Agenda, decisions and minutes

(A)      The Lord Provost reminded members of the requirement to stand when speaking at Full Council unless they had been given permission to remain seated. He explained that if any members had difficulty in standing, they should let him know and he would be happy to give them permission to remain seated.

(B)      The Lord Provost also reminded members that the taking of photographs in the Chamber was prohibited, particularly in terms of mobile phones.

(C)      The Lord Provost led tributes to Avril MacKenzie who very sadly passed away on 1 December whilst a serving Councillor. The Lord Provost recalled meeting Avril in May 2017 when she had been elected for the first time and emphasised that he had always found her to be a very nice person to be around with a very pleasant and quiet demeanour.

Councillor Houghton thanked the Lord Provost for his kind sentiments and underlined that Avril had a rare set of qualities - she was kind, sincere and very generous with her time; she rarely put herself first. He explained that he first met Avril in 2016 when he was considering entering politics, and when she was elected in 2017 it was one of the proudest days of her life, she loved being a Councillor. He reminded members that the funeral was on 20 December, that all were welcome and added that his thoughts were with Avril’s brother and mother at this very sad time.

Councillors Al-Samarai, Greig, Crockett, Boulton and Stewart each paid their own personal tributes, recollecting many conversations and time spent with Avril and expressed their condolences to her family.

(D)      The Lord Provost advised that the City Chaplain Ron Flett was retiring and that he would be greatly missed. The Lord Provost highlighted the excellent work Ron had done over many years but particularly during the pandemic in terms of people’s mental health, and stated that he had always enjoyed chatting with him. He wished Ron a very happy retirement on behalf of the Council.

(E)      The Lord Provost highlighted that Cove Rangers Football Club were celebrating their centenary year and congratulated them on the achievement. The Lord Provost summarised their many successes from starting in the amateur leagues, to joining the junior ranks and then the Highland League in 1986, before gaining promotion to the Scottish Professional Football League in 2019, where they had been promoted twice and currently played in the Scottish Championship. The Lord Provost wished them every success in the future.

The Council resolved:-

to concur with the remarks of the Lord Provost and the various members.

The persons undermentioned were admitted into the presence of the Council and passed as Burgesses of Guild in respect of their respective Acts of Admission in the Guild Burgess Book:-

John Booth, Senior Executive, Aberdeen

Fiona Clark, Retired Local Authority Librarian, Aberdeen

The Lord Provost advised that he had accepted two late reports (Articles 33 and 34 of this minute refer) onto the agenda as matters of urgency in terms of Section 50B(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

The Council was requested to determine that the following items of business, which contained exempt information as described in Schedule 7(A) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, be taken in private:-

          11.1    City Centre Update - exempt appendix

          11.2    Work Plan and Business Cases - Revenue - exempt appendices

          11.3    Major Event Update

          11.4    European Pipe Band Championships

The Council resolved:-

in terms of Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, to exclude the press and public from the meeting during consideration of items 11.1, 11.2, 11.3 and 11.4 so as to avoid disclosure of exempt information of the classes described in paragraphs 6, 8 and 10 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

Councillor Hutchison advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda item 9.1 (City Centre Update) by reason of owning and living in a property within the George Street Masterplan footprint, however having applied the objective test he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting for that item. Councillor Hutchison declared  an interest in relation to agenda item 9.2 (George Street Mini Masterplan) for the same reason and stated that he would withdraw from the meeting for that item.

Councillor Henrickson advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda item 9.4 (Beachfront Masterplan - Short Term Intervention Update) by reason of being a very minor shareholder in Aberdeen Football Club, however having applied the objective test he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillor Cooke advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda items 9.4 and 9.5 (Beachfront Masterplan) by virtue of being an observer to the Board of Sport Aberdeen, however having applied the objective test he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillor Yuill advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda items 9.1, 9.2, 9.4 and 9.5 by reason of being a member of Cycling UK, however having applied the objective test he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillor Watson advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda item 9.6 (Statutory Function Review) as an employee of Unison, however he had had no dealings with the matter and having applied the objective test he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillor Grant declared an interest in relation to agenda items 9.3 (Vacant Units on Union Street - Action Plan) and 11.4 (European Pipe Band Championships) by reason of his employment by Aberdeen Inspired and stated that he would withdraw from the meeting for those items.

Councillor Grant advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda items 9.1, 9.2, 9.4 and 9.5 by virtue of his employment by Aberdeen Inspired, however having applied the objective test he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting for those items.

