Decisions and draft minutes

The agenda and reports associated with this minute can be found here.

Please note that if any changes are made to this minute at the point of approval, these will be outlined in the subsequent minute and this document will not be retrospectively altered.

The Convener advised that he had accepted onto the agenda as a matter of urgency in terms of Section 50B(4)(b) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (1) agenda item 7.1 (Notice of Motion by Councillor Watson relating to RAAC) due to a meeting held last week which was after the submission deadline for Notices of Motion; and (2) agenda item 14.5 (35 Hour Week – Financing), in order for the Council and Trade Unions to progress the formal consultation and implement the agreed Heads of Terms without incurring additional expenditure, which would erode the savings for the Council.

The Convener advised that he was moving item 7.1 (Notice of Motion by Councillor Watson relating to RAAC) to the last public agenda item.

The Convener proposed that the Committee consider item 14.1 (North of Scotland Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Partnership), item 14.2 (Disposal of Site 16 Lang Stracht), item 14.3 (Disposal of the Former Milltimber Primary School site, Monearn Gardens, Milltimber), item 14.4 (Disposal of the Former Hazlewood School), item 14.5 (35 Hour Week - Financing), item 15.1 (Victorian Schools Programme: Outline Business Case - Exempt Appendix) and item 15.2 (Work Plan and Business Cases - Exempt Appendices) with the press and public excluded from the meeting.

Councillor Malik, seconded by Councillor Watson, moved a procedural motion:-

that the Committee consider item 14.5 (35 Hour Week – Financing) in public.

On a division, there voted:- for the procedural motion (4) – Councillors Brooks, Farquhar, Malik and Watson; against the procedural motion (5) – the Convener, and Councillors Allard, Cooke, Greig and Henrickson.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       to reject the procedural motion; and

(ii)      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 the above items so as to avoid disclosure of information of the classes described in the following paragraph of Schedule 7(A) to the Act:- articles 16, 21 and 22 (paragraph 8), articles 17, 18 and 19 (paragraph 9) and article 20 (paragraph 11).

Members were requested to intimate any declarations of interest or transparency statements in respect of the items on today’s agenda, thereafter the following was intimated:-

(1)      The Convener advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda item 9.3 (Our Union Street) by virtue of him being a Council appointed observer to the Board of Our Union Street. Having applied the objective test, he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting;

(2)      Councillor Allard advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda item 14.5 (35 Hour Week - Financing) by virtue of him being a Council appointed member of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities; agenda item 7.1 (Urgent Notice of Motion by Councillor Watson) by virtue of him being a member on Aberdeen City Region Deal Joint Committee; and agenda item 11.1 (Investment Zone – Joint Committee Terms of Reference and Standing Orders) by virtue of him being a member on Aberdeen City Region Deal Joint Committee and the Investment Zone Steering Group. Having applied the objective test, he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting;

(3)      Councillor Cooke declared an interest in item 14.4 (Disposal of the Former Hazlewood School), by virtue of him having a conflict of interest. He considered that the nature of his interest would require him to leave the meeting prior to consideration of the item;

(4)      Councillor Greig advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda item 9.2 (UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2025-26) by virtue of him being a Council appointed member of the Aberdeen Performing Arts Board. Having applied the objective test, he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting;

(5)      Councillor Henrickson advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda item 9.1 (Council Financial Performance – Quarter 4, 2024/25) by virtue of him being an Aberdeen Football Club season ticket holder and DNA member and small shareholder. Having applied the objective test, he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting;

(6)      Councillor Henrickson declared an interest in item 9.2 (UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2025-26), by virtue of him being a Council appointed member of the Aberdeen Performing Arts Board and Aberdeen Science Centre. He considered that the nature of his interest would require him to leave the meeting prior to consideration of the item; and

(7)      Councillor Brooks declared an interest in item 14.2 (Disposal of Site 16 Lang Stracht, Aberdeen, AB15 6TU), by virtue of him being involved with a foodbank. He considered that the nature of his interest would require him to leave the meeting prior to consideration of the item.

The Committee had before it the minute of meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee of 26 March 2025.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the minute.

The Committee had before it the Committee Business Planner prepared by the Interim Chief Officer - Governance.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       to note the reasons for deferral in relation to item 7 (Ferryhill School Suitability Improvements: Full Business Case) and item 8 (Harlaw Academy Suitability Improvements: Outline Business Case); and

(ii)      to otherwise note the Committee Planner.

