMES • Develop a confident, successful and highly skilled workforce, 305 unemployed participants supported which is aligned to key local sectors. into employment

• Deliver the Ayrshire Growth Deal, through a regional partnership.

10 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2018/19 11 • Ongoing delivery of our ‘beReady’ business BUSINESS development programme, focused on business with growth potential and ambitions: START-UP RATE - 199 one-to-one consultancy interventions Increased from 39 to 42 were delivered to local business; and per 10,000 population 57 grants to the value of £57,990 were (Scotland average : Reduced from 49 to 48 - awarded by the Council, matched by £188,980 per 10,000 population.) private sector investment, safeguarding 389 jobs and 70 new jobs forecast. BUSINESS • A range of support to business is provided through SURVIVAL RATE the Business Gateway: (3 YEARS AFTER START-UP) - 235 new businesses were supported by the Decreased from 61.3% to 57.7% start–up programme and we implemented additional marketing campaigns to ensure (Scotland average: Decreased from 62.0% to 60.4%) our target of 270 new starts is reached in 2019/20. - 20 start-up grants to a value of £13,860 Local Economy were provided, matched by £53,780 private investment, safeguarding 26 jobs and 24 new We are committed to bringing new business to jobs forecast. East Ayrshire and helping established business Dark Sky Observatory at Loch Doon, Dalmellington to do even better. - 17 high growth businesses were supported and 448 clients attended 44 workshops KEY ACHIEVEMENTS specifically delivered to support companies with growth ambitions. TOURISM Tourism Economy 2018/19 - A snapshot: GENERATED The value of Tourism to the East Ayrshire economy Ayrshire Growth Deal in terms of both revenue and jobs is recognised. In Growing the business base The UK and Scottish Governments confirmed their INCOME 2018/19, key progress and achievement through the East Ayrshire Tourism Action Plan Through our Economic Development Team, we commitment to the Ayrshire Growth Deal (AGD) in Increased from £86.87 million to included: provide a range of interventions to support the local £251 million March 2019, which will bring funding £95.58 million. a series of seasonal online marketing to promote business base, stimulate investment and ensure that • into the local economy over 10-15 years to support tourism attractions, exhibitions and events across local people are equipped to access job opportunities. delivery of an estimated 7,000 new jobs, significant East Ayrshire, including Dean Castle Country Park, new business and innovation space, enhanced digital In 2018/19, we provided a range of support to Kilmarnock, as part of the Outlander Trail; and the and transport infrastructure, business support and VISITORS TO Illuminight festival, which attracted 42,000 visitors over 1,200 businesses, including: general advice and significant levels of private sector investment. guidance; signposting to services; access to property THE AREA during its four week run in 2018, a 10% increase in audiences since the inaugural event in 2017; advice; help with recruitment; and access to finance. The focus now is on developing full business cases for early project delivery and the new Ayrshire Increased from 1.0377million to • investment of £10 million secured to support the Economic Strategy, which will provide the framework 1.065 million. development of Dean Castle and Country Park, for economic development in the region. Kilmarnock, with completion of the work scheduled for 2021; and • a number of visitor attractions in East Ayrshire included in VisitScotland’s ‘Delve into Scotland’ ebook, including Loudoun Hill, , Dean Castle Country Park and New Cumnock Note: Performance measures provided in shaded areas throughout the document show progress at March 2019 from the 2016/17 baseline position. Swimming Pool.

12 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2017/18 13 Infrastructure Capital Investment in our improvements SUPERFAST NEW BUILD Educational Estate BROADBAND SOCIAL HOUSING Our Local Development Plan ensures that the We recognise the importance of having attractive, infrastructure network in East Ayrshire is enhanced modern, fit-for-purpose buildings in our communities. to support economic growth and investment. Premises with access to superfast Increased to 353 new build affordable Some of the key projects within our ambitious broadband increased from 86.0% homes completed at March 2019 schools investment programme in 2018/19 are to 94.2% highlighted as follows: KEY ACHIEVEMENTS (Scotland average: Increased from 78.6% to 91.1%) • William McIlvanney Campus, Kilmarnock: 2018/19 - A snapshot: TOWN CENTRE The new state of the art campus opened on • Ongoing work with Scottish Enterprise continued on ROADS VACANCY RATES 18 April 2018. the development of key business locations across Barony Campus, Cumnock: Construction works East Ayrshire, including further development of MAINTENANCE • Decreased from 14.5% to 14.0% commenced on site in April 2018, with the new Moorfield Business Park. Caponacre Industrial (Scotland average: Decreased from 11.9% to 11.5%) 2-18 campus scheduled to open in August 2020. Estate in Cumnock also offers business premises ‘A’ class roads requiring maintenance and redevelopment opportunities to attract treatment increased from • Bellsbank Primary School: Works commenced businesses to the area. 19.1% to 21.2% on site and are progressing to programme, with (Scotland average: Decreased from 29.6% to 27.1%) Town Centres the new school expected to be completed in Working with the Council and Ayrshire Roads • February 2020. Alliance, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) Investment in our town centres in 2018/19 improved the environment for those living, visiting and working provided investment to improve the roads network, Loanhead Primary School: All technical design in East Ayrshire as well as providing potential for • bus infrastructure and bus station improvements, work was completed, with works commencing on future development. and improve accessibility for rural communities. site in September 2019. • Through £2.7 million investment by • Netherthird Primary School: Works are ongoing Transport Scotland and with a range of our partners, KEY ACHIEVEMENTS at the Early Childhood Centre, with completion improvements at Kilmarnock Railway Station 2018/19 - A snapshot: anticipated in February 2020, and commencement were progressed to deliver modern standards of of site work for the new Primary School will access and increased convenience to those travelling • A programme of investment in historic buildings immediately follow. to and from Kilmarnock. was completed in Cumnock town centre and the new Farmfoods store and an additional seven shops were completed. Considering proposals for the Barony Campus, Cumnock • Over £2 million was invested in the Galston Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme 2,500 JOBS IN (CARS), with ten building projects completed. CONSTRUCTION Grant funding of over £1.8million was secured for a • Our Capital Programme will support new CARS, providing significant funding in the region of 2,500 jobs in for repair and restoration of key buildings. construction and related sectors and • Our Town Centre Vacant and Derelict Grant we continue to take steps to ensure Scheme provided assistance to property owners to that local employment, work skills and bring vacant and derelict buildings in town centres opportunities are embedded in the back into use. procurement strategy.

