Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

(A)       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:-

            Colin Alexander Black, Managing Director, Aberdeen

            Robert Keiller, Consultant and Retired CEO, Aberdeen

            John Charles Otto, Consultant, Aberdeen

            Dr Irene Watt, Ethnomusicologist and Musician, Aberdeen

(B)       The person undermentioned was admitted into the presence of the Council and passed as a Burgess of Guild by right of their father’s/mother’s status as a Free Burgess:-

            Dr Lynne Taylor, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Aberdeen

(C)       The persons undermentioned were admitted into the presence of the Council and passed as a Burgess of the Burgh of Aberdeen of their own craft only:-

            Richard Cairney, Tailor, Aberdeen

            Elaine Gowans, Weaver, Aberdeen

            David Alan Ross, Baker, Aberdeen

            David Ross, Shoemaker, Aberdeen

            Ken Scott, Hammerman, Aberdeen

            Josie Steed, Tailor, Aberdeen

            David Suttie, Shoemaker, Aberdeen

The Lord Provost advised that he had accepted an urgent notice of motion by Councillor Yuill (Article 25 of this minute refers) onto the agenda as a matter of urgency in terms of Section 50B(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

At this juncture, the Lord Provost advised that he would be bringing forward item 8.1 (Council Business Planner) and all items of General Business (items 9.1 to 9.5) ahead of the two Referrals from Committees (items 7.1 and 7.2)

The Council was requested to determine that the following item 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    Work Plan and Business Cases - Revenue - exempt appendices

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 item 11.1 so as to avoid disclosure of exempt information of the class described in paragraph 8 of Schedule 7A of the Act.

Councillor Yuill declared an interest in relation to agenda item 10.3 (Notice of Motion by Councillor Bonsell) by virtue of his position as a Council appointed member of the Board of NHS Grampian and advised that he would leave the meeting prior to consideration of the item.

Councillor Yuill advised that he had connections in relation to agenda items 10.7 and 10.8 (Notices of Motion by Councillors Kusznir and Thomson) by virtue of being a member of Cycling UK and also as a member of the AA (Automobile Association), however having applied the objective test he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillor Thomson advised that she had a connection in relation to agenda item 10.3 as a member of Unison and also as an employee at the Foresterhill site, however having applied the objective test she did not consider that she had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillor Watson declared an interest in relation to agenda item 10.3 by virtue of his employment by Unison as a Regional Organiser which meant he represented staff at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and advised that he would leave the meeting prior to consideration of the item.

Councillor Houghton advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda item 10.3 by reason of his partner being a doctor at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, however having applied the objective test he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillor Hutchison advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda item 10.1 (Notice of Motion by Councillor Ali) by reason of his brother being a police officer with Police Scotland, however 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 item 10.4 (Notice of Motion by Councillor Boulton) by virtue of being an employee of Aberdeen Inspired and advised that he would leave the meeting prior to consideration of the item.

Councillor Nicoll advised that he had connections in relation to agenda item 10.1 by reason of being a retired police officer and agenda item 10.6 (Notice of Motion by Councillor Brooks) as a member of the Piper Alpha Inquiry Team and his involvement in recovering, identifying and repatriating some of the victims of the Piper Alpha Disaster in his role at that time, 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 item 7.2 (Finance and Resources Committee Referral) by reason of his position as 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 Bonsell advised that she had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

The Council had before it the minute of meeting of Aberdeen City Council of 26 April 2023.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the minute.

The Council had before it the minute of the adjourned meeting of Aberdeen City Council of 4 May 2023.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the minute.

The Council had before it the minute of meeting of Aberdeen City Council of 12 May 2023.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the minute.

The Council had before it the minute of meeting of the Urgent Business Committee of 23 May 2023.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the minute.

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

The Council resolved:-

(i)           to remove item 5 (Aberdeen Christmas Village) from the business planner as it had been reported to the Finance and Resources Committee;

(ii)          to note that item 6 (Annual Procurement Performance Report) had been delayed and would be reported to the Council meeting in August 2023;

(iii)         to note that item 11 (Aberdeen Market) had been delayed and would be reported to the Council meeting in August 2023; and

(iv)         to otherwise note the business planner.

