THE SECOND phase of major public consultation to help shape Aberdeen City Council’s spending plans was launched today.
The rising cost of delivering public services means that the council must plan for a funding shortfall of £83 million over the next four years, which includes £35m in 2024/25.
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Phase 2 of the consultation presents options drawn up by council officers for delivering savings – the same options that will go to councillors before they set the Budget early next year.
It invites people to say which ones they would choose. It also asks citizens to say how each of the options might affect them if taken forward.
Data gathered from respondents will be used to understand the impact of changes on people who are classed as having protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. These impacts will be considered by councillors when the Budget is set.
Finance and Resources Committee convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “Aberdeen City Council has brought forward an enhanced public consultation on the budget setting process for the first time.
“There are no easy options for the council, given the challenging environment which we are operating in, to continue to deliver the same services when the cost of those service are increasing due to the unprecedented rate of inflation in the UK over the last 18 months.
“This consultation offers an opportunity for people in Aberdeen to understand the challenges the local authority faces, but also have their say on the officers savings proposals – ahead of Councillors setting the 24/25 budget next year.”
Council co-leader 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.
“The bigger the response to the consultation, the better chance the Council has of making the right Budget decisions for communities.”
The online consultation includes a built-in calculator to show the total savings selected.
If you don’t have internet access at home, the consultation can be accessed at city schools, libraries and the Customer Service Centre at Marischal College, Broad Street, during normal opening hours.
The consultation closes on November 12.
Phase 1 of the consultation – which drew 3,192 responses during July – asked people to prioritise service areas for investment.
https://aberdeencity.budgetsimulator.com/
The results will be presented to Full Council on December 13, 2023.
