Aberdeenshire Council was meeting today to agree a new council plan for the next two years.

Covid-19 has had an unprecedented impact on the local authority’s budgets which will be felt for years. Up to September 2020 the council has £13.1 million less than it should have at that point in the year, through lost income, unexpected costs and savings that can’t be delivered. This could result in a gap of up to £30 million for this year.

Councillors also had a significant report outlining the areas most vulnerable to Covid-19 and at risk as a result. Its purpose is to help the authority make decisions to help those in greatest need of assistance due to the pandemic.

The community impact assessment analysed how communities all throughout Aberdeenshire have been and continue to be affected by the virus.

It shows that the Portlethen and Newtonhill area is one of the least vulnerable areas, with parts of Fraserburgh and Peterhead the most vulnerable.

The assessment was previewed by the Press and Journal: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeenshire/2544238/council-maps-out-areas-most-at-risk-of-pandemic-pain-to-help-inform-future-decision-making/

The reports before councillors can be found at: https://committees.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/committees.aspx?commid=1&meetid=19805