Councillors Ali, Brooks, Clark, Crockett, Grant, Macdonald, McRae, Malik and Tissera each advised that they had a connection in relation to agenda item 9.6 (Statutory Function Review) by virtue of being members of UNITE the Union, however having applied the objective test they did not consider that they had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillors Bonsell and Thomson advised that they had a connection in relation to agenda item 9.6 by virtue of being members of Unison, however having applied the objective test they did not consider that they had an interest and would not be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

1)    Item 9.1 - Lily and Lara - 3^rd year pupils at Bridge of Don Academy and Oldmachar Academy

2)    Item 9.4 - Tibeche - 4^th year pupil at Dyce Academy; and Agnes – Primary 7 pupil at St Peter’s Primary School

3)    Items 9.1, 9.2, 9.4 and 9.5 - Jon Barron

4)    Item 9.1 - Rachel Martin

(A)       The Council received a deputation from Lara, a third year pupil at Oldmachar Academy, and Lily, a second year pupil at Bridge of Don Academy, who spoke in connection with the City Centre Update report.

Lara explained that they had been involved in the City Centre and Beach Masterplan project since the summer and that she liked giving her views and opinions on things. She enjoyed visiting the Art Gallery and appreciated that it was free. Lara felt that the city centre needed more shops, particularly independent ones, and more places to eat that were not just fast food. She added that young people needed somewhere to go in town to hang out and not to have to pay anything - more museums would be good, where young people could learn more about the history of Aberdeen.

Lara felt that the plans for the city centre were beautiful and very important for the future of the city. She felt that young people were being listened to and she enjoyed sharing their work at World Children’s Day. She added that her involvement in the project had given her more confidence and she had made new friends. Lara hoped that young people would continue to be listened to and they would be able to go anywhere they wanted in the city centre. She concluded by requesting the Council to agree to the proposals within the report.

Lily agreed that being involved in the project had been an amazing experience and it was good that the consultation on the city centre wanted to make a difference for the city. She spoke about her own future and how she wanted to be an engineer and that it would be good to help make Aberdeen a cleaner city. Lily added that the project had also given her more confidence and she had made new friends.

Lily advised that she liked to go into town with her friends but she was unable to do so unsupervised as there were not many safe places to hang out. She felt it would be good to have a youth club in the city centre, or other places that were free where they could do activities. She added that the Christmas Village was great and she wished it could be open all year round. Lily felt it was important for the Council to listen to the views of young people and hoped that changes could be made in the city centre soon.

Members asked questions of Lara and Lily and thanked them for their deputation.

(B)       The Council next received a deputation from Tibeche, a third year pupil at Dyce Academy, who spoke in connection with the Beachfront Masterplan reports.

Tibeche first spoke on behalf of Agnes, a primary seven pupil at St Peter’s School, who was unable to be present. Agnes had enjoyed visiting the Beach Leisure Centre and the activities that they had done as part of the project. Agnes felt the proposed redevelopment of the beach  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Council had before it the minute of meeting of Aberdeen City Council of 13 October 2022.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the minute.

The Council had before it the minute of meeting of the Urgent Business Committee of 21 October 2022.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the minute.

With reference to the minute of meeting of the Guildry and Mortification Funds Committee of 5 December 2022, the Council had before it, by way of remit, a recommendation that the allowances paid from the Guildry fund to Burgesses of Guild, widows and widowers of Burgesses and children of Burgesses be increased by 5% to be backdated from 1 May 2022.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the 5% increase in annual allowances to be backdated from 1 May 2022.

The Council had before it the business planner as prepared by the Interim Chief Officer - Governance.

The Council resolved:-

(i)             to note that the Chief Officer - City Growth would report back on item 4 (Natural History Museum - Aberdeen) in the new year;

(ii)           to note that the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord would report back on item 5 (Wellington Road Multimodal Corridor) in the new year;

(iii)          to agree that item 8 (Performance Management Framework) be delayed until the beginning of 2023/24 following a review;

(iv)          to agree that item 28 (Scheme of Governance Review) be delayed to the Council meeting on 26 April 2023; and

(v)           to otherwise note the business planner.

The Council had before it the minute of meeting of the Capital Programme Committee of 6 October 2022.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the minute.

At this juncture, the Lord Provost advised that he would be taking the four Notices of Motion (items 10.1 to 10.4 on the agenda) as the next items before the general business.

That the Council:

(1)           Agrees that this Council confers the Freedom of the City of Aberdeen on the Aberdeen Football Club team who won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983 and also on Aberdeen Football Club who have been in the city since 1903.

