People of Aberdeen to have a say on multi-million local budget cut

People of Aberdeen to have a say on multi-million local budget cut

Aberdeen City Council has launched an online tool that allows locals to have a say on upcoming cuts to spending plans.

The increasing cost of public services has meant the budget faces an estimated cut of £35m over the next year, with funding shrinking by £83m by 2027.

The second phase of the build-a-budget scheme lets users select which sectors should have their funding lowered and explain how different alternatives might affect them.

Finance and resources committee convener Alex McLellan said: “There are no easy options for the council, given the challenging environment in which we are operating, to continue to deliver the same services when the cost of that service is increasing due to the unprecedented rate of inflation in the UK over the last 18 months.”

Data gathered from the public consultation will be presented to councillors in December, displaying how each option may impact people with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 – which are gender, age, and disability.

“This consultation offers an opportunity for people in Aberdeen to understand the challenges the local authority faces, but also have their say on the officer's savings proposals – ahead of councillors setting the 24/25 budget next year,” McLellan added.

Introduced in July, the first phase of the consultation asked which areas should be prioritised for investment, drawing more than 3,000 responses.

Councillor Ian Yuill said: “I hope as many people as possible take part in the consultation. Each person’s views matter.

“It will be invaluable to learn about attitudes towards service delivery, how operations might be supported, and the potential impacts of any changes on people.”

People have until November 12 to contribute.

Those who do not have internet can also access the consultation at city schools, libraries, and at a customer service centre at Marischal College.