14 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2018/19 15 Educational attainment SCHOOL LEAVERS KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Skills Development and A key priority for the Council is to raise educational (S4-S6) IN POSITIVE 2018/19 - A snapshot: Employability Services attainment and, with our Community Planning AND SUSTAINED 478 school-employer partnerships were facilitated Partners, to ensure that our young people are work • The Council’s Economic Development Team DESTINATIONS in East Ayrshire through the work of Developing ready when they leave school. continued to deliver a range of complementary Increased from 93% to 94% the Young Workforce. programmes to ensure a comprehensive package of School leaver attainment data for the 2018-19 (Scotland average: Maintained at 93%) support for individuals seeking access to the labour 23 businesses participated in the Learn4Work academic session will be published by INSIGHT • market and employers looking to recruit additional programme, providing pupils with experience of at the end of February 2020. A detailed report employees. work/business within the school setting. providing performance on the full set of national LOOKED AFTER indicators, including national benchmarking data, will The Council’s Activity Agreement programme KEY ACHIEVEMENTS be reported to the Council in March 2020. SCHOOL LEAVERS • IN POSITIVE continued to provide a key element of the senior phase for some of our most vulnerable young 2018/19 - A snapshot: East Ayrshire is a designated Scottish Attainment AND SUSTAINED people and those at most risk of not entering a 876 individuals wer supported through Challenge authority; therefore, receives additional • DESTINATIONS positive destination when leaving school. employability skills development and training funding to support improved attainment and programmes, with 305 unemployed participants outcomes for our most disadvantaged learners and Increased from 61.8% to 88.9% 59 young people with learning difficulties have supported into employment and 524 individuals close the poverty related improvement gap. A range of (Scotland average: Increased from 73.6% to 80.4%) • participated in the Project Search supported gaining a qualification. A further 97 people activity supports this programme of work, including: employment programme at University Hospital, participated in supported employment programmes. Home Link Worker support for vulnerable pupils Crosshouse since 2013/14, with 66% of the young • The continuation of the ‘ME2U’ employability and their families across educational establishments, YOUTH people progressing into employment on completion • programme delivered within a school environment including one-to-one with individal pupils, small of the programme in 2018/19. UNEMPLOYMENT provided voluntary work placements for individuals group work programmes, project work, extra furthest from the labour market, assisting them to curricular activities and family support, with over RATE (16-24) Young Enterprise prepare for future employment. 500 families supported to date; and Decreased from 23.2% to 16.5% The development of entrepreneurial skills (Scotland average: Decreased from 10.0% to 9.9%) Working closely with 130 local businesses through investing in high quality training and professional continued as a priority for all East Ayrshire • • our Jobs Brokerage programme, 88 people development opportunities for employees within educational establishments, with schools working were supported to gain sustainable employment the Education service. closely with Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the West Coast Accelerator in opportunities. Pupil Equity Funding is allocated directly to schools Preparing our young Dundonald, providing opportunities to learn about and has been utilised with a clear focus on closing the people for work running a business with experienced entrepreneurs. poverty related attainment gap. Plans developed by Ensuring that our young people are prepared for Sir Tom Hunter Challenge schools have identified additional supports, including: The annual is a the world of work remains a key priority for the high profile event for East Ayrshire schools and is EMPLOYMENT • reading resources for home link reading; Council and the Community Planning Partnership, designed to develop entrepreneurial skills and help to and we continue to direct resources and maximise make young people ‘business ready’. Doon Academy RATE • digital technologies to enhance home/school opportunities to support our young people into was the joint winner of the all Ayrshire enterprise reading programmes; employment. final in 2019, with the creation of a board game to Increased from 66.7% to 71.1% address mental health issues to be used in Personal (Scotland average: Increased from 73.4% to 74.5%) • increased breakfast club provision; and Engagement with business is securely embedded in and Social Education classes. the school curriculum and partnerships between • school counselling services to address schools, Ayrshire College and local employers remain mental health issues. key to pupils accessing a wider range of provision. MORE INFORMATION: UNEMPLOYMENT

Further details of our performance in RATE (16-64) relation to the Economy and Skills theme are available in our Community Plan/ Decreased from 7.1% to 5.8% Local Outcomes Improvement Plan (Scotland average: Decreased from 4.6% to 4.2%) Annual Report 2018/19.

16 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2018/19 17 Safer PERFORMANCE ON A PAGE 2.4% ZERO Communities REDUCTION IN CRIMES CHILDREN KILLED ON EAST RECORDED BY THE POLICE AYRSHIRE’S ROADS SINCE 1996 With our Community Planning Partners, we are working to make East Ayrshire a place with strong, safe and vibrant communities. We are improving 29.1% 99 community safety and recognise the importance of RECONVICTION RATE OF ACCIDENTAL DWELLING FIRES OFFENDERS AND 20 FIRE CASUALTIES (Down from 30.9%) working together to ensure that individuals living (3 YEAR AVERAGE) (Down from 102 accidental dwelling fires in our communities feel safe in their homes, on the and 20 fire casualties) streets and on the roads. 630 CALLS PER DAY PROCESSED BY KEY PRIORITIES OUR RISK MANAGEMENT CENTRE 634 DELIBERATE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY FIRES • Make East Ayrshire a safe, secure and attractive place to live, (3 YEAR AVERAGE) work and visit. 4,671 (Down from 653 primary and secondary fires) COMMUNITY ALARM CLIENTS • Improve community safety in neighbourhoods and homes, MONITORED THROUGH THE RISK and protect and support our most vulnerable individuals and MANAGEMENT CENTRE families. 38.4% OF THE ROADS NETWORK REQUIRING MAINTENANCE • Promote our vibrant communities by encouraging active and 89 TREATMENT responsible citizenship. CHILDREN AND YOUNG (Down from 39.1%) PEOPLE NAMES ON THE CHILD PROTECTION REGISTER (Down from 107 names)