(2)           Agrees that the achievement of this team, which culminated in winning the final in Gothenburg, Sweden, in May 1983 by beating Real Madrid, was worthy of recognition.

(3)           Agrees that the conferment ceremony should be planned to take place as part of the weekend celebration of the 40^th Anniversary of the win from 12^th to 14^th May 2023 currently being organised by Aberdeen Football Club and instructs the Interim Chief Officer - Governance to make any necessary arrangements on behalf of the Council in this regard.

[The notice of motion has been signed by 31 members, in accordance with Standing Order 12.18, as per the document within the agenda]

The Council had before it a notice of motion by the Lord Provost in the following terms:-

          That the Council:

(1)       Agrees that this Council confers the Freedom of the City of Aberdeen on the Aberdeen Football Club team who won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983 and also on Aberdeen Football Club who have been in the city since 1903.

(2)       Agrees that the achievement of this team, which culminated in winning the final in Gothenburg, Sweden, in May 1983 by beating Real Madrid, was worth of recognition.

(3)       Agrees that the conferment ceremony should be planned to take place as part of the weekend celebration of the 40^th Anniversary of the win from 12^th to 14^th May 2023 currently being organised by Aberdeen Football Club and instructs the Interim Chief Officer - Governance to make any necessary arrangements on behalf of the Council in this regard.

The Lord Provost advised that when the agenda was published, 31 members had signed the notice of motion in terms of Standing Order 12.18, however a further 6 members had since signed the notice of motion.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the notice of motion.

That Council:-

Notes with concern that notification of strike action has been received from four of the teacher’s unions.

Agrees that young people’s education has been severely impacted by the pandemic and that teachers are key to successful recovery.

Agrees that hard working teachers across Scotland have gone above and beyond as a result of the pandemic but also as a result of years of mismanagement and neglect by the Scottish Government.

Recognises that this is a national dispute which can only be resolved by SNP Ministers at Holyrood.

Calls for COSLA to press the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills urging them to do everything possible to avoid or minimise industrial action and its impact upon our children, young people, parents and guardians.

Instructs the Chief Executive to formally write to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills noting the Council’s concerns for the education of our children and young people if the Scottish Government cannot reach a settlement in this dispute and to urgently produce a fair deal for teachers.

The Council had before it a notice of motion by Councillor Blake in the following terms:-

          That Council:-

Notes with concern that notification of strike action has been received from four of the teacher’s unions.

Agrees that young people’s education has been severely impacted by the pandemic and that teachers are key to successful recovery.

Agrees that hard working teachers across Scotland have gone above and beyond as a result of the pandemic but also as a result of years of mismanagement and neglect by the Scottish Government.

Recognises that this is a national dispute which can only be resolved by SNP Ministers at Holyrood.

Calls for COSLA to press the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills urging them to do everything possible to avoid or minimise industrial action and its impact upon our children, young people, parents and guardians.

Instructs the Chief Executive to formally write to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills noting the Council’s concerns for the education of our children and young people if the Scottish Government cannot reach a settlement in this dispute and to urgently produce a fair deal for teachers.

The Council resolved:-

to refer the notice of motion to the Finance and Resources Committee. 

That Council:-

1.            Notes the summit held on 9 November 2022 concerning the future of Aberdeen City Centre. 

2.            Notes the unanimous decision of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee in June 2017 to set aside up to £4.2million to be utilised for a non-domestic rates local transition scheme. 

3.            Agrees the damaging effect of Scottish Government controlled Non-Domestic Rates has had as another decisive factor in the deterioration of the high street despite temporary mitigation measures. 

4.            Notes that only legislation by the Scottish Parliament will structurally change the scheme of Non-Domestic Rates in Scotland and that the council lacks the powers to change the rates for businesses.

5.            Agrees that the power to provide business rate relief already lies with the Council.

6.                 Therefore instructs the Chief Officer - City Growth, following consultation with the Chief Officer - Customer Experience and Chief Officer -  Finance, to report to the next Council meeting providing details on a range of options and costings for a ‘business rates exemption zone’ within the city centre. 

The Council had before it a notice of motion by Councillor Houghton in the following terms:-

          That Council:-

1.    Notes the summit held on 9 November 2022 concerning the future of Aberdeen City Centre.

2.    Notes the unanimous decision of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee in June 2017 to set aside up to £4.2million to be utilised for a non-domestic rates local transition scheme.

3.    Agrees the damaging effect of Scottish Government controlled Non-Domestic Rates has had as another decisive factor in the deterioration of the high street despite temporary mitigation measures.