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of Corporate Services which provided the full year actual financial position of the Council against budget for the financial year 2024/25, including:-

·       General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue and capital accounts; and

·       Common Good Revenue Account and Balance Sheet.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note the unaudited final outturn position for financial year 2024/25 as detailed in Appendix 1;

(b)      note the General Fund has recorded a balanced position on the operational budget for the year 2024/25. The uncommitted General Fund reserve remains in line with the approved Reserves Policy;

(c)      note that the Housing Revenue Account has recorded a deficit of £3.001m for the year, and this will have to be funded from the uncommitted HRA reserve. The uncommitted HRA reserve is below the recommended level;

(d)      note that the Common Good has recorded an operating surplus of £0.054m for the year, which is better than the approved use of cash reserves. After investment valuation changes are included, cash balances decreased by £0.451m but remain in line with recommended levels;

(e)      approve the various transfers for 2024/25, between Council Reserves and earmarked sums for the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account, Common Good and Statutory Funds as of 31 March 2025, as detailed in Appendix 1;

(f)       approve the reprofiling of the 2025/26 – 2028/29 capital programmes as detailed in Appendix 1, page 13, to take account of the year end position and that the outcome of this is incorporated into the 2025/26 Quarter 1 reporting; and

(g)      note that the unaudited Annual Accounts for 2024/25 will be presented to Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Committee on 8 May 2025, including the Annual Governance Statement and Remuneration Report for the year.

The Convener seconded by Councillor Greig, moved:-

that the Committee –

(1)    approve the recommendations contained within the report;

(2)    agree to provisionally allocate £35k, from the Common Good Fund, to facilitate a parade and celebrations if Aberdeen FC win the 2024/25 Scottish Cup; and

(3)    wishes Aberdeen FC every success in the upcoming final on 24 May 2025 at Hampden Park.

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

that the Committee –

(1)    note and approves the recommendations contained within the report;

(2)    agree the report highlights the failures of the SNP when it comes to the Housing Revenue budget, record voids, record loss of income and record Council Tax being paid thanks to incompetency;

(3)    agree the report highlights the failures of the IJB to manage its budget properly and agrees the position adopted by Council is not sustainable in the medium to long term. Agree that the Chief Officer - Finance should issue a letter to the Chair of the IJB reminding him that an overspend of £17m is completely unacceptable in today’s economic climate;

(4)    agree to provisionally allocate £35k, from the Common Good Fund, to facilitate a parade and celebrations if Aberdeen FC win the 2024/25  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

At this juncture, in accordance with Article 3 of this minute, Councillor Henrickson left the meeting prior to consideration of the following item of business and Councillor Radley joined the meeting as his substitute.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

During discussion of the following item, Councillor Radley advised that she had a connection by virtue of her being a Council appointed member of Visit Aberdeenshire Board. Having applied the objective test, she did not consider that she had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

With reference to article 6 of the minute of the previous meeting of 26 March 2025, the Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of City Regeneration and Environment which sought approval for the proposed allocation of grant funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund 2025-26.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

UKSPF Communities and Place

(a)      approve the allocations for Communities and Place as detailed in Appendix 1;

UKSPF Local Business Support

(b)      approve an allocation of £258,603 to Aberdeen City Council for the Aberdeen Energy Efficiency Programme;

UKSPF 25-26

(c)      note that the total amount of £2,346,857 for UK Shared Prosperity has now been fully allocated should the above recommendations be approved;

(d)      authorise the Chief Officer – City Development and Regeneration to approve the reallocation of funding within previously approved projects should any underspends be reported; and

(e)      authorise the Chief Officer – City Development and Regeneration to approve funding for other projects (i.e. projects which have not been previously approved) up to a total of £30,000 per project should any underspends be reported.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Greig, moved:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

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

that the Committee –

(1)    agree recommendations (c) to (e) of the report;

(2)    note that the report only provides information in Appendix 3 for those applications that officers recommend for approval, rather than giving Elected Members the full information on all applications contained within Appendix 2 to allow Elected Members a greater opportunity to agree or disagree with officer’s recommendations;

(3)    agree not to support the following applications: Aberdeen Performing Arts application for £48,895; Visit Aberdeenshire’s application for £50,000; Sound Scotland’s application for £24,000; Visit Aberdeenshire’s application for £23,932.40; and amend the total amount awarded to the Aberdeen Energy Efficiency Programme to £239,059.40;

