Agenda, 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 proposed that the Committee consider item 14.1 (UK Shared Prosperity Fund), item 15.1 (District Heating Transmission Pipeline – Exempt Appendix), item 15.2 (Kincorth Cruyff Court