4.    Notes that only legislation by the Scottish Parliament will structurally change the scheme of Non-Domestic Rates in Scotland and that the Council lacks the powers to change the rates for businesses.

5.    Agrees that the power to provide business rate relief already lies with the Council.

6.    Therefore instructs the Chief Officer - City Growth, following consultation with the Chief Officer - Customer Experience and Chief Officer - Finance, to report to the next Council meeting providing details on a range of options and costings for a ‘business rates exemption zone’ within the city centre.

The Council resolved:-

to refer the notice of motion to the budget process. 

That the Council:-

1.    Congratulates all involved with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Big Noise Torry’s ‘side-by-side’ concert at the Music Hall on 13 October 2022 where they performed Danzón No2 by popular Mexican composer Arturo Márquez, conducted by Christian Reif;

2.    Notes that Big Noise Torry launched in July 2015 and was Sistema Scotland’s third orchestra centre;

3.    Understands Big Noise Torry uses the symphony orchestra as a community through which local children gain valuable life skills and experiences, such as developing confidence and teamwork; and

4.    Applauds this impressive event, and the amazing work that Big Noise Torry continues to do to support young people and their families.

The Council had before it a notice of motion by Councillor Kusznir in the following terms:-

          That the Council:-

1.    Congratulates all involved with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Big Noise Torry’s ‘side-by-side’ concert at the Music Hall on 13 October 2022 where they performed Danzón No2 by popular Mexican composer Arturo Márquez, conducted by Christian Reif;

2.    Notes that Big Noise Torry launched in July 2015 and was Sistema Scotland’s third orchestra centre;

3.    Understands Big Noise Torry uses the symphony orchestra as a community through which local children gain valuable life skills and experiences, such as developing confidence and teamwork; and

4.    Applauds this impressive event, and the amazing work that Big Noise Torry continues to do to support young people and their families.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the notice of motion.

Please note Appendix C to the report is exempt and is contained at item 11.1

With reference to Article 2 of the minute of its meeting of 25 August 2022, the Council had before it a report by the Director of Resources which provided updates on a number of projects in the city centre.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

Streetscape Programme

(a)           agree the Streetscape Full Business Case (Appendix B) and instruct the Director of Resources, following consultation with the Chief Officer - Commercial & Procurement and Chief Officer - Capital, to proceed with the negotiation and execution of contracts for delivery of the following programmes in the first instance and to report progress to the Finance and Resources Committee on a 6 monthly basis from the date of this report:

a)    Union Street Central

b)    Market Streetscape Phase 1

c)    Schoolhill/Upperkirkgate;

(b)           instruct the Director of Resources to progress with developing the remaining streetscape programmes and bring forward for Council consideration and approval an update to the Full Business Case in (a) above following conclusion of design, planning and consultation stages on the below programmes by December 2023:

a)      Union Street East & Castlegate and Justice Street

b)      Union Street West & West End

c)      Market Streetscape Phases 2 and 3;

(c)           note the instruction from the October 2020 City Growth and Resources Committee that the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning develop the Outline Business Case for the A944/A9119 Multimodal Corridor Study Medium/High Delivery Package (which included proposals for improved cycle infrastructure between Westhill and Aberdeen City Centre) and instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to report back the Outline Business Case for the A9119 cycle route (Carden Place (including Queens Cross Roundabout), Skene Street and Rosemount Viaduct), currently being progressed via the Bus Partnership Fund, by December 2023, in order to provide an active travel link from the West End into the heart of the City Centre;

(d)           instruct the Chief Officer - Capital not to proceed with a traffic signal-controlled junction at the Broad Street/Upperkirkgate/Gallowgate Junction, in view of the impending changes within the proposed City Centre Masterplan;

(e)           instruct the Chief Officer - Capital following consultation with the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to consult with stakeholders and funders to review current safety concerns with a view to making a recommendation to help mitigate any concerns in the context of the City Centre Masterplan;

(f)             approve the allocation of additional revenue funds to the Roads maintenance budget of £16,700 from 2024/25 onwards, which was required to maintain the infrastructure change as detailed in paragraph 4.1 of the report;

Building Conditions/ Occupancy

(g)           note the update on Union Street Building Condition Implementation Plan Pilot Project and instruct the Director of Resources to report progress to Council in June 2023;

(h)           note the content of the Strategic Outline Case Upper Floor use options at 101-103 Union Street (Appendix G) and instruct the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord to continue to review and report back by August 2023;