(4)    agree to support instead the two projects associated with Aberdeen Arts Centre – the Architectural Project at £111,997 and The Technical Upgrade Project at £54,374 – with a total of £166,371 which will deliver better outcomes for the citizens of Aberdeen, noting the report at 3.5 and at 4.5 which notes that “Following the Public Pound Policy is adhered to and relevant checks undertaken to ensure organisations are compliant”; and

(5)    subject to the foregoing, to approve the allocations for Communities and Place as detailed in Appendix 1.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (5) – the Convener and Councillors, Allard, Cooke, Greig and Radley; for the amendment (4) – Councillors Brooks, Farquhar, Malik and Watson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

With reference to article 8 of the minute of meeting of 6 July 2023, the Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of City Regeneration and Environment which provided an update on funding for Our Union Street and sought approval to allocate grant funding.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee -

(a)      note an additional allocation of £400,000 from Scottish Government to Aberdeen City Council specifically to support Our Union Street with delivery of City Centre Regeneration Activity;

(b)      approve payment of up to £400,000 to Union Street Partnership Ltd, trading under Our Union Street, upon submission and approval of a delivery plan which supports the Union Street Action Plan; and

(c)      delegate authority to the Chief Officer – City Development and Regeneration to review and approve the delivery plan in recommendation (b) and approve the provision of a grant to Union Street Partnership Ltd and the entering into a grant agreement following consultation with the Chief Officer – Finance, Chief Officer – Commercial & Procurement Services and the Convener and Vice Convener of Finance & Resources Committee.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Greig, moved:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

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

that the Committee –

(1)    note the recommendations contained within the report and agree it is over 18 months since the former First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, announced the additional £400,000 allocation of monies to support the regeneration of Union Street;

(2)    note the Union Street Empty Shops Action Plan was approved by Council in December 2022;

(3)    welcomes ongoing efforts to reinvigorate Union Street by Our Union Street and its funding partners including Aberdeen Inspired, Opportunity North East, Shell and AGCC;

(4)    note the work done by officers to improve the transparency of UKSPF allocations which should be a benchmark for the Committee before it allocates monies to Our Union Street and recognises the importance of complying with Following the Public Pound and the need for full transparency when allocating public monies; and

(5)    therefore, instruct the Chief Officer - City Development & Regeneration to report back to the next Finance and Resources Committee, with details of Our Union Street's proposals and how they intend to spend the allocated £400,000 to make sure there are clear deliverables and strategic alignment with the Union Street Empty Shops Action Plan and due diligence before the payment is approved. 

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

that the Committee –

(1)    approve recommendation (a);

(2)    agree that the delivery plan referred to in recommendation (b) be brought by the Chief Officer – City Development and Regeneration to the next Finance and Resources Committee for review and approval; and

(3)    approve the provision of a grant to Union Street Partnership Ltd and the entering into by the Chief Officer – City Development and Regeneration, following consultation with the Chief Officer – Finance and Chief Officer – Commercial & Procurement Services, of a grant agreement  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of Corporate Services which presented the Cluster Risk Registers and Assurance Maps in accordance with the Finance and Resources Committee Terms of Reference to provide assurance that risks were being managed effectively within the Clusters detailed.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee note the Cluster Risk Registers and Assurance Maps set out in appendices A to O.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

With reference to article 15 of the minute of meeting of Council of 5 February 2025, the Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of City Regeneration and Environment which sought approval of updated Terms of Reference and Standing Orders for the new North East Scotland Investment Zone Joint Committee and Programme Board following endorsement by the North East Scotland Investment Zone Steering Group.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note the slightly amended Terms of Reference at Appendix 1 have been endorsed unanimously by the North East Scotland Investment Zone Steering Group;

(b)      approve the slightly amended North East Scotland Investment Zone Joint Committee Terms of Reference and Standing Orders in Appendix 1; and

(c)      agree that the North East Scotland Investment Zone Joint Committee will come into effect following submission of Gateway 5 (Delivery).