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

The report recommended:-

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

The Council resolved:-

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

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which presented a revised Performance Management Framework which reflected the Local Outcome Improvement Plan and the Council’s commissioning intentions, as set out within the Council Delivery Plan 2023/24.

The report recommended:-

that the Council approve the revised Performance Management Framework for 2023/24 as detailed in Appendix A.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which presented procurement work plans where expenditure was included for the Commissioning and Customer functions for review and sought approval of the total estimated expenditure for the proposed contracts as contained within the Procurement Business Cases appended to the report.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)          review the workplan as detailed in the appendices for the Commissioning and Customer functions; and

(b)          approve the procurement business cases, including the total estimated expenditure for the proposed contracts.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.  

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which informed of a Direction issued by Scottish Ministers requiring modifications to be made to the Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2023 prior to adoption and advised that accepting the modifications would allow the Council to adopt the Plan.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)           instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to confirm to Scottish Ministers that the planning authority would accept the modifications to the Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2023 as outlined in their Direction letter of 10 May 2023 (Appendix 1); and

(b)           instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to proceed to adopt the Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2023, as modified (Appendix 2) and to undertake the statutory procedures set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report.

At this juncture, the Council moved into private session to receive an update from the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning, following which a number of questions were asked by members and responded to by the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning and the Interim Chief Officer - Governance (Legal). The Council then moved back into public session.

Councillor Bouse moved, seconded by Councillor Radley:-

          That the Council approve the recommendations.

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

          That Council:-

(1)       instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to delay responding to Scottish Ministers that the planning authority will accept the modifications to the Aberdeen Local Development Plan (LDP) 2023 as outlined in their Direction letter of 10 May 2023 (Appendix 1);

(2)       agree the LDP was prepared prior to NPF4 being adopted, in accordance with transitional arrangements. Therefore, agree despite these modifications this is not an LDP which has been prepared pursuant to the policies in NPF4;

(3)       agree Members voted for the adoption of the LDP in December 2022 on the basis of NPF3 and not NPF4;

(4)       agree that the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (Commencement No. 12. And Saving Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2023 states that where LDPs have reached the stage where their proposed LDP has been published in a local newspaper before 12 February 2023, they shall continue to be adopted under the provisions of the 1997 Act;

(5)       therefore, given Councillors were only provided with legal advice on Monday 12 June at 2.45pm, Council has had no time to digest the legal advice and come to a proper conclusion on the risks associated with a possible Judicial Review; and

(6)       instruct the Chief Officer - Strategic Place Planning to address our concerns in our amendment and to address the legal advice provided and bring back the LDP for ratification or otherwise to the Council meeting in August 2023.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion  (23)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Al-Samarai, Allard, 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  (18)  -  Councillors Ali,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

The Council had before it a report by the Director of Commissioning which summarised the annual review of the Scheme of Governance and made recommendations for improvement.

The report recommended:-

that the Council -

(a)           approve Appendix C, Committee Terms of Reference, with effect from 19 June 2023;

(b)           approve Appendix D, Powers Delegated to Officers, with effect from 19 June 2023, and delegate authority to the Interim Chief Officer - Governance (Assurance) to make any further changes to Appendix 1 of that document necessary to reflect such approval;

(c)           approve Appendix E, Standing Orders for Council, Committee and Sub Committee Meetings, with effect from 19 June 2023;

(d)           approve Appendix F, Financial Regulations, with effect from 19 June 2023;

(e)           approve Appendix G, Procurement Regulations, with effect from 19 June 2023;

(f)             approve Appendix H, Member Officer Relations Protocol, with effect from 19 June 2023;

(g)           note that there were no changes to the Local Code of Corporate Governance;

(h)           note the minutes of the Governance Reference Group of 27 April, 9 May and 1 June 2023;

(i)             approve Appendix I, the Budget Protocol, with immediate effect, and instruct the Chief Officer - Finance to carry out a formal review of the Protocol following approval of the Council’s budget for 2024/25, and report back to Council on any lessons learned;