Aberdeen Market

(i)             note the business case for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

In accordance with Article 5 of the minute, Councillor Hutchison left the meeting for the following item of business

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which presented a Draft Mini Masterplan for the George Street area.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)           approve the content of the Draft George Street Mini Masterplan (Appendix 1) and note the engagement undertaken with stakeholders to date (Appendix 2);

(b)           note the content of the Draft George Street Mini Masterplan Strategic Environmental Assessment Draft Scoping Report (Appendix 3) and note that an Environmental Report would be prepared to accompany the George Street Mini Masterplan;

(c)           instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to publish the Draft George Street Mini Masterplan and associated Strategic Environmental Assessment for a 6-week public consultation period in early 2023; and

(d)           instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to report the outcomes of the public consultation on the Draft George Street Mini Masterplan back to Council by December 2023, including any recommended revisions to the Draft Mini Masterplan.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.  

In accordance with Article 5 of the minute, Councillor Grant left the meeting for the following item of business

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which sought approval of an Action Plan to support the re-population of empty units on Union Street.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          note the Union Street Empty Shops Action Plan provided in Appendix 1 to the report;

(b)          note the role of a number of city centre stakeholders in developing the proposals in the Plan and the support provided by the Council to some of those organisations;

(c)          instruct the Chief Officer - City Growth to support stakeholders to implement the proposed actions in the Plan where appropriate;

(d)          instruct the Chief Officer - City Growth, in consultation with the Director of Resources, to develop a grant scheme of £500,000 to support the reconfiguration of empty shops on Union Street for confirmed occupancy, subject to the Council’s budget setting process for 2023/24; and

(e)          instruct the Chief Officer - City Growth to report back on progress of the Plan to the Finance and Resources Committee in early 2024.

Councillor Nicoll moved, seconded by Councillor Yuill:-

That the Council approve the recommendations contained within the report.

Councillor Houghton moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Kusznir:-

That the Council agree the recommendations contained within the report subject to the following change:

(d) instruct the Chief Officer - City Growth, following consultation with the Chief Officer - Finance, to develop a grant scheme of £1m to support the reconfiguration of empty shops on Union Street for confirmed occupancy, subject to the Council’s budget setting process for 2023/24. 

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion  (34)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Al-Samarai, Ali, Allard, Alphonse, Blake, Bonsell, Bouse, Hazel Cameron, Clark, Cooke, Copland, Cormie, Crockett, Davidson, Fairfull, Graham, Greig, Henrickson, Hutchison, Macdonald, MacGregor, McLellan, McRae, Malik, Mennie, Nicoll, Radley, van Sweeden, Thomson, Tissera, Watson and Yuill.

For the amendment  (9)  -  Councillors Boulton, Brooks, Cross, Farquhar, Houghton, Kusznir, McLeod, Massey and Stewart.

Absent from the division  (1)  -  Councillor Grant.

The Council resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

With reference to Article 2 of the minute of its meeting of 25 August 2022, the Council had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which provided updates specifically on the preparation of the Beachfront Masterplan Phase A works (Urban Park, Events Park and Broadhill Landscaping and Structures) progression through to Full Business Case (FBC).

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          note the update from the Chief Officer - Commercial & Procurement on progress of the short-term interventions to FBC: Urban Park, Events Park and Broadhill Landscaping and Structures;

(b)          note the update from the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning on the 6 week consultation period carried out on the Draft Development Framework; accompanying Environmental Report; the findings of the resulting Engagement Report and agree that an updated Development Framework be reported back to the Council meeting on 26 April 2023;

(c)          instruct the Chief Officer - Commercial & Procurement to progress with all relevant statutory consents that would be needed to be obtained before any works proceed, and start early discussion with the Planning Authority prior to any applications being submitted; and

(d)          instruct the Chief Officer - Commercial & Procurement to take the Beachfront Masterplan Phase A Works to Full Business Case (FBC) and report the FBC to Council on 23 August 2023.

The Council resolved:-

(i)           to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)          to note that the Director of Resources would co-ordinate a response to the questions from the Disability Equity Partnership and circulate the response to Councillors upon the relevant correspondence being passed to him.

With reference to Article 2 of the minute of its meeting of 25 August 2022, the Council had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which provided updates on preparation of the Beachfront Development Framework as well as a number of key projects which were progressing through to either Outline Business Case (OBC) or Full Business Case (FBC).