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Greig, moved:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

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

that the Committee –

(1)    note the recommendations contained within the report;

(2)    agree that the proposed modifications are not minor in that the new Standing Orders propose a major modification change;

(3)    note that Non-Voting Representatives are not described within Standing Orders;

(4)    agree that allowing Non-Voting Representatives without limit on numbers is simply trying to circumvent the legislation under s57 Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended; and

(5)    agree that the legislation is clear that appointing non-voting representatives without classing them as members of the Committee would in our opinion breach section 57 of above said Act.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (5) – the Convener and Councillors Allard, Cooke, Greig and Henrickson; for the amendment (4) – Councillor Brooks, Farquhar, Malik and Watson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of City Regeneration and Environment which sought consideration of an application from the Denis Law Legacy Trust to erect a plaque commemorating Denis Law.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      consider the application from the Denis Law Legacy Trust (Appendix 1) to erect a commemorative plaque at the birthplace of Denis Law; and

(b)      decide whether to approve or refuse the application for a plaque commemorating Denis Law.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the application from the Denis Law Legacy Trust (Appendix 1) to erect a commemorative plaque at 6B Printfield Terrace, Aberdeen, the birthplace of Denis Law, subject to utilising the plaque wording set out in paragraph 3.7 of the report.

With reference to article 9 of the minute of meeting of 8 May 2024, the Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of Families and Communities which presented the full business case associated with the St Machar Academy Grounds Improvements project.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee note the attached full business case for the St Machar Academy Grounds Improvements project in Appendix A.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendation.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

During consideration of the following item, Councillor Malik advised that he had a connection by virtue of him having grandchildren at the Victorian schools. Having applied the objective test, he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

With reference to article 14 of the minute of meeting of the Education Operational Delivery Committee of 8 September 2022, the Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of Families and Communities which presented the completed Outline Business Case for the proposed Victorian Schools Programme, detailing options and estimated costs and timescales for improving the suitability of the city’s Victorian school buildings.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note the preferred option(s) for taking forwards the Victorian Schools programme along with the associated costs all as detailed within the Outline Business Case at Appendix A of this report; and

(b)      note the decision of the Education and Children’s Services Committee on 29 April 2025 to include the programme of work into the School Estate Plan and instruct the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord to present the costs and programme of works for inclusion in the capital budget setting process for 2026/27.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Greig, moved:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

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

that the Committee –

(1)    note the Labour Amendment moved at the Education and Children’s Services Committee on 29 April 2025; and

(2)    agree as Labour pointed out at the Education and Children’s Services Committee, the SNP would be putting the cart before the horse by making a decision to approve a preferred option at this time without fully understanding its effect on the School Estate Plan and potential significant financial and practical implications for other vital projects contained within that Plan. 

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (5) – the Convener and Councillors Allard, Cooke, Greig and Henrickson; for the amendment (4) – Councillors Brooks, Farquhar, Malik and Watson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of Families and Communities which advised of an asset transfer request received from the Bridge of Don Skatepark Group for an area of ground that encompassed the site of the existing skatepark within Westfield Park.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      accept the asset transfer request received from the Bridge of Don Skatepark Development Group as outlined in section 3 of the report;

(b)      instruct the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord to issue a decision letter accepting the request received for the Westfield Park Skate Park and adjacent ground, with any necessary terms and conditions included; and

(c)      instruct the Chief Officer – Governance to conclude missives for the lease of the ground within the Westfield Park incorporating various qualifications as are necessary to protect the Councils interests.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of Corporate Services which (1) presented procurement work plans where expenditure was included for Cross Council Framework agreements, the City Regeneration and Environment and the Families and Communities Functions for review; and (2) sought approval of the total estimated expenditure for the proposed contracts as contained in the work plans and Procurement Business Cases appended to the report..

The Procurement Business Case related to the following:-

·       ELC Funded Provider Contracts;

·       Electricity Meter Operator;

·       Loft Insulation 25-28;

·       Delivery of Spectra 2026-27; and

·       Operations Hydrogen Refuelling Stations.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      review the workplans as detailed in the Appendices for the City Regeneration and Environment and Families and Communities Functions;

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

(c)      approve the estimated expenditure on framework agreements as detailed in the Corporate Services workplan; and

(d)      note the content of Appendix 3 – 3.10 Memo Approvals and Appendix 4 – 4.1.3 Technical Exemption Approvals.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations contained within the report.

At this juncture, the Convener advised that he was moving item 7.1 (Notice of Motion by Councillor Watson relating to RAAC) to the end of the agenda.

In accordance with the decision taken at Article 2 of this minute, the following items were considered with the press and public excluded.