(j)             instruct the Chief Officer - Early Intervention and Community Empowerment to review the Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) template and related process and make any changes necessary, and thereafter arrange training for officers and elected members, including a focus on giving due regard to protected characteristics;

(k)           instruct the Interim Chief Officer - Governance (Assurance) to, following consultation with the Co-Leaders, make all other amendments to the Scheme of Governance necessary to reflect the decisions taken by the Council at this meeting in relation to this report; and also instruct that Chief Officer to review the use of the term “customer” within the Scheme of Governance and, in that regard, make changes to that Scheme as appropriate;

(l)             note the resignations referred to in paragraph 6.1 and appoint a Convener of the Planning Development Management Committee and Vice Convener of the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee with immediate effect;

(m)         appoint an Older People’s Champion; and

(n)           agree to cease membership of KIMO UK, and by extension KIMO International, at the end of this financial year in line with paragraphs 7.2 and 7.3 of the report.

Councillor Radley moved, seconded by Councillor Greig:-

          That Council -

(i)         approve Appendix C, Committee Terms of Reference, with effect from 19 June 2023;

(ii)        approve Appendix D, Powers Delegated to Officers, with effect from 19 June 2023, and delegate authority to the Interim Chief Officer - Governance (Assurance) to make any further changes to Appendix 1 of that document necessary to reflect such approval;

(iii)       approve Appendix E, Standing Orders for Council, Committee and Sub Committee Meetings, with effect from 19 June 2023;

(iv)      approve Appendix F, Financial Regulations, with effect  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

With reference to Article 5 of the minute of meeting of the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee of 16 May 2023, the Council had before it a notice of motion by Councillor Tissera in the terms below, which had been referred to it by five members of the Committee in accordance with Standing Order 34.1.

          That the Council:-

(1)       notes the decision taken by the Administration to deny the public a voice at the last Council meeting;

(2)       notes the Administration have agreed to shut 6 well-loved libraries in our city, 2 of which are in the ward of Councillor Hazel Cameron;

(3)       notes that libraries are community facilities with many uses, including helping teach children to read and notes Aberdeen City Council’s active support for libraries on their website specifically saying children are never too young to join the library;

(4)       notes the words used by Councillor Hazel Cameron when defending library closures “that buildings will not teach your children to read” and strongly disagrees with this position; and

(5)       affirms the benefits of libraries in helping children learn to read.

The Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee resolved to take no action.

Councillor Tissera moved, seconded by Councillor Bonsell:-

          That the Council approve the notice of motion.

Councillor Radley moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Greig:-

          That the Council take no action.

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

(1)   agrees that the closure of the six libraries will have a detrimental impact on all demographics. Public libraries are essential in providing access to books, improving literacy, tackling social isolation and supporting mental health and wellbeing, as evidenced by the Scottish Government;

(2)   libraries play a key role in supporting the current digital strategies in Scotland by providing free access for people unable to get online at home, delivering substantial democratic, social and economic benefits to citizens and communities, as well as helping people to search and apply for jobs and welfare; and

(3)   instructs the Chief Officer - Early Intervention and Community Empowerment to include the closed libraries as part of the overall review.

There being a motion and two amendments, the Council first divided between the motion and the amendment proposing no action, in terms of Standing Order 29.20. If the amendment proposing no action carried, no further vote would take place. If the amendment proposing no action did not carry, a second vote would take place between the motion and the second amendment.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion  (13)  -  Councillors Ali, Blake, Bonsell, Crockett, Graham, Grant, Lawrence, Macdonald, Malik, Massey, Thomson, Tissera and Watson.

For the amendment by Councillor Radley  (23)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Al-Samarai, Allard, Bouse, Hazel Cameron, Clark, Cooke, Copland, Cormie, Davidson, Fairfull, Greig, Henrickson, Hutchison, MacGregor, McLellan, McRae, Mennie, Nicoll, Radley, van Sweeden and Yuill.

Decline to vote  (6)  -  Councillors Boulton, Brooks, Cross, Farquhar, Houghton and McLeod.

