I know 2023 has been a difficult year for most of you and Christmas may have been challenging for families struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis.
It has been heartening to see the work of many of our local organisations and volunteers supporting their friends and neighbours in getting through difficult and challenging times.
As I reflect on the previous 12 months, on a personal level I feel privileged to be leader of North Ayrshire Council and it is a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
Since being elected in May 2022, I have had the privilege of working with my fellow elected members, officers within the council, various partners and, of course, so many of you within our communities. Thank you for your commitment and support.
I particularly want to highlight the series of mini-enquiries we have held to tackle key priorities and challenges facing our communities. The attendance and participation of many elected members, officers, partners and residents with real lived experience has helped to inform the shape and direction of our interventions and support.
Particular thanks to some of our single parents who have shared their journey with us and told us about what works for them and what are the greatest obstacles that get in the way. This has helped shape how we look at childcare, employability support and travel. I look forward to continuing this work in 2024.
I would also like to thank our communities for the ways in which they have supported our Ukrainian families and other refugees arriving in North Ayrshire from troubled and war-torn areas.
We have shown compassion and understanding and welcomed them into our communities as friends and neighbours. It has been a massive operation involving many different services and agencies and I thank everyone who has played their part.
As we head into a new year, we are very much aware that the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis have not gone away. It is an unpalatable situation and stressful for so many families across North Ayrshire.
That’s why our “No Wrong Door” approach is so important in making sure our residents and communities are aware of the help that is available. North Ayrshire Council and other partners can offer a range of support from financial advice to grants, help with energy costs or food provision.
If you need help please check out our website https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living/cost-of-living.aspx which details the range of support available.
These difficult times have brought out the best in our communities. I’ve met so many groups and people, too many to mention individually, that have left me humbled and even more determined to make a difference. Thanks to all of you. Your work doesn’t go unnoticed and we are all so grateful.
Finally, I’m sure you will all be aware that the council will be delivering its budget in early 2024. We have again engaged with our communities and invited residents to share their views on what matters most to them.
A big thanks to everyone who took part. Please be assured we will listen to your views before setting the council’s budget in 2024.
Thanks again for your support in 2023 and I wish you all the very best for 2024.
Council leader Marie Burns. NO_B44energy01 (from library)