With reference to article 12 of the minute of meeting of Council on 14 June 2023, the Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of Corporate Services which (1) provided an overview of the strategic journey and procurement process undertaken to identify the preferred bidder for the provision of Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers and services; and (2) sought permission to conclude the procurement process and move forwards to award and implementation.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      approve the appointment of [redacted as it contained exempt information as described in paragraph(s) 8 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973] as the preferred bidder for the North of Scotland EV Charging Infrastructure Partnership;

(b)      approve the formation of and entry into a Special Purpose Vehicle, Lead Authority Model in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, Moray Council and The Highland Council, to deliver EV charging infrastructure, with The Highland Council as the Lead Authority, governed by a Joint Steering Board; authorise the Chief Officer – Strategic Place Planning, following consultation with the Chief Officer - Commercial and Procurement Services and the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord, to undertake any other action that may be necessary or expedient in connection with this matter;

(c)      authorise the Chief Officer – Strategic Place Planning, following consultation with the Chief Officer - Commercial and Procurement Services and the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord, to agree the contract award by The Highland Council to the preferred bidder following conclusion of the procurement process; and

(d)      authorise the Chief Officer – Strategic Place Planning, following consultation with the Chief Officer - Commercial and Procurement Services and the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord, to agree that existing charging infrastructure may be included in the Special Purpose Vehicle.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations contained within the report.

At this juncture, in accordance with Article 3 of this minute, Councillor Brooks left the meeting prior to consideration of the following item of business.

With reference to article 22 of the minute of meeting of 7 August 2024, the Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of Families and Communities which advised of the offers received for the former Aberdeen Journals, Site 16 Lang Stracht, Aberdeen following the outcome of the recent marketing exercise.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      instruct the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord to advise the recommended offering party that they are the preferred bidder for site as outlined in Appendix 2; and

(b)      instruct the Chief Officer - Governance to conclude missives and complete the transaction for the disposal of the site, incorporating various qualifications as are necessary to protect the Council’s interest.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       to instruct the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord to advise Lidl Great Britian Ltd that they are the preferred bidder for site, [redacted as it contained exempt information as described in paragraph(s) 9 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973]; and

(ii)      to instruct the Chief Officer - Governance to conclude missives and complete the transaction for [redacted as it contained exempt information as described in paragraph(s) 9 of Schedule 7A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973] the site, incorporating various qualifications as are necessary to protect the Council’s interest.

With reference to article 24 of the minute of meeting of 7 August 2024, the Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of Families and Communities which advised of the offers received for the cleared site of the former Milltimber primary School at Monearn Gardens, Milltimber following the recent marketing exercise and subsequent competitive closing date.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      instruct the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord to advise the recommended offering party that they are the preferred bidder for site as outlined in Appendix 2; and

(b)      instruct the Chief Officer - Governance to conclude missives for the disposal of the site incorporating various qualifications as are necessary to protect the Council`s interest, together with any other matters as required to complete the transaction.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Greig, moved:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

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

that the Committee agree not to sell the land to any bidder preferring to wait until the property market gets better which may be in months or 5 to 10 years-time.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (5) – the Convener and Councillors Allard, Cooke, Greig and Henrickson; for the amendment (4) – Councillors Brooks, Farquhar, Malik and Watson

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

At this juncture, in accordance with Article 3 of this minute, Councillor Cooke left the meeting prior to consideration of the following item of business and Councillor Radley joined the meeting as his substitute.

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of Families and Communities which advised members of the offers received for the sale of the former Hazlewood School and Site, following the outcome of the recent marketing and disposal exercise.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      instruct the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord to advise the recommended offering party that they are the preferred bidder for the property as outlined in Appendix 2; and

(b)      instruct the Chief Officer-Governance to conclude missives for the disposal of the site and building, incorporating various qualifications as are necessary to protect the Council`s interest, together with any other matters required to complete the transaction.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Greig, moved:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

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

that the Committee –

(1)    agree to reject all offers and remarket the site for 30 days, thereafter, only accept offers that comply fully with the selling instructions of the Council;

(2)    agree the proposed recommended offer does not fully comply with what the Council requested; and

(3)    agree there are far too many legal challenges happening at this time and the safest position which would not prejudice the Council to legal scrutiny is to remarket the property or take the offer that meets the best value test and has met the Council’s instructions thus avoiding any potential legal challenge.  