The Council resolved:-

to adopt the amendment by Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

With reference to Article 6 of the minute of meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee of 17 May 2023, the Council had before it a notice of motion by Councillor Crockett in the terms below, which had been referred to it by five members of the Committee in accordance with Standing Order 34.1.

          That the Council agrees to:-

(1)       note the position with regards to Bucksburn Pool;

(2)       commend the community for their public spirited fight to keep Bucksburn Pool open; and

(3)       agree all four group leaders should seek a joint meeting with the Chief Executive of Sport Aberdeen to ensure that the pool remains open given the community have identified funding.

The Finance and Resources Committee resolved to take no action.

The Council resolved:-

(i)             to note that within “Working in Partnership for Aberdeen” the Council’s commitment to support people engage with Community Asset Transfers;

(ii)           to acknowledge that the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, created provision for community groups to request to take over publicly-owned land or buildings, such as Bucksburn Swimming Pool, if they feel they can make better use of them for the local community; and

(iii)          to instruct the Chief Executive, in consultation with Sport Aberdeen, to engage with Bucksburn and Newhills Community Council and Save Bucksburn Swimming Pool and any other relevant group and report the outcome of this engagement to the Finance and Resources Committee in September 2023.

Council:-

Notes the statement made by Sir Iain Livingstone (Chief Constable of Police Scotland) to the Scottish Police Authority on 25 May 2023 related to institutional racism, sexism, misogyny and discrimination

Acknowledges how difficult it was for the Chief Constable to make this statement because of the lack of understanding around these terms

Acknowledges this statement is not suggesting any officer is prejudiced but accepts that to improve Police Scotland as an organisation, initially a statement of the problem must be made

Fully supports and thanks all members of staff at Police Scotland for their work in immensely difficult circumstances and, recognises their dedication and commitment to public protection

Agrees to send a copy of this Notice of Motion and the Council decision to Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM at Police Scotland

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

            Council:-

Notes the statement made by Sir Iain Livingstone (Chief Constable of Police Scotland) to the Scottish Police Authority on 25 May 2023 related to institutional racism, sexism, misogyny and discrimination.

Acknowledges how difficult it was for the Chief Constable to make this statement because of the lack of understanding around these terms.

Acknowledges this statement is not suggesting any officer is prejudiced but accepts that to improve Police Scotland as an organisation, initially a statement of the problem must be made.

Fully supports and thanks all members of staff at Police Scotland for their work in immensely difficult circumstances and, recognises their dedication and commitment to public protection.

Agrees to send a copy of this notice of motion and the Council decision to Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone QPM at Police Scotland.

The Council resolved:-

(i)           to approve the notice of motion; and

(ii)          to note that Police Scotland had appointed its first female Chief Constable in Jo Farrell and to congratulate her on her appointment.

Council:-

Acknowledges that 31^st May is the anniversary of the atrocities in Prijedor, Bosnia, which was marked with a memorial event in Aberdeen as organised by Remembering Srebrenica Scotland, Aberdeen Mosque and Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils remembering the Prijedor genocide, rape and torture of 3,173 civilians (102 children and 256 women), all Bosnian Muslims who were instructed to wear a white armband or drape a white sheet from their homes to identify their ethnicity; and recognises the hugely valuable work done by Remembering Srebrenica Scotland to share the stories of this period and combat hate speech and intolerance.

Agrees to send a copy of this Notice of Motion and the Council decision to Remembering Srebrenica Scotland.

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

            Council:-

Acknowledges that 31^st May is the anniversary of the atrocities in Prijedor, Bosnia, which was marked with a memorial event in Aberdeen as organised by Remembering Srebrenica Scotland, Aberdeen Mosque and Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils remembering the Prijedor genocide, rape and torture of 3,173 civilians (102 children and 256 women), all Bosnian Muslims who were instructed to wear a white armband or drape a white sheet from their homes to identify their ethnicity; and recognises the hugely valuable work done by Remembering Srebrenica Scotland to share the stories of this period and combat hate speech and intolerance.

Agrees to send a copy of this notice of motion and the Council decision to Remembering Srebrenica Scotland.

The Council resolved:-

to approve the notice of motion.