18 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2018/19 19 • We continued to further develop and upscale Crime and anti-social Children and Adults at Child Protection preventative approaches to addressing suicide, for Risk of Harm The multi-agency Child Protection Committee example by increasing the number of trained suicide behaviour (CPC) has lead responsibility for developing first aiders among our workforce and enabling annual crime statistics Keeping our children and young people safe The have demonstrated services, which protect children and promote people with mild or moderate health problems to continues to be a priority for the Council and our improved performance across East Ayrshire between an understanding of public protection in local access the Activity on Prescription scheme. 2016/17 and 2018/19: Community Planning Partners, and we will do all that communities. we can to protect them from harm. • Our partnership activity to raise awareness of violence against women and domestic abuse is CHILD KEY ACHIEVEMENTS reflected in the number of incidents of domestic TOTAL CRIMES abuse reported to the police, which increased from PROTECTION RE- 2018/19 - A snapshot: 1,345 to 1,457 incidents between 2016/17 and REGISTRATIONS • The CPC’s leaflet onchild abuse and neglect was 2018/19. In addition, the ‘Make a Stand Pledge’ Reduced by 2.4%, from 5,300 to 5,172 included in the East Ayrshire Federation of Tenants’ was adopted by the Council in 2019, specifically Increased from 12.0% to 18.1% and Residents’ Annual Report, which was circulated committing our housing services to support people to 12,000 tenants and residents to raise awareness experiencing domestic abuse. REPORTING EARLY AND of what people should do if they have concerns about a child. Risk Management Centre OF SUPPLY OF EFFECTIVE DRUGS • The Buttons Mice resource was introduced in The Risk Management Centre (RMC) located at INTERVENTIONS primary schools and early education centres across Council Headquarters in Kilmarnock, provides Increased by 9.7%, from 113 to 124 REFERRALS East Ayrshire, to encourage children to talk about 24-hour control and management of key services Decreased from 217 to 134 issues which are of concern to them, including the to keep people safe in their homes and communities impact of abuse and neglect on their lives. across East Ayrshire. ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR REFERRALS TO • Online safety continued to be addressed as part • A network of Public Space CCTV was of the school curriculum and all computers in our instrumental in identifying criminal activity and INCIDENTS educational establishments have Child Exploitation anti-social behaviour as well as addressing public THE CHILDREN’S Decreased by 4.2%, from 7,487 to 7,172 and Online Protection (CEOP) and CPC hyperlink safety concerns, for example flooding, road traffic REPORTER FOR buttons activated on the home/landing pages, to collisions and in tracing missing persons. In addition, OFFENCES make it easier to access digital safety information. the Community Safety CCTV Vehicle provided re- DELIBERATE Decreased from 74 to 57 assurance and a visible deterrent in communities as Adult Protection well as an evidence gathering platform. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY FIRES ADULT The Adult Protection Committee continued to • A total of 114 domestic abuse alarms were work proactively to ensure the effective support and monitored through the RMC in 2018/19. Decreased by 2.9%, from 653 to 634 PROTECTION protection of adults at risk of harm in East Ayrshire. (three year rolling average) • Approximately 630 calls per day were processed INTERVENTIONS from various devices in people’s homes, with a total (AS A PERCENTAGE OF KEY ACHIEVEMENTS of 4,671 Community Alarm clients on the system, ALL REFERRALS) including 926 individuals with Enhanced Technology Increased from 2.2% to 2.7% 2018/19 - A snapshot: Enabled Care. (Within target level of under 3%) • In 2018/19, there were 402 reports of Adults at Risk of Harm, which was a reduction of 17.8% since 2017/18 and 28.8% since 2016/17. DOMESTIC ABUSE • We continued to identify suitable premises to participate INCIDENTS in the local Keep Safe Scheme to keep vulnerable RECORDED BY people safe within the community, with 22 premises THE POLICE participating and trained in third party reporting. Increased from 1,345 to 1,457