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          note the update from the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning on the 6 week consultation period carried out on the Draft Development Framework and accompanying Environmental Report and the findings of the resulting Engagement Report and agree that an updated Development Framework be reported back to the Council meeting on 26 April 2023;

(b)          instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to retain Spaces for People measures until they were replaced with a finalised scheme and advertise any required Temporary Traffic Regulation Order;

(c)          note the update from the Chief Officer - Commercial & Procurement on progress of the medium-term interventions to OBC: Pedestrian Spine, Beach Boulevard, New Canopies, Landscape Mounding, Reconfigured Beach Landscaping;

(d)          instruct the Chief Officer - Commercial & Procurement to report progress of the OBC for the medium-term interventions listed in (c) above to Council on 26 April 2023;

(e)          note the update from the Chief Officer - Commercial & Procurement on progress of the longer-term interventions - Beach Village, Slipway, Boardwalk, Beach Ballroom, New Leisure Facility and Energy Centre and Stadium;

(f)           instruct the Chief Officer - Commercial & Procurement to include all the longer term interventions listed at (e) above within the Beach Masterplan in the interim for review during the annual budget cycle and/or as funding became available;

(g)          note the update from the Chief Officer - Commercial & Procurement on progress of the City Centre to Beach Connectivity to OBC: Justice Street Roundabout;

(h)          instruct the Chief Officer - Commercial & Procurement to report progress of the OBC for the medium-term intervention listed in (g) above to Council on 26 April 2023;

(i)            note the update from the Chief Officer - Commercial & Procurement in conjunction with the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services on progress of coastal protection studies and design development to inform the OBC;

(j)            instruct the Chief Officer - Commercial & Procurement to report progress of the OBC for the medium term intervention listed in (i) above to Council on 26 April 2023; and

(k)          instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to explore options for implementing physically segregated cycle tracks within the designated Beach Masterplan where possible to do so and report back to Council on 26 April 2023.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Council had before it a report by the Chief Executive which provided an update on the ongoing review of local authority statutory functions.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          note the progress to date on the Statutory Function Review; and

(b)          instruct the Chief Executive and Chief Officer - Governance to discuss with the Scottish Government opportunities to transfer functions through legislative change and to report back to Council on any specific opportunities proposed to be progressed.

Councillor Nicoll moved, seconded by Councillor Yuill:-

That the Council approve the recommendations contained within the report.

Councillor Tissera moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Crockett:-

            That the Council take no action.

During the course of debate, Councillor Yuill advised that he had a connection in relation to the matter by virtue of his appointment by the Council to the Board of NHS Grampian, however having applied the objective test he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion  (31)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Al-Samarai, Allard, Alphonse, Bouse, Brooks, Hazel Cameron, Clark, Cooke, Copland, Cormie, Cross, Davidson, Fairfull, Farquhar, Greig, Henrickson, Houghton, Hutchison, Kusznir, MacGregor, McLellan, McLeod, McRae, Massey, Mennie, Nicoll, Radley, van Sweeden and Yuill.

For the amendment  (11)  -  Councillors Ali, Blake, Bonsell, Crockett, Graham, Grant, Macdonald, Malik, Thomson, Tissera and Watson.

Declined to vote  (2)  -  Councillors Boulton and Stewart.

The Council resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which provided an update on activity in relation to trusts to which the Council was connected and sought approval of proposed constitutional documents.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          note the activity, as detailed in the report, undertaken in relation to trusts to which the Council was connected;

(b)          approve, as sole trustee of Lands of Torry (charity number SC021299), the proposed constitution for that charity in Appendix E;

(c)          approve, as sole trustee of Lands of Skene (charity number SC018533), the proposed constitution for that charity in Appendix F;

(d)          approve, as sole trustee of City of Aberdeen Council Guildry & Mortification Funds (charity number SC011857), the proposed constitution for that charity in Appendix G;

(e)          instruct the Chief Officer - Governance to submit the proposed constitutions in Appendices E, F and G to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) for its approval; authorise that Chief Officer to make any amendments to those constitutions, prior to such OSCR approval being obtained, which that Chief Officer considered to be appropriate; and instruct that Chief Officer to take any necessary steps, following such OSCR approval being obtained, to bring those constitutions into effect; and

(f)           instruct the Chief Officer - Governance to bring a further update report to Council no later than December 2023 on future activity in relation to trusts to which the Council was connected.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

With reference to Article 9 of the minute of its meeting of 24 August 2022, the Council had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which provided an update on discussions with the Scottish Government and COSLA and latest developments on the establishment of buffer zones and the gathering of evidence to support either a buffer zone or a byelaw.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)           note the ongoing initiatives and the evidence gathered to date; and

(b)           instruct the Interim Chief Officer - Governance to continue to liaise with the Scottish Government and COSLA and provide a service update on the outcome of the Supreme Court Decision.