In accordance with Article 4 of the minute, Councillors Watson and Yuill left the meeting prior to the consideration of the following item

That Council

1.    Notes that work commenced on the new Mortuary at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) in October 2022 and that the project is planned to complete in Spring 2024.

2.    Notes that the change in land use on the ARI site has impacted hugely on the available car parking capacity available for staff and visitors.

3.    Notes that public transport opportunities to the ARI site have been reduced.

4.    Instructs the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to report to the October 2023 meeting of the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee on the implications of parking capacity of ARI; the impact this is having on parking in the surrounding streets; and considers solutions, in consultation with NHS Grampian.

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

          That Council

1.    Notes that work commenced on the new Mortuary at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) in October 2022 and that the project is planned to complete in Spring 2024.

2.    Notes that the change in land use on the ARI site has impacted hugely on the available car parking capacity available for staff and visitors.

3.    Notes that public transport opportunities to the ARI site have been reduced.

4.    Instructs the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to report to the October 2023 meeting of the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee on the implications of parking capacity of ARI; the impact this is having on parking in the surrounding streets; and considers solutions, in consultation with NHS Grampian.

The Council resolved:-

(i)             to note that work commenced on the new Mortuary at ARI in October 2022 and the project was planned to complete in Spring 2024;

(ii)           to note that Unison had reported members’ concerns about car parking availability for staff at the ARI site and public transport changes and reductions that were affecting staff travel to work there;

(iii)          to instruct the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to investigate and report on the impact that changes in land use on the ARI site had had on the car parking capacity available for staff and visitors and the wider community;

(iv)          to instruct the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to investigate and report on the public transport opportunities to and from the ARI site; and

(v)           to instruct the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to report to the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee on the implications of parking capacity in the area; the impact this was having on parking in the surrounding streets; and consider solutions, in consultation with NHS Grampian.

In accordance with Article 4 of the minute, Councillor Grant left the meeting prior to the consideration of the following item

To instruct the Chief Officer - City Growth to work with Aberdeen Inspired to arrange for bunting on Union Street as a matter of priority, ensuring the City is welcoming for both residents and tourists. The bunting will complement the floral displays already appearing on Union Street and adjoining streets. The bunting will bring a much-needed splash of colour and vibrancy to the main artery of the city centre, acknowledging that there will need to be medium to longer term plans for the streetscape.

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

To instruct the Chief Officer - City Growth to work with Aberdeen Inspired to arrange for bunting on Union Street as a matter of priority, ensuring the city is welcoming for both residents and tourists. The bunting will complement the floral displays already appearing on Union Street and adjoining streets. The bunting will bring a much-needed splash of colour and vibrancy to the main artery of the city centre, acknowledging that there will need to be medium to longer term plans for the streetscape.

At this juncture, Councillors Yuill, Macdonald and Greig advised that they had a connection having volunteered to help Our Union Street in an individual capacity, however having considered the objective test none of the Councillors considered that they needed to leave the meeting during consideration of the item.

The Council resolved:-

(i)             to commend the work and efforts of Bob Keiller, Our Union Street, partner organisations and the volunteers who signed up to improve Union Street;

(ii)           to note that over 250 people attended the Our Union Street event at the Music Hall on 7 June 2023;

(iii)          to note the Aberdeen City Council budget, set on 1 March 2023, provided a three-year funding contribution to Our Union Street to allow it to bring forward and deliver creative ideas to improve Union Street and that other organisations made a similar level of commitment; and

(iv)          to confirm that the Council would work with Our Union Street and other partners to improve our city centre.

To instruct the Director of Resources to produce options and costs for the original gates for the front of Marischal College Quad to be re-instated, combined with the reconfiguration of the entrance into the council offices; and to report back to the Full Council meeting on 11 October 2023.

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

To instruct the Director of Resources to produce options and costs for the original gates for the front of Marischal College Quad to be re-instated, combined with the reconfiguration of the entrance into the Council offices; and to report back to the Full Council meeting on 11 October 2023.

Councillor Boulton moved, seconded by Councillor Clark:-

          That the Council approve the notice of motion.