20 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2018/19 21 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS 2018/19 - A snapshot: ACCIDENTAL DWELLING FIRES • The new Locality Policing Team saw the introduction of police officers into our local communities as a single point of contact for Decreased from 102 to 99 all community related policing issues. Annual (three year rolling average) crime statistics have demonstrated improved performance across East Ayrshire between 2016/17 and 2018/19 including: ROAD ACCIDENT FATALITIES - Crimes of violence reduced by 4.9%; AND SERIOUS The Council’s Risk Management Centre at London Road, Kilmarnock - Crimes of dishonesty reduced by 3.8%; CASUALTIES - Crimes of vandalism/malicious mischief reduced by 23.3%; and Decreased from 48 to 44 - Reporting of hate crime increased by 28.3%. • The Fly Tipping Enforcement Initiative focused • A dedicated programme of support services efforts on detecting offenders as well as raising improves community safety for our older and Drug supply and misuse remains an area of ROAD NETWORK • awareness within communities of the consequences more vulnerable residents and enables them to significant concern for local people. Police Scotland REQUIRING of environmental crime. live independently in their own homes for longer, continued to engage with communities to address including provision of community based falls this issue, which has seen an increase in the crimes MAINTENANCE The Litter in Schools scheme was piloted at prevention classes, befriending services, telecare reported in relation to drugs supply and a number • TREATMENT Loudoun Academy, which resulted in significantly and aids and adaptations, and supported living of Police operations targeting serious and organised Decreased from 39.1% to 38.4% less litter in the area, and a DVD was produced accommodation. These models of care and support crime groups. by pupils highlighting the issue of littering and its services contributed to maintaining zero delayed consequences for roll out to other educational Campus police officers continued to deliver discharges from hospital, (against the national • establishments in 2019/20. workshops for school pupils, highlighting the dangers INDEPENDENT target), which continues to be a strength in of possessing and using controlled substances, and East Ayrshire. to liaise with Health and Wellbeing officers to keep LIVING FOR Community Safety Our road safety education programme addresses abreast of drug knowledge and supply in schools. OLDER PEOPLE • With our community planning partners, we want to responsible driver behaviour and is promoted and Increased from 96.8% to 97.2% • Multi-agency Youth Action Teams continued ensure that our residents are safe and supported in delivered through a multi-agency approach at to address community concerns around anti- their own homes and in communities, with resources targeted groups, to raise awareness and reduce social behaviour by targeting regular diversionary Corporate focused on where they have the most impact. vulnerability associated with road use and includes: programmes in ‘hot spot’ areas, with 11,911 Reckless Driving Wrecks Lives for S5/6 pupils and attendances by young people recorded at Enforcement Unit highlights the dangers of driving and the potential KEY ACHIEVEMENTS risks; the Junior Road Safety Officer Scheme offered Midnight Leagues, the Mobile Skate Park and A range of successful programmed activities was to all primary school pupils and family members; youth work engagement sessions. carried out by our Corporate Enforcement Unit 2018/19 - A snapshot: and Danger Detectives for all P6 pupils. (CEU), in partnership with our Outdoor Amenities The Stop the Fires in the Doon Valley We continued to work with SFRS to extend the • and Vibrant Communities services and Police Scotland • Campaign, a joint initiative with the Scottish Fire provision of telecare, with linked fire alarms fitted in 2018/19, to address community concerns related and Rescue Service, (SFRS), Police Scotland, the in the homes of individuals deemed vulnerable or to environmental crime, including prioritising dog Forestry Commission, Craigengillan Estate and most at risk. A total of 1,084 home fire safety visits fouling, littering and fly tipping as well as enforcing pupils from Doon Academy, is a peer led approach were carried out across East Ayrshire, with 861 MORE INFORMATION: smoking legislation. to address fire setting and grass fires targeted smoke detectors fitted. Further details of our performance at local schools, which has impacted on reducing A total of 244 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) • Our Housing Services worked with SFRS to jointly in relation to the Safer Communities secondary fires in the area. were issued in 2018/19, compared to 193 FPNs in • review building and fire safety at flatted premises, theme are available in our Community 2017/18. with all 500 blocks with a communal entry for Plan Delivery Plan/Local Outcomes • The CEU continued to work with the Dogs Trust in which the Council has responsibility to receive a Improvement Plan Annual Report 2018/19. supporting responsible dog ownership campaigns safety assurance visit an annual basis. and microchipping initiatives.

22 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2018/19 23 Wellbeing PERFORMANCE ON A PAGE Working with our Community Planning Partners, we continue to provide a range of opportunities 114,639 427 ATTENDANCES BY CHILDREN REFERRALS TO THE COMMUNITY to improve physical and mental wellbeing and care, AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN CONNECTOR TEAM and tackle inequalities, including health inequalities, EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY (outwith schools) in our communities. 92% 14,000 OF ADULTS ABLE TO LOOK AFTER KEY PRIORITIES THEIR HEALTH VERY WELL OR FREE LUNCHES PROVIDED (part of our Activity Holiday Programme to support QUITE WELL • Children and young people, including those in early years, and children and families during school holidays) their carers are supported to be active, healthy and to reach their potential at all life stages. ZERO DELAYED DISCHARGES • All residents are given the opportunity to improve their 505 VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND (the national target has been met in wellbeing, to lead an active, healthy life and to make positive East Ayrshire since 2009) FAMILIES SUPPORTED BY OUR lifestyle choices. HOME LINK WORKERS • Older people and adults who require support and their 65% carers are included and empowered to live the healthiest 779,799 OF CARE SERVICES GRADED life possible. GOOD OR BETTER FREE SCHOOL MEALS PROVIDED • Communities are supported to address the impact that IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS inequalities have on the health and wellbeing of our residents. (equating to 4,100 free school meals per day) £4.6M GAINED FOR OUR RESIDENTS RELATING TO WELFARE BENEFITS 700 AND INCOME MAXIMISATION REFERRALS TO OUR ACTIVITY ON (generating income of £24.6 million since 2013) PRESCRIPTION PROGRAMME