The Interim Chief Officer - Governance advised the Council that since publication of the report, the judgement of the Supreme Court on the Northern Ireland Bill had been received. The Interim Chief Officer - Governance advised that she would be seeking approval of the same recommendations within the report, with a service update to be provided once officers had been able to review the judgement in full. She advised that notwithstanding the Supreme Court decision, there was insufficient evidence to implement a local byelaw for buffer zones and the risk of legal and financial challenge of doing so in Aberdeen was high. However, she added, the Scottish Government was proceeding with a view to implementing similar legislation, therefore supporting the national approach would ensure a consistent approach across the whole of Scotland, rather than individual Councils implementing different byelaws.

At this juncture, Councillor Yuill advised that he had a connection in relation to the matter by virtue of his appointment by the Council to the Board of NHS Grampian, however having applied the objective test he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillor Houghton advised that he also had a connection in relation to the matter as his partner was a doctor with NHS Grampian, however having applied the objective test he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillor Radley moved, seconded by Councillor Greig:-

That the Council approve the recommendations contained within the report.

Councillor Tissera moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Farquhar:-

          That the Council -

Notes the unanimous judgement from the UK’s highest Court relating to buffer zones in Northern Ireland.

Notes that at a specially requisitioned meeting on 13 July 2022, the Council resolved to instruct the Chief Officer - Governance to liaise with the Scottish Government and COSLA to explore options to establish protest-free buffer zones including but not limited to potentially implementing a local byelaw.

Agrees the judgement from the Supreme Court is a positive affirmation of women and girls, rights to protection from harassment when accessing these services. Agrees to continue to lobby the Scottish government to introduce Scottish Buffer Zone legislation at pace.

Agrees to instruct the Chief Officer - Governance to gather evidence necessary for a byelaw and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

Please note appendices 2 and 4 to this report are exempt and are contained at item 11.2

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which presented a procurement work plan where expenditure was included for the Operations and Customer Functions for review and sought approval of the total estimated expenditure for the proposed contract as contained in the Procurement Business Case appended to the report.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)           review the workplan as detailed in the appendices for the Operations and Customer Functions;

(b)           approve the procurement business case, including the total estimated expenditure for the proposed contract; and

(c)           note the content of Appendix 3 - 3.10 Memos (Exemption Urgency).

The Council resolved:-

(i)             to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)           to note that the Chief Officer - Integrated Children’s and Family Services would provide a service update on the development of an alliance for the future commissioning of early intervention services in the autumn of 2023.

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Resources which provided an update on Treasury Management activities undertaken to date during financial year 2022/23.

The report recommended:-

that the Council note the Treasury Management activities undertaken in the 2022/23 financial year as detailed in the report.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Resources which detailed the review of parking charges within Aberdeen as it compared to other local authorities and other local providers and recommended a structure of charges for future years.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)           instruct the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to carry out the necessary actions to increase on-street and off-street parking charges by 10% from 1 April 2023 and 5% each following year for four years; and

(b)           instruct the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to carry out the necessary actions to amend the pricing structure of Resident Parking Permits as per Table 1 of the report from 1 April 2023 and 5% each of the following years for four years.

At this juncture, the Council agreed to suspend Standing Order 40.2 to allow the meeting to continue beyond six hours.

Councillor McLellan moved, seconded by Councillor Yuill:-

          That the Council -

(1)       instruct the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to carry out the necessary actions to increase on-street and off-street parking charges by 10% from 1 April 2023; and

(2)       instruct the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to carry out the necessary actions to amend the pricing structure of Resident Parking Permits as per Table 1 of the report, from 1 April 2023.

Councillor Houghton moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Kusznir:-

          That the Council refer the matter to the budget process.

Councillor Boulton moved as a further amendment, seconded by Councillor Farquhar:-

That the Council refer the matter to the budget process and include options to allow for 2 hours on-street parking.

During the course of summing up, Councillor Houghton advised that he was willing to accept the 2 hours on-street parking element of Councillor Boulton’s amendment into a combined amendment and this was accepted.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion  (24)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Al-Samarai, Allard, Alphonse, Bouse, Hazel Cameron, Clark, Cooke, Copland, Cormie, Davidson, Fairfull, Greig, Henrickson, Hutchison, MacGregor, McLellan, McRae, Mennie, Nicoll, Radley, van Sweeden and Yuill.

