NORTH Ayrshire Council's leader has reflected on "one of the most difficult years I can remember" as she shares her New Year message.

Councillor Marie Burns (SNP, Irvine East) said, however, that these difficult times have "brought out the very best in our communities" as she looks ahead to 2023.

Cllr Burns said: "I hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas break. I know it won’t have been easy this year, struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis, but I certainly appreciated the time spent with family and friends.

"After the restrictions of the last couple of years, it was good to feel a sense of normality and to be around those closest to us.

"This time of year also gives us all a chance to reflect on the previous 12 months. On a personal level, I still feel really privileged to be leader of North Ayrshire Council and it is a responsibility that I don’t take lightly.

"Since being elected in May, I have received tremendous support from my fellow elected members, officers within the council, various partners and, of course, so many of you within our communities. I look forward to working with many of you again in 2023.

"This year [2022] has been one of the most difficult I can remember.

"Everyone will be aware of the challenges we are faced with as the cost-of-living crisis deepens. It is an unpalatable situation and stressful for so many families across North Ayrshire.

"That’s why I made this my immediate priority when I took up office in May 2022. We all have a part to play in helping one another and North Ayrshire Council is committed to doing its share."

Cllr Burns added: "At the first meeting of cabinet following the summer recess, we agreed a £4 million package of support. This built upon our decision in June to approve the allocation of £2.154m of Scottish Government funding, providing a range of supports for low-income households and measures to stimulate economic recovery.

"This support includes a number of measures – such as the £2 million invested in an energy support scheme and the additional £500,000 to build upon the amazing community food network - which I have highlighted in previous columns. Please be assured that the cost-of-living crisis and child poverty remains our primary focus and will continue to do so in 2023.

"These difficult times have, however, brought out the very 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.

"The way our communities rallied round and supported the Ukrainians who have arrived in North Ayrshire has also filled me with enormous pride. It’s so important that our Ukrainian guests feel safe, secure and supported here in North Ayrshire.

"It has been a massive operation involving many different services and agencies. I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in helping the Ukrainians get the support they need.

"Looking forward to 2023 it’s clear a number of tough decisions will have to be made. We will be starting our budget consultations in January and I would urge as many of you as possible to take part. It’s so important that our communities are engaged and involved as possible. We want to hear your views and we want this to be reflected in the decisions we make.

"Thanks again for your support in 2022 and I wish you all the very best for 2023."