24 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2018/19 25 ACTIVITY East Ayrshire Health and PROGRAMMES Social Care Partnership - OUTWITH East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) was established in April 2015, bringing SCHOOLS together health and care services in East Ayrshire Increased from 95,075 to 114,639 and is also the ‘Lead Partnership’ across Ayrshire and attendances by children and young Arran with responsibility for ‘Primary Care’* services. people The HSCP also leads the delivery of the Wellbeing theme of our Community Plan. Tea dance at Dumfries House, Cumnock CHILD Starting Well PROTECTION CONCERNS • Our Home Link Workers supported 505 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS vulnerable children and young people and their EMERGENCY RAISED - NON 2018/19 - A snapshot: families, including over 800 home visits, over 1,500 BED DAYS FOR one-to one support sessions and 200 parental POLICE As part of our Activity Holiday Programme, • engagement sessions with 85 parents and carers. ADULTS 14,000 free lunches were provided for children and Increased from 74.7% to 92.3% 90% of cases closed achieved positive outcomes. Decreased from 129,021 to 121,522 young people participating in 215 sporting and physical activity sessions over the Easter, Summer • Exclusion incidents across all our educational and October school holidays. sectors continue to be an area of focus through READMISSIONS a multi-agency approach. Regular monitoring and BREASTFEEDING Our SHOUT Card is available to all children aged • tracking of pupils’ progress, targeted interventions TO HOSPITAL 0-11 living in or attending a primary school in and the introduction of inclusion hubs, with support East Ayrshire, providing free or discounted access WITHIN 28 DAYS from our Psychological Services, ensure that we Increased from 14.7% to 16.9% to a range of leisure services and visitor attractions, meet the needs of our children and young people, Increased from 10.2% to 11.2% with uptake at 79% (7,417 children) at which is reflected in significant reductions in our March 2019. 0-2 YEAR OLDS exclusion rates. LONG TERM Around 10,000 people took part in our annual REGISTERED WITH • Automated systems to facilitate school clothing ‘PlayDay’ event in August 2018 at Kay Park in • CONDITIONS – grant and free school meal applications were Kilmarnock, which provided a range of free activities A DENTIST developed and introduced, and school clothing HOSPITAL STAYS for local children and families. Increased from 46.5% to 48.8% grants increased to £110 per child. A review to Decreased from 9,525 to 8,904 bed days assess eligibility for these grants carried out in Shannon’s Box was created by one of our care • 2018, highlighted entitlement of an additional experienced young people to help comfort children 246 clothing grants and 151 free school meals, and young people entering care. The box contains ALCOHOL PUPIL which subsequently were awarded to local families. carefully selected items and has received significant RELATED EXCLUSIONS attention nationally, following its launch in East Ayrshire. Living Well HOSPITAL STAYS Five Baby Chat Groups have been established and Decreased from 43.4 to 17.5 • Decreased from 796.7 to 658.0 are building a positive reputation in relation to their With our Community Planning Partners, we continue per 1,000 pupils per 100,000 population work with new mothers and families to increase to support wellbeing and resilience in communities parenting confidence; provide support for maternal across East Ayrshire. mental health; reduce loneliness and isolation; and increase breastfeeding. DRUG MISUSE HOSPITAL DAY * Primary Care covers General Medical Services, community CASE STAYS pharmacy, optometry practices, dental practices, the Public Dental Service, Pan-Ayrshire Out of Hours Nursing Service and Pan Ayrshire Increased from 259.2 to 344.7 Out of Hours Social Work Response Service. per 100,000 population

26 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2018/19 27 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Community Health Locality Planning KEY ACHIEVEMENTS 2018/19 - A snapshot: and Care Services With our communities, we have continued to develop 2018/19 - A snapshot: our arrangements for working within our three The Healthy Active Rehabilitation Programme Each Locality Planning Group developed • localities, namely: • (HARP) supported 544 local people with multiple KEY ACHIEVEMENTS and implemented an action plan for improving health conditions to manage their own health and • Northern Locality: health and wellbeing, and a Locality Network has wellbeing, with 142 people attending a ten-week 2018/19 - A snapshot: Annick and Irvine Valley; been established. rolling programme of HARP classes within the Discharge to Access continued to be used by our • The three Locality Planning Groups hosted four specialist tier. Data shows a 72% reduction in hospital partnership teams to enable people, primarily older • Kilmarnock Locality: • successful ‘Get Together’ engagement events bed days for people who complete HARP classes. people with complex needs, to move out of the (including Crosshouse and Hurlford); and across East Ayrshire, with 400 participants, to raise hospital setting to a community environment, with We received 700 referrals to our Activity on • Southern Locality: awareness of the impact of loneliness, which is one • 400 discharges supported, saving 1,500 bed days. Prescription Programme, to support people Ballochmyle, Cumnock Doon Valley and of our current strategic priorities, as well as the to maintain a healthy weight; and recorded over • The Community Connectors Team, aligned to New Cumnock. support and opportunities available for local people. 12,000 attendances at Invigor8 for people at risk GP Practices and their developing multi-disciplinary of falling, Motiv8 for people with complex health teams, continued to work across East Ayrshire MORE INFORMATION: conditions and Activ8, yoga and an accredited providing tailored support for people who live in dementia friendly walking programme for individuals complex and challenging circumstances, including Further details of our performance in more confident in their ability to exercise. social isolation and financial hardship, with 427 relation to the Wellbeing theme are referrals received in the year. • The emerging need for assisted living within available in our Community Plan Delivery Plan/Local Outcomes Improvement communities has seen the first of six developments Locality based Advanced Nurse Practitioners • Plan Annual Report 2018/19 and in the aligned to the Council’s Strategic Housing Investment were introduced as part of the community based East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Plan, namely the Andrew Nesbit building in Hurlford, Enhanced Intermediate Care and Rehabilitation Partnership Annual Performance Report to support our new tenants into their new homes. Service, operating since November 2018 and 2018/19. working with dedicated personal carers to provide The Alcohol and Drugs Partnership continued • an effective response to unscheduled care needs. a significant focus on the harm caused to individuals by alcohol and drugs, including raising awareness through provision of public information in communities, on the internet and via media Ruby’s 5K Race from the Ayrshire Athletics Arena, Kilmarnock campaigns; distributing over 200 opiate reversing DELAYED naloxone kits, which resulted in 17 life-saving DISCHARGE administrations; and renewing focus on increasing the visibility of individuals in recovery. FROM HOSPITAL Decreased from 6,043 to 5,038 bed days • The Financial Inclusion Team (FIT) continued to support vulnerable individuals by securing financial gains of £4.6 million for East Ayrshire residents in 2018/19 relating to welfare benefits and income CARE SERVICE maximisation, and generating income in excess of £24.6 million since the FIT was established in 2013. INSPECTIONS

65% of care services graded good or better (data not comparable with previous years due to revised methodology)

