SNP councillor Christina Larsen hailed the budget which was eventually passed on Wednesday.
The cabinet member for finance said: “In very challenging financial circumstances, the SNP administration delivered a budget that protects vital services, invests in our communities and secures jobs by continuing our no compulsory redundancy policy.
“We are investing £1.4 million to help our communities to combat the cost-of-living crisis, including adding an additional £100,000 to support universal financial inclusion - helping people get money in their pockets they are entitled to.
"We also scrapped plans to charge for green bin liners, keeping them free. Communities told us transport is an issue, therefore, we agreed a £100,000 investment to explore a community transport pilot scheme.
“In other authorities, halls, centres and libraries have already closed; however, in North Ayrshire, the SNP administration have protected these assets in this year's budget, including Harbour Arts Centre and Arran Outdoor Educational Centre.
“Also we were able to incorporate a further investment of £1m in the roads budget, something asked for by both the Conservative and Labour groups. This grown-up approach is what our communities expect from elected representatives.
“Disappointingly, and in keeping with their recent erratic behaviour, Labour produced an amendment that was deemed by financial officers to put the council in 'significant financial risk' and no councillor with integrity could ever support that."
Meanwhile, council leader Marie Burns added “This has been the most challenging budget in recent years, however, we have worked with fantastic officers of the council and our communities to deliver a budget that supports those most in need.
“Our approach has been to be open about challenges but focused on solutions which is the reason people elected us.
"I am disappointed by the approach Labour took, making no attempt to work constructively together like our SNP group did when in opposition. This has been their approach since they came third in the election and I sincerely hope they finally step up and think of people rather than purely political point-scoring.
“We remain committed and focused on working together to deliver on our priorities for communities throughout North Ayrshire."
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