COUNCILLORS are being urged to invest in Aberdeen City Centre and protect spending in tourism and culture as they prepare to cut nearly £50million this morning.
A council tax rise of 10% has been proposed by officials, but the SNP-Lib Dem administration will likely seek to minimise the impact on the public amid the cost-of-living crisis. Instead, Empty Property Reliefs, including those for listed buildings, could be targeted to help balance the books, as could funding for a number of organisations across the city.
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School, arts and sports budgets are thought to be at risk.
The local business community has already voiced concern about the negative impact of spending cuts on the north-east economy – particularly on the tourism front.
Concerns had been raised for the Fairer Aberdeen Fund, which lets communities have a say in how public money is spent.
Ruled out
But the P&J has revealed that SNP and Liberal Democrats in charge have ruled out any change on the cash targeted at tackling poverty and deprivation.
Over the last week, community groups have voiced anger at the proposals brought forward to save money.
Far-reaching cuts to the schooling budget have also been suggested.
Top brass suggested cutting the length of the school week, from 25 hours to 22.5 hours – which would have saved £495,000.
But Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville told the P&J she was “committed to protecting” the statutory 25 hours.
Now, the SNP and Liberal Democrats has ruled out going down that route – and confirmed there will be no cuts to teacher numbers either.
Music service
Equally unpopular has been the suggestion to remove the city’s music service, with running costs of £1.28million a year.
Last night, senior councillors confirmed the music tuition would be protected.
But other options, such as upping the cost of school meals and changing cleanliness standards at schools, remain on the table.
Eight more of Scotland’s 32 councils are today making final budget decisions for the financial year ahead.