For the amendment  (20)  -  Councillors Ali, Blake, Bonsell, Boulton, Brooks, Crockett, Cross, Farquhar, Graham, Grant, Houghton, Kusznir, Macdonald, McLeod, Malik, Massey, Stewart, Thomson, Tissera and Watson.

The Council resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Customer Services which provided members with the Fairer Aberdeen Fund Annual Report 2021-22.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)           note the Fairer Aberdeen Annual Report for 2021-22 appended to the report and the positive impact that had been made to lives of people in Aberdeen; and

(b)           instruct the Director of Customer Services to congratulate the Fairer Aberdeen Board and their volunteers for the work they have done and their many successes.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Customer Services which presented the Annual Report on progress against the North, South and Central Locality Plans 2021/22.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)           approve the Locality Plans Annual Report 2021/2022;

(b)           agree for publication and circulation of the Locality Plans Annual Report 2021/2022 to all partners; and

(c)           note that an easy read version of the Annual Report would be produced.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

Please note that Appendix 3 to this item can be accessed here

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which presented the results of the Examination Report on the Aberdeen Local Development Plan (the Plan), the table of modification arising from the report and the Plan as modified for adoption. In addition, there was an updated Environmental Report comprising a Strategic Environmental Assessment and a Habitats Regulation Appraisal as required by legislation.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          approve the modifications made to the Proposed Aberdeen Local Development Plan, as set out in Appendix 1, and any minor drafting changes;

(b)          instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to notify the Scottish Ministers of the Council’s intention to adopt the Aberdeen Local Development Plan as modified; and

(c)          agree to adopt the Aberdeen Local Development Plan unless directed otherwise by Scottish Ministers and instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to undertake the statutory procedures set out in Appendix 4.

The Council resolved:-

(i)           to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)          to thank officers for their work in relation to the Aberdeen Local Development Plan.

Please note that Appendix 1 to this item can be accessed here

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which presented draft Aberdeen Planning Guidance and Supplementary Guidance to the emerging Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2023 for approval and consultation.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          approve the draft Aberdeen Planning Guidance and Supplementary Guidance documents set out in Appendix 1 and instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to publish them, subject to any minor drafting changes, for a six-week period of public consultation;

(b)          instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to report the results of the public consultation and any proposed revisions to the draft Aberdeen Planning Guidance and Supplementary Guidance documents to Members at a subsequent meeting of Full Council within 12 months of the consultation ending;

(c)          instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to consult the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Gateway on associated SEA Screening Reports for the draft Aberdeen Planning Guidance documents, and to publicise the result of the Screening Determinations via a public notice;

(d)          adopt the draft Aberdeen Planning Guidance and Supplementary Guidance documents as Interim Planning Advice from the date of adoption of the Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2023; and

(e)          instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to make any minor technical drafting updates which may be required to other existing non-statutory planning guidance.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

In accordance with Article 4 of the minute, the Council considered the following items of business with the press and public excluded

With reference to Article 16 of this minute, the Council had before it an exempt appendix relating to the City Centre Update report.

The Council resolved:-

to note the appendix. 

With reference to Article 24 of this minute, the Council had before it exempt appendices relating to the Work Plan and Business Cases - Revenue report.

The Council resolved:-

to note the appendices. 

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which provided an update on discussions regarding Aberdeen’s potential involvement in a major event.

At this juncture, Councillor Yuill advised that he had a connection in relation to the item as a member of a specific organisation, however having applied the objective test he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendations in the exempt report.

In accordance with Article 5 of the minute, Councillor Grant left the meeting for the following item of business

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which provided an update on discussions with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) for Aberdeen to host the European Pipe Band Championships in June 2023 and sought approval to host the competition at Duthie Park.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)           note the financial implications and risks of hosting the event described in section 4 of the report and approve a budget of up to £160,000 to deliver the event from the Council’s Common Good budget for 2023/24;

(b)           instruct the Chief Officer - City Growth to submit a bid for Aberdeen City Council to host the event in June 2023;

And, if the outcome of the bid is successful:

(c)           instruct the Chief Officer - City Growth to work with the promoters and stakeholders to deliver the event; and

(d)           instruct the Chief Officer - Commercial and Procurement, following consultation with the Chief Officer - City Growth, Chief Officer - Finance and Chief Officer - Governance, and the Convener and Vice Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee to:

(i)             negotiate and conclude all agreements and related with the RSPBA; and

(ii)            approve any related procurements including approval of expenditure within the budget proposed.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.