A £331.5m capital boost for North Ayrshire focuses on infrastructure, housing & environmental improvements.
The council approved the plan on Wednesday. Roads and schools get investment. They will upgrade the B714 road, and the council fleet will become greener. Irvine’s harbor and Ardrossan’s coast will improve. Many other projects are also planned.
Christina Larsen spoke about the budget. She knows money is tight right now, but the council budget helps North Ayrshire’s future.
They plan to spend £331.5 million. It will improve residents’ lives, and the money goes to roads and new houses. Education and housing also benefit.
The budget cares for the environment. Several projects will cut carbon emissions, and they will help tackle climate change too.
The plan invests in roads and streetlights. Upgrading the B714 road is included, and flood prevention work will happen. Bridges will also get improvements, and they also plan active travel projects.
Ardrossan gets a new community campus, and coastal improvements will follow. The council vehicles will become greener, which cuts harmful emissions.
They have plans to build and improve houses, and open spaces also get investment. This includes parks and playing fields. Cemeteries and beaches will be upgraded.
The budget supports the Ayrshire Growth Deal. It is worth £251 million, and several groups are working together on this.
The UK and Scottish governments are partners. East and South Ayrshire councils also help, and the Growth Deal funds projects like the Great Harbour. Other projects include i3’s center and marine tourism.
Labour councillors wanted a council tax increase. They suggested a nine percent rise, which would add £4 million for local investment. Kilwinning and other areas would benefit.
Their idea failed by 18 votes to 12. Two Reform councillors abstained, and one Independent councillor also abstained. He objected to the overall budget.