28 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2018/19 29 Personal Carer We re-let 1,211 tenancies, Qualifications which is 9.9% of our total housing stock, with the average time The percentage of personal carers to re-let properties 51.1 days, qualified to the Scottish Social Managing compared to 66.2 days in the Services Council (SSSC) standard previous year. increased to 69.9%, compared to 69.5% in 2017/18. Performance continued to be affected by Planning Applications our services employee turnover and recruitment of new personnel to the workforce, On average, we dealt with local As a Council, we are committed to delivering a range of who will receive on the job training. development (non-householder) planning applications in high quality services for our residents and communities. Leisure Services 11.7 weeks (11.4 weeks) and (Services related to leisure, local development (householder) planning application in 7.3 weeks A summary of our service performance in 2018/19 is provided on the pages which follow, with the culture and community services Most people pay their rent on (6.9 weeks). previous year’s (2017/18) performance shown in brackets. Further and more detailed information on are delivered directly by time but tenant rent arrears our Statutory Performance Indicators is available on the Council’s website at www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk East Ayrshire Leisure Trust.) Scottish Children’s increased to 7.5% (6.5%) and continued to be impacted Our schools meals survey Sickness Days Reporter by Universal Credit. We have showed an increase to 96.9% The average number of Employee There was a rise in the number established a dedicated Universal pupil satisfaction rate, compared Sickness Days lost increased to of reports submitted to the Credit Team to provide benefits Library Usage increased to to the previous year (94.4%). 8.0 days, from 7.4 days in the Scottish Children’s Reporter and debt advice to our customers 2,414 visits per 1,000 population, previous year. The Council has Administration, from 320 to 446, to improve rent collection (2,382 per 1,000 population). Benefits in place absence management with 74.4% submitted within the and reduce arrears, as well as Administration procedures, which are designed target time. While lower than helping to prevent evictions and We processed Housing and to support our employees back our previous year’s performance homelessness. Council Tax Income Council Tax Benefits claims to work. (80.9%), this was broadly in line Homelessness In line with previous years, we in 4.6 days, improving on our with the national target of 75%. presentations collected 94.1% of income from performance of 5.9 days last year. Property Assets increased to 806 from 623 in Council Tax, which helps to pay for Ensuring that benefits claims are We take steps to ensure that Housing and the previous year; and repeat Museum Visits decreased to council services. Most people pay processed accurately and within our buildings are maintained to a Homelessness applications increased from to 3,499 per 1,000 population their Council Tax bills, recognising time remains a priority. satisfactory standard and are fit 30 (4.8%) from 14 (2.7%). A (5,047 per 1,000 population), that this supports the services for purpose. In 2018/19, 99.1% Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan affected by closures at key venues they use. Help is available from our of our operational buildings were has been introduced, which due to site works. Customer Service Team for those in a satisfactory condition, 88.6% includes a range of initiatives to who find it difficult to pay. were suitable for current use and support improved outcomes for 88.1% of public areas in council homeless households and reduce buildings were accessible for repeat homelessness. people with a disability, reflecting Trading Standards improved performance on the Attendance at Pools increased We carried out 33,859 non- previous year (98.0%, 83.7% and to 2,243 per 1,000 population emergency housing repairs, an Consumer Complaints 86.1% respectively). (2,195 per 1,000 population). increase of 4% on the previous We completed 71.8% of Payment of Invoices year, with the average time for consumer complaints within our School Meals We processed 94.6% of invoices completion 6.9 days. While an target of 14 days, compared to Satisfaction within the 30 day target, increase from the previous year 73.9% in the previous year. Over 1.617 million meals were compared to 94.9% in the (5.4 days), this can be set against produced in our schools in previous year, taking seriously a longer term reduction in repairs Attendance at Indoor Sports 2018/19, an increase of 6.6% our responsibility to pay the completion time. and Leisure facilities (100,000 school meals) on the companies we deal with promptly. decreased previous year. to 6,081 per 1,000 population (6,498 per 1,000 population).

30 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2017/182018/19 31 Street Cleanliness Comments, Suggestions Roads and Street 89.0% of our streets were and Complaints Lighting assessed at an acceptable standard of cleanliness based on a random 97 We received 223 roads Comments, suggestions and complaints about sample of streets by Keep Scotland defect repairs, responding the Council are important as they provide us COMPLAINTS WERE Beautiful, although lower than to 88.3% within our 2-hour with an opportunity to respond directly to Recycling the previous year’s performance RECEIVED AND CLOSED target, compared to 56.0% our service users about issues that they have While our performance in (91.7%). Street cleanliness remains in the previous year. We raised and help us to identify potential areas BY THE COUNCIL relation to household waste a priority and we continue to completed 95.5% of street for improvement within our services. Our aim recycling decreased to 52.1%, deploy ‘hit squads’, and targeted Decreased from 116 complaints lighting repairs within 7 days, is to ‘get it right first time’, with quick, simple from 52.9% in the previous year, deep cleans, and support joint an increase 77.4% in the and streamlined complaints handling with local, East Ayrshire remains well above actions and awareness activities previous year. early resolution. the national average (45.6% in with our communities to 2017/18). COMPLAINTS reduce the impact of litter and The following is a summary of some of the service environmental crime. improvements arising from complaints recorded in RESPONDED TO Equality and Diversity, and Inequality 2018/19: IN FULL AT STAGE 1 Strengthened administrative arrangements in Central to our core values of Quality, Equality, Access and Partnership, is a commitment to eliminating all forms of • WITHIN 5 DAYS Council Tax processing. discrimination, victimisation and harassment, fostering good relations and promoting equality of opportunity. Decreased from 78.3% to 69.4% Guidance developed in respect of complaints A range of corporate mechanisms, processes and external networks support our work to embed the equality • and disputes between home owners and agenda into all our activity, including through our Equality Forum and the achievement of our equality outcomes. property factors. COMPLAINTS In addition, we continue to work with all our partners to tackle the root causes of inequality and to build a fair and UPHELD/PARTIALLY inclusive East Ayrshire. • Strengthened objector notifications processes in the planning service. UPHELD AT STAGE 1 Comparing Performance • Improved Council processes for the management Increased from 35.0% to 45.1% We use benchmarking to compare performance with other councils and to ensure that local communities receive and handling of void properties. the best possible services and outcomes. • Improved Complaints Management System to further COMPLAINTS The Local Government Benchmarking Framework (LGBF) reports on how much councils spend on services, strengthen performance reporting and monitoring. service performance and how satisfied local people are with the major services provided by councils. The full RESPONDED TO range of benchmarking information generated by the LGBF can be accessed online from the Council’s website We publish an Annual Report on complaints, IN FULL AT STAGE 2 and at the following web link: www.improvementservice.org.uk/benchmarking which is submitted to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman and can be accessed from our website. WITHIN 20 DAYS It is anticipated that the 2018/19 LGBF datasets will be made available by the Improvement Service in January 2020. Increased from 62.5% to 66.7%

East Ayrshire Council COMPLAINTS UPHELD/PARTIALLY UPHELD AT STAGE 2 Increased from 43.8% to 46.7%

Comments, suggestions and complaints Stage 1: Frontline resolution Customer Guidance - aims to December 2018 quickly resolve straightforward customer complaints that require little or no investigation.

