Agenda, decisions and minutes

In terms of Section 1.3 of the Committee Remit and in accordance with Section 50B(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the Committee was informed that it had to determine (1) that the items on the agenda were of an urgent nature; and (2) that the Committee required to consider the items and take decisions thereon.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree that both items were of an urgent nature and required to be considered this day to enable members to consider the matters at the earliest opportunity and in view of the requirement for arrangements to be made with regard to the public holiday.

That this Council:

1.          Expresses great sadness at the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

2.          Acknowledges the close bond that existed between Queen Elizabeth II and the North East.

3.          Notes the many tributes that have been paid to Queen Elizabeth II by citizens of Aberdeen, which have included recognition of her faithful commitment to duty and devotion to the country and its people.

4.          Extends its condolences to His Majesty King Charles III, and to the entire Royal Family.

The Committee had before it a joint notice of motion in the names of the Lord Provost, Depute Provost and Councillors Nicoll, Yuill, Radley and Greig in the following terms:-

          That this Council:

1.    Expresses great sadness at the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

2.    Acknowledges the close bond that existed between Queen Elizabeth II and the North East.

3.    Notes the many tributes that have been paid to Queen Elizabeth II by citizens of Aberdeen, which have included recognition of her faithful commitment to duty and devotion to the country and its people.

4.    Extends its condolences to His Majesty King Charles III, and to the entire Royal Family.

The Convener advised that a fifth part was to be added to the notice of motion as below, and the Committee noted that Councillors Macdonald, Houghton and Malik were also putting their names to the notice of motion.

5.    Instructs officers to make arrangements for people to be able to complete a physical Book of Remembrance at either Marischal College or the Central Library.

The Lord Provost spoke to the notice of motion, paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and advised that he had written to King Charles III expressing his condolences on behalf of the city.

The Convener, Vice Convener and Councillors Macdonald and Houghton each paid their own tributes to Queen Elizabeth II.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the urgent notice of motion in the names of the Lord Provost, Depute Provost and Councillors Nicoll, Yuill, Macdonald, Houghton, Radley, Greig and Malik subject to the following addition:-

5.    Instructs officers to make arrangements for people to be able to complete a physical Book of Remembrance at either Marischal College or the Central Library.

The Committee had before it a report by the Chief Officer - People and Organisational Development which proposed the granting of an additional public holiday for Council employees on 19 September 2022 to mark the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)          approve the granting of an additional Aberdeen City Council recognised public holiday for employees on Monday 19 September 2022 to mark the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II; and

(b)          authorise the Chief Education Officer to make application to the Scottish Learning Directorate for an additional school closure day on Monday 19 September 2022, under section 133(4) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980.

The Chief Officer - People and Organisational Development advised that the Committee was also being requested to agree to the closure of Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums, Aberdeen Archives and the Beach Ballroom on 19 September 2022 for the public holiday.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)           to approve the recommendations; and

(ii)          to agree to close Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums, Aberdeen Archives and the Beach Ballroom on Monday 19 September 2022 for the public holiday.