Today councillors attended a full meeting of Aberdeenshire Council. Here are some key points:
FINANCE WORRY – Aberdeenshire Council’s revenue budget to 30 September 2021 is over budget by £6.846 million but the position is expected to be on target by the end of the financial year. The council has spent £326.597 million out of a budget of £639.519 or 51.07% after six months.
A gloomy financial outlook was put before councillors for the coming financial year. High level budgetary assumptions indicate a possible out of balance position more than £33 million. However, there are so many variables that it is impossible to predict wither certainty what cuts may be required to balance the books.
Liberal Democrat leader Peter Argyle told colleagues one of the issues is serious under-funding from the Scottish Government. He gave the example of school transport. Aberdeenshire receives a grant of £4.2 million, however the cost of providing the service is £21.5 million. Meanwhile Glasgow City Council has roughly the same figures – but the other way around with a grant well exceeding the costs. The system needs changed. He predicted it is going to be another tough year.
ELECTIONS – Changes are afoot in Portlethen for polling stations in May’s forthcoming council elections. The Porty Cabin in Cookston Road will not be used. Voters from Hillside will go to the Jubilee Hall while voters in Portlethen North will use Portlethen Parish Church Hall.
The mirrors the arrangements in place at last May’s Scottish Parliament elections, which appeared to have worked well during the covid restrictions.
In past years however there have been complaints about accessing the church hall, as it is up a steep hill and voters have to go through a graveyard.
Removing all schools from the list of polling places remains a challenge with progress being made in some areas. However no viable alternative to using Banchory Devenick School has been found.
VACCINATION PROGRAMME – Work to deliver the vaccination programme continues. Aberdeenshire has one of the highest areas of uptake across Scotland with over 95% take-up of the first dose and 90% of residents over the age of 16 with two doses. More than 70% of 12-15 year olds have also had the vaccine.
The booster programme is well underway, combining delivery of the covid booster with the roll-out of the flu vaccination. Work continues to vacate the Live Life Aberdeenshire sports and leisure facilities, and this is likely to be concluded in early 2022.
SCHOOLS – Councillors confirmed the funding and time frame for proposed investment in school buildings in Fraserburgh and Stonehaven. In Stonehaven this means a new Dunnottar Primary and a new Carronhill School have been added to the Capital Plan for completion in 2025, to be built beside the Mackie Academy.