Stage 2: Investigation – where complaints are typically complex or require detailed examination before a position can be agreed. 32 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2017/18 33 Fleet Management ICT and Digital The Council’s vehicle fleet First Strategy continues to conform to the As part of the workstreams highest standards in terms of driven by our Transformation Sustainable emissions control, fuel efficiency, Strategy, we continued to support green fleet management and agile home and flexible working driver awareness training. The arrangements as well as providing number of electric vehicles as a teleconferencing and webinars Development Energy Efficiency and proportion of the Council fleet to conduct our business, which Carbon Management rose from 2.3% (10 vehicles) in contribute to the reduction of The Council continues to ensure that in delivering 2017/18 to 5.8% (22 vehicles) in carbon emissions. Our Energy Efficiency Strategy and 2018/19. In addition, investment our services, we are contributing to the long-term Carbon Management Programme was made to increasing electric continue to contribute to reducing vehicle charging infrastructure. sustainability of all communities across East Ayrshire. carbon emissions within our operational properties. Street Lighting Examples of some of the work taken forward in our As part of the Council’s capital Energy Management investment programme, we communities in 2018/19 include the following: The Phase 1 upgrade to provide continued to progress a phased Building Energy Management replacement of street lighting Systems was completed, extending columns across East Ayrshire Community Led the ability to manage buildings to reduce energy usage and in respect of heating, cooling emissions through LED ‘white light’ Action Plans and ventilation control, remote Flood Risk technology. At March 2019, 33.7% At the end of March 2019, management and fault indication. Our Local Flood Risk Management of street lighting was fitted with a total of 20 Community Plans allow the Council to mitigate energy efficient (LED) lighting. Led Action Plans had been Energy Efficiency of against flooding by identifying areas developed and published. the Housing Stock that are potentially vulnerable to Sustainable flood risk across the Ayrshire Local The Renewable At the end of March 2019, 97.9% Procurement Duty of our housing stock met the Plan area. Energy Fund (REF) Community Environmental considerations are energy efficiency element of the included in the Council’s capital is administered by the Asset Transfers Scottish Housing Quality Standard. works programme and bidders Council to distribute A key element of the must provide proposals for site developer contributions from Council’s transformation Energy Advice based recycling as part of the wind farm developments work is sustainable The Council’s Energy Team, in tender quality assessment. within East Ayrshire. Grants Community Asset Transfer. partnership with Energy Action, of over £1.196 million were At 31 March 2019, a total of continues to provide energy Active Travel awarded to 28 community- 50 community asset transfers related advice through the We support an Active Travel Hub, based environmental and had been approved by the Council’s website and our local which operates from Kilmarnock other projects in 2018/19. Council’s Cabinet. office network. Green Infrastructure Railway Station, providing active travel for commuting and leisure and Network purposes. In common with all other local authorities across Scotland, we have East Ayrshire Local Development Plan ensures that green signed up to Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration, with a report infrastructure is a key component of recording our progress on climate change activity submitted on an development sites and regeneration annual basis to the Scottish Government. East Ayrshire Council is fully Waste Management plans, and also includes proposals In East Ayrshire, 52.1% of our related to peatland restoration, committed to playing its part in combatting climate change, which is household waste was recycled woodland maintenance and the reflected in the following examples of our activity. in 2018/19, which compares well green network. with the national average (45.6% in 2017/18). 34 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2017/182018/19 35 External Awards and Validation Accolades How we are viewed and our reputation all help us to In 2018/19, the Council achieved recognition in a wide do a better job in serving our communities and that range of prestigious regional and national awards.