Councillor McLellan moved as an amendment, seconded by the Depute Provost:-

          That the Council -

(a)    note that the Marischal College original gates are located at the corner of Marischal College, next to the leopard, on the corner of the Gallowgate/Littlejohn Street;

(b)    note that Marischal College is open to the public during business hours; and

(c)    agree that Aberdeen City Council’s communications team publicise on social media the fact that the Marischal College quad is open to the public during business hours.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion  (3)  -  Councillors Boulton, McLeod and Massey.

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

Declined to vote  (15)  -  Councillors Ali, Blake, Bonsell, Brooks, Crockett, Farquhar, Graham, Grant, Houghton, Lawrence, Macdonald, Malik, Thomson, Tissera and Watson.

The Council resolved:-

to adopt the amendment.

That the Council take this opportunity to:

1.    Extend their thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the tragic events of 6^th July 1988 widely known as the Piper Alpha Disaster, especially as we approach the 35^th anniversary of the loss of 167 lives;

2.    Recognise and thank those - often local - men and women offshore who undertake the work of the oil and gas sector that affords us the ability to keep the lights on and to heat our homes, to name but two things;

3.    Acknowledge the work of the Health and Safety Executive, OEUK and the NSTA in keeping safety and the lessons learned from the Piper Alpha disaster in the forefront of our North Sea activities as we look to ensure energy security whilst also transitioning to Net Zero by 2050;

4.    Note the planting of new rose bushes together with the ongoing maintenance work and improvements to the Piper Alpha memorial and the gardens, using funding from the "Pound for Piper Trust", in time for the 35^th anniversary service, as noted at the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee (Item 11.3 - RES/23/151, para 3.3).

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

          That the Council take this opportunity to:

1.    Extend their thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the tragic events of 6^th July 1988 widely known as the Piper Alpha Disaster, especially as we approach the 35^th anniversary of the loss of 167 lives;

2.    Recognise and thank those - often local - men and women offshore who undertake the work of the oil and gas sector that affords us the ability to keep the lights on and to heat our homes, to name but two things;

3.    Acknowledge the work of the Health and Safety Executive, OEUK and the NSTA in keeping safety and the lessons learned from the Piper Alpha disaster in the forefront of our North Sea activities as we look to ensure energy security whilst also transitioning to Net Zero by 2050;

4.    Note the planting of new rose bushes together with the ongoing maintenance work and improvements to the Piper Alpha memorial and the gardens, using funding from the “Pound for Piper Trust”, in time for the 35^th anniversary service, as noted at the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee (Item 11.3 - RES/23/151, para 3.3).

The Council resolved:-

(i)             to extend their thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the tragic events of 6July 1988 widely known as the Piper Alpha Disaster, especially as we approach the 35^th anniversary of the loss of 167 lives;

(ii)           to recognise and thank those - often local - men and women offshore who undertake the work of the oil and gas sector that affords us the ability to keep the lights on and to heat our homes, to name but two things;

(iii)          to recognise the work of Offshore Industrial Liaison Committee (OILC) and offshore trade unions in improving safety offshore, and the continual work of the Health and Safety Executive (Offshore Safety Case Regulations 1992, 2005 and 2015), and more recently Offshore Energy UK (OEUK), established in 2007 and the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) established in 2022, in keeping safety and the lessons learned from the Piper Alpha disaster in the forefront of our North Sea activities as we look to ensure energy security whilst also transitioning to Net Zero; and

(iv)          to recognise the importance of the Piper Alpha Memorial and the Garden to the families and the ongoing consultations taking place regarding the future of the garden and memorial.

That the Council:

1.    Notes the negative impact since 2022 of the South College Street Junction Improvements Project works on the businesses based on and around Palmerston Road, Palmerston Place and The Arches on South College Street;

2.    Believes that small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the UK, Scottish and Aberdeen economy; and

3.    Therefore, instructs the Chief Officer - Finance to prepare a report outlining the options available to Councillors in encouraging businesses to remain within the area, including but not limited, to Non-Domestic Rate discounts for approval by Council.