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (5) – the Convener and Councillors Allard, Greig, Henrickson and Radley; for the amendment (4) – Councillors Brooks, Farquhar, Malik and Watson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

During discussion of the following item, Councillor Watson advised that he had a connection by virtue of him being employed by UNISON. Having applied the objective test, he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of Corporate Services which outlined the financial implications and sought approval for the funding mechanism that would facilitate a Collective Agreement being secured with Trade Unions regarding the implementation of a 35-hour working week.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note that Heads of Terms have been agreed between management and the Trade Unions that incorporates a Buyout clause;

(b)      approve the hierarchy of funding sources to be used to fund the Buyout cost included in the Heads of Terms, see Section 4.7;

(c)      approve the use of the earmarked reserves to fund the Buyout up to the total cost over the two financial years, 2025/26 and 2026/27.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Greig, moved:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

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

that the Committee –

(1)    agree the recommendations contained within the report;

(2)    agree that the SNP have at long last capitulated to Aberdeen Labour who said at the budget meeting and at the special council meeting on 2nd April 2025 that we could show the SNP how we would ensure money was available to stop Fire and Rehire;

(3)    agree to thank the Trade Unions for their endeavours in making this deal happen;

(4)    agree this is a complete embarrassment for the Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee and the Council Leader who proposed to take no action at the special Council meeting after requesting the removal of employees from the Chamber but keeping in the Lord Dean of Guild; and

(5)    agree that should the Trade Unions, following consultation with their members on this proposal, not be in a position to enter into a collective agreement, that the recommended funding envelope should be used in further discussions to ensure Fire and Rehire is no longer an option.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (7) – the Convener and Councillors Allard, Brooks, Cooke, Farquhar, Greig and Henrickson; for the amendment (2) Councillors Malik and Watson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

The Committee had before it an exempt appendix relating to the Victorian Schools Programme: Outline Business Case report. (Article 13 of this minute refers)

The Committee resolved:-

to note the information contained within the exempt appendix.

The Committee had before it exempt appendices relating to the Work Plan and Business Cases report. (Article 15 of this minute refers)

The Committee resolved:-

to note the information contained within the exempt appendices.

The following item was considered in public.

The Committee had before it an urgent Notice of Motion by Councillor Watson in the following terms:-

that the Committee note the visit of Paul McLennan MSP to meet residents affected by RAAC on Friday 2 May 2025. At this he clarified that the Scottish Government had received no requests from Aberdeen City Council to provide funding to assist owner occupiers. It was also reported that the Aberdeen City Region Deal contains an unspent “£20million in infrastructure funding to unlock housing sites that are of strategic importance to the local authorities”. The scale of RAAC and the disaster facing its victims means that this is a strategic priority for Aberdeen City Council, and we instruct the Chief Officer – Housing, Chief Officer – Corporate Landlord and Chief Officer – Finance to report to the next meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee on any option(s) to utilise these funds.

Councillor Watson moved his motion and explained the rationale behind it and was seconded by Councillor Malik.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Greig, moved as an amendment:-

that the Committee –

(1)    agree that Cllr Allard, Co-leader at Aberdeen City Council, moved a motion (25 October 2024) at CoSLA Leaders which was unanimously agreed, containing:-

“viii.  Recognised the concern surrounding Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) present in various council and former council housing stock alongside the significant financial implications to both local authorities and homeowners who had purchased a property previously owned by a local authority;

ix.?Noted that the previous UK Government had committed to consider the approach to any RAAC funding in other public sector estates on a case-by-case basis;  and

x.?  Agreed to CoSLA engaging with both UK and Scottish Governments on:

1.          The establishment of funding mechanisms that might be available to support housing providers in meeting costs to resolve the issue and that local authorities were best placed to administer such funds.; and

2.          That any establishment of a UK wide RAAC Fund support affected tenants as well as, homeowners who had purchased previously council owned properties affected by RAAC with associated costs, such as remedial works or a financial support package that would alleviate the financial devastation caused by RAAC, by, at minimum, mitigating the gap between market value and any mortgage shortfall resulting from voluntary or compulsory purchase.”

(2)    agree that Aberdeen City Council adopts the above as its policy position with regards to RAAC funding, including but not limited to support for private owners;

(3)    instruct the Chief Executive to continue engagement with Scottish Government, UK Government, and CoSLA, to outline Aberdeen City Council’s position with regards to RAAC funding and the need to establish a UK RAAC Fund for the purposes set out above;

(4)    instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Scottish Government, UK Government, and CoSLA, to outline the position of private owners due to the RAAC crisis and outline the need for the establishment of a UK RAAC Fund for the purposes set out above;

(5)    note the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.