is why external inspection, accreditation, validation These awards are well deserved recognition for the • Our Facilities and Property Management positive work being carried out across the Council to Service was recognised at the EDUCATERING and awards are all important to us. improve service delivery outcomes and make a real Excellence Awards 2018, with the Online School and positive difference in our communities. A sample Payments Team winning the Innovation Award and the Council emerging as the winner of the Local was rated ‘Excellent’ across all four quality of our awards in 2018/19 demonstrates the high Authority Caterer of the Year. Audit and Inspection indicators and the first educational establishment standards of customer service we strive for and are a source of great pride to us. Our performance is subject to scrutiny by a range in Scotland to achieve such positive results across • Bellsbank was announced as the winner of the of external audit and inspection agencies, including all education sectors under the current inspection • Three prestigious accolades were achieved at the Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards 2019 in Audit Scotland, Education Scotland and the framework. Depute First Minister, John Swinney MSP 2019 UK Improvement and Efficiency Social recognition of the dramatic visual enhancement Care Inspectorate. Independent audits and visited Riccarton ECC in April 2019, to personally Enterprise (iESE) Awards, with a Gold Award in of the village due to improvements to the inspections are designed to provide assurance that acknowledge the outstanding inspection report the Community Focus category for Housing Services housing stock, as well as tackling social isolation services are well managed, fit for purpose and value provided by Education Scotland inspectors. for the affordable housing development in the and loneliness, fuel poverty, food insecurity and for money and, importantly, meet the needs of community; a Gold Award for Waste Management connectedness. service users. Services for transformation in environmental services; and a Bronze Award in the Innovation Category for • The Best Housing Project for Barbieston Road, We are committed to the principles of continuous the Community Safety CCTV vehicle. Dalrymple and Most Innovative Project for improvement and it is our business to ensure that Hearth Place, Cumnock were awarded at the recommendations arising from audits and inspections • The Respectful Funeral Service won the Gold Scottish Procurement Alliance Awards 2018. are actioned and implemented to support the delivery Award in the ‘Service Innovation and Improvement’ In addition, our Housing Asset Service lifted of the best possible services in our communities. category at the COSLA Excellence Awards the Most Sustainable Project award for our 2018. This innovative service, developed by our enhancement work to council houses. A Best Value Assurance Report (BVAR) of our • Bereavement Services Team and the first of its kind Council was published by the Accounts Commission in Scotland, allows the Council to work with local • Grange Academy Maths Teacher, Chris Smith, won in May 2018. We were pleased to note the Children and employees at Riccarton Early Childhood Centre service providers to address many issues regarding the Teacher of the Year award at the Scottish Commission’s view that the Council is performing well, funeral poverty and provide affordable, professional Education Awards, recognising his dedication services are improving and there is strong partnership • A thematic inspection of Self Directed and dignified bereavement services to maths, teaching and his students. Chris’s work working. The report also commends our work with Support for Adults in East Ayrshire, led by the for our communities. includes provision of annual study camps, ‘Pi-day’ local communities, to make our communities more Care Inspectorate, was carried out over the summer and writing a weekly maths newsletter, which sustainable in the long-term. in 2018. The inspection report recognised important • Willowbank School was a double award winner at has developed a celebrity following, including An Improvement Plan was developed to address the and major strengths in local delivery of Self the Cream of Ayrshire Awards for ‘Class of the Countdown’s Rachel Riley. recommendations within the BVAR, which has Directed Support in East Ayrshire, including a clear Year’ and pupil, Reece Blelloch, won the been actioned, with updates on progress reported understanding and commitment to choice, control Child Bravery Award. • The innovative Me2U community based adult to Council. and good conversations with people to support the learning partnership project, led by Cumnock achievement of their personal outcomes. Work is Academy, was recognised at the Scotland • Our educational establishments are subject to regular planned to support further improvement, including Learning Partnership Adult Learners’ Awards in inspections by Education Scotland. Of particular the streamlining of resource allocation processes for March 2019 for achievements in securing positive note, Riccarton Early Childhood Centre (ECC) the approval of personal budgets and improving the progression routes for programme participants. recording and reporting of personal outcomes. 36 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2018/19 37 Capital Expenditure 2018/19 Capital spending in 2018/19 on General Fund Services was £100.224 Finance Matters million and on housing was £31.368 million. The table below shows The Council’s Annual Accounts provide details of the the sources of funding for capital expenditure. Service Expenditure £m Financed by £m main sources of Council income and expenditure. Education Services 76.088 Government Grants 26.020 They can be accessed from the Council’s website at: Housing 31.368 Capital Used from Revenue 10.318 https://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/Resources/PDF/A/2018-19-Audited-Annual-Accounts.pdf Economic Regeneration 5.339 Borrowing 51.900 Roads 10.571 Capital Receipts 0.457 The information set out in the table below highlights how funding was Wellbeing 0.519 Assets Acquired under Public Private Partnership 42.897 spent in providing Council services in 2018/19. Other Expenditure 7.707 131.592 Represented By £m General Fund Services 100.224 Net Cost of Services 2018/19 Housing 31.368 131.592 131.592

Expenditure Income Net The Council’s Annual Accounts are subject to external scrutiny by our external auditors, Deloitte LLP. Service £m £m £m Our Annual Accounts are an essential means by which we account for our stewardship of the resources which are made available to us and our financial performance in the use of those resources. Education 118.559 (11.582) 106.977 In their annual report, which was presented to the Governance and Scrutiny Committee in September 2019, Finance and ICT 11.597 (1.403) 10.194 Deloitte LLP concluded that our 2018/19 Annual Accounts provided a true and fair view of the financial Planning and Economic Development 16.595 (4.130) 12.465 position of the Council for the year and certified that the Council’s Accounts were prepared properly in accordance with relevant legislation, applicable accounting standards and other reporting requirements. Economy and Skills Other Segments 1.939 - 1.939 Housing and Communities 26.769 (5.583) 21.186 Challenges and Opportunities Ayrshire Road Alliance 28.386 (12.367) 16.019 The Council, with the whole public sector in East Ayrshire and across Scotland, continues to face ongoing and Facilities and Property Management 30.472 (9.833) 20.639 significant challenges. Human Resources 2.222 (0.077) 2.145 • Our population is ageing, bringing higher demand for public services and, fewer people of working age to provide them. Transport 9.793 (0.315) 9.478 Reducing budgets and rising demand for services means that we need to find ways to make less money go further. (including Strathclyde Partnership for Transport) • Arm’s Length Organisations 7.896 (0.051) 7.845 • Policy and legislative changes are also placing additional demands on councils and how councils work. Safer Communities Other Segments 0.847 (0.005) 0.842 • At the same time, public services have to cope with more uncertainty than ever before, with Brexit continuing to Social Work: Provision of Services 109.512 (107.120) 2.392 cause concern about the future, whatever the eventual outcome.

Contribution to the Integration Joint Board 77.809 - 77.809 To address these challenges, we recognise the benefits of maximising our resources through effective partnership working and Governance 4.878 (1.434) 3.444 our Community Planning arrangements, and the value of community participation and empowering local residents. Chief Executives Office(including Internal Audit) 0.713 (0.006) 0.707 We also acknowledge that we cannot continue to do things in the same way. As we go forward, our Transformation Strategy and the wider transformation agenda with our Community Planning Partners are Central Services 52.588 (34.818) 17.770 providing a sound basis for doing things differently, to ensure the sustainability of our council services and the Projects 4.501 (2.975) 1.526 best outcomes for communities.

Housing Revenue Account 64.727 (44.831) 19.896 East Ayrshire is well placed - we have committed people working in public, private, third and community Net Cost of Services 569.803 (236.530) 333.273 sectors across the local authority area and widespread recognition of the importance of good public services in supporting strong communities.

38 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT 2018/19 39 More Information This information can be made available, on request, in Braille, large print or audio formats, and can be translated into a range of languages. Contact details are provided below.

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