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

            That the Council:

1.    Notes the negative impact since 2022 of the South College Street Junction Improvements Project works on the businesses based on and around Palmerston Road, Palmerston Place and The Arches on South College Street;

2.    Believes that small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the UK, Scottish and Aberdeen economy; and

3.    Therefore, instructs the Chief Officer - Finance to prepare a report outlining the options available to Councillors in encouraging businesses to remain within the area, including but not limited to, Non-Domestic Rate discounts for approval by Council.

The Council resolved:-

to defer consideration of the notice of motion to the August Council meeting in the absence of Councillor Kusznir.

That the Council

1.    Agrees that the traffic chaos of the last few months has been immensely frustrating for all concerned.

2.    Agrees that successive closures of the Bridge of Dee and George VI Bridge, either northbound or southbound, taking place at the same time (as required for contraflow purposes) as works on South College Street and the roads along both banks of the river have meant long tailbacks and delays.

3.    Notes that the question that many people are asking is whether some of that chaos could have been avoided.

4.    Instructs the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to report to the August 2023 Council meeting providing an explanation of the timings of all these substantial projects and any lessons learned. Also to instruct the Chief Officer - City Growth to detail what the economic impact has been.

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

          That the Council

1.    Agrees that the traffic chaos of the last few months has been immensely frustrating for all concerned.

2.    Agrees that successive closures of the Bridge of Dee and George VI Bridge, either northbound or southbound, taking place at the same time (as required for contraflow purposes) as works on South College Street and the roads along both banks of the river have meant long tailbacks and delays.

3.    Notes that the question that many people are asking is whether some of that chaos could have been avoided.

4.    Instructs the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to report to the August 2023 Council meeting providing an explanation of the timings of all these substantial projects and any lessons learned. Also to instruct the Chief Officer - City Growth to detail what the economic impact has been.

At this juncture, Councillor Boulton advised that she had a connection in relation to the item by virtue of her grandfather being involved in the construction of the King George VI Bridge, however having applied the objective test she did not consider that she had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

Councillor Thomson moved, seconded by Councillor Watson:-

          That the Council approve the notice of motion.

Councillor Yuill moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor McLellan:-

          That the Council -

1)         note the inclusion of both the King George VI Bridge repairs and the South College Street junction improvements within the Council’s Capital Programme; and acknowledge the impact the works may have had on the businesses based on and around Palmerston Road, Palmerston Place and The Arches on South College Street;

2)         acknowledge the South College Street junction improvement project had received £10million funding through the Scottish Government’s Bus Partnership Fund;

3)         agree the South College Street junction improvements were an important step to provide a transport network to meet Aberdeen’s needs, including our city centre and bus priority aspirations, as well as improving traffic flow in the area and encouraging more walking and cycling;

4)         recognise that the works associated with this investment by the Council and the Bus Partnership Fund in our city’s roads and public transport networks had at times led to frustration and travel delays for both individuals and businesses; and

5)         instruct the Chief Officer - Operations and Protective Services to report to the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee on lessons learned from delivering these projects.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion  (19)  -  Councillors Ali, Blake, Bonsell, Boulton, Brooks, Crockett, Cross, Farquhar, Graham, Grant, Houghton, Lawrence, Macdonald, McLeod, Malik, Massey, Thomson, Tissera and Watson.

For the amendment  (23)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Al-Samarai, Allard, Bouse, Hazel Cameron, Clark, Cooke, Copland, Cormie, Davidson, Fairfull, Greig, Henrickson, Hutchison, MacGregor, McLellan, McRae, Mennie, Nicoll, Radley, van Sweeden and Yuill.

The Council resolved:-

to adopt the amendment.

That this Council:

1.                Notes with great concern recent statements by Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, that a Labour UK Government would block any further oil and gas exploration and development.

2.                Reaffirms the Council’s commitment to a Just Transition to Net Zero, and restates its ambition for Aberdeen to become the Net Zero capital of Europe.

3.                Notes that the North Sea will continue to power the UK and Scottish energy sectors as they pioneer and innovate low-carbon energy solutions, including offshore wind and green hydrogen production, to protect and safeguard UK energy security.

4.                Agrees that, if implemented, this Labour Party policy would place at risk a Just Transition to Net Zero, harm the livelihoods of energy workers, and do long-term economic damage to Aberdeen and the North East.

5.                Instructs the Chief Executive to write to Sir Keir Starmer to invite him to Aberdeen to meet with the Co-Leaders, OEUK, ONE, and Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce to hear from them what the impact of the implementation of his policy announcement would be on investment by the energy sector in Aberdeen and the North East.

The Council had before it an urgent notice of motion by Councillor Yuill in the following terms:-

          That this Council:

1.    Notes with great concern recent statements by Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, that a Labour UK Government would block any further oil and gas exploration and development.

2.    Reaffirms the Council’s commitment to a Just Transition to Net Zero, and restates its ambition for Aberdeen to become the Net Zero capital of Europe.

3.    Notes that the North Sea will continue to power the UK and Scottish energy sectors as they pioneer and innovate low-carbon energy solutions, including offshore wind and green hydrogen production, to protect and safeguard UK energy security.

4.    Agrees that, if implemented, this Labour Party policy would place at risk a Just Transition to Net Zero, harm the livelihoods of energy workers, and do long-term economic damage to Aberdeen and the North East.

5.    Instructs the Chief Executive to write to Sir Keir Starmer to invite him to Aberdeen to meet with the Co-Leaders, OEUK, ONE and Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce to hear from them what the impact of the implementation of his policy announcement would be on investment by the energy sector in Aberdeen and the North East.

Councillor Yuill moved, seconded by Councillor Allard:-

          That the Council approve the urgent notice of motion.

Councillor Malik moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Macdonald:-

          That this Council:

1.    Reaffirms the Council’s commitment to a Just Transition to Net Zero and restates its ambition for Aberdeen to become the Net Zero capital of Europe.

2.    Notes that the North Sea will continue to power the UK and Scottish energy sectors as they pioneer and innovate low-carbon energy solutions, including offshore wind and green hydrogen production, to protect and safeguard UK energy security.

3.    Agrees that the North Sea has and will continue to play a vital role in providing good quality jobs in Aberdeen, the North East and UK economy.

4.    Agrees at the next UK election oil and gas will be at the forefront of how UK plc pays for housing, NHS and other social security payment.

5.    Agrees that the SNP Scottish Government policy on oil and gas puts Aberdeen at a huge disadvantage

6.    Agrees that Scotland is better off financially, socially and economically as part of the UK.

7.    Instructs the Chief Executive to write to Sir Keir Starmer to invite him to meet with the Co-Leaders, OEUK, ONE, Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, trade unions and climate action community groups to discuss how best to take forward the energy transition in Aberdeen and across the country.

At this juncture, the Council agreed to suspend Standing Order 40.2 to extend the length of the meeting.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion  (30)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Al-Samarai, Allard, Boulton, Bouse, Brooks, Hazel Cameron, Clark, Cooke, Copland, Cormie, Cross, Davidson, Fairfull, Farquhar, Greig, Henrickson, Houghton, Hutchison, MacGregor, McLellan, McLeod, McRae, Massey,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

In accordance with Article 3 of the minute, the Council considered the following item of business with the press and public excluded

With reference to Article 12 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 exempt appendices.

(A)      The Lord Provost advised that this would be the last Council meeting for Doug Ritchie, Roads Infrastructure Manager, who was due to retire at the end of the month after serving the Council, and its predecessor authorities, for over 45 years. The Lord Provost wished Doug a happy and healthy retirement.

(B)      The Lord Provost noted that former Councillor Gordon Leslie had very recently passed away, recalled meeting him in a previous capacity many years ago and that Gordon had made a big impression on him. The Lord Provost expressed his condolences to Gordon’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Councillors Yuill, Boulton, Nicoll and Malik each paid their own personal tributes, recollecting many stories and conversations they had enjoyed with Gordon. Councillor Yuill stated that he would remember ‘wee Gordon’ fondly and that despite his diminutive stature, he could be a giant of a man.

The Council resolved:-

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