NORTH Ayrshire Council is set to invest nearly £250million in capital programmes over the next decade - but 50 jobs are set to go as they look to balance the budget next week. 

There are also proposals increase the roads budget from £16.8 million to £33 million due to the increased problem of potholes

Around £7.35million of savings require to be found in order to balance the £331million revenue budget, which will involve 50 staff members losing their jobs.

Since 2010/11, North Ayrshire Council has had to make savings of £80m from its revenue budget, due to funding not keeping pace with the rising cost and demand for services.

With a further £7.35million now having to be found from the 2018/19 budget, NAC says some services will inevitably be affected, although add that the emphasis will be on protecting essential services.

The proposed savings will be considered by Elected Members at the Budget meeting on Wednesday, February 28.

At the meeting, the Council will also discuss the planned £243m capital investment in North Ayrshire over the next 10 years.

Under the proposals, Annick Primary School in Irvine will undergo extensive redevelopment to create more classrooms, a new PE facility and expanded early years provision.

There are also major plans for Montgomerie Park in Irvine with the Council investing in infrastructure and a brand-new £8.4 million school to help complement and encourage the ongoing housebuilding programme.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesman said: “We will continue to invest in the services that support our most vulnerable residents with an increased investment of £3.8million for the Health & Social Care Partnership.

“It is expected that the Council’s commitment to give children the best possible start in life will be at the heart of the investment plans with a string of major school projects up for approval.”

"These new educational establishments form part of the Council’s key ambition to make North Ayrshire the best place for children to grow up and underline the Council’s commitment to being a Child-Centred Council by providing high-quality places of learning. The new schools will be a key part of the enhanced schools estate.

"The capital programme also proposes increasing the Council’s roads budget from £16.8 million to £33 million – ramping up our investment over the coming years following an unusually wet and cold winter which has caused issues on roads across Scotland."

“The estimated net impact of the financial settlement means that there is likely to be a reduction of approximately 50 whole-time equivalent posts, taking account of the planned expansion of early learning and childcare and the Council’s increased contribution to the Health & Social Care Partnership.

“The Council will take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of the budget on the workforce including removing vacant posts, exploring opportunities for redeployment and responding to requests for voluntary early redundancy and early retirement.

“As part of the Budget meeting next Wednesday, it will be proposed that Council Tax will rise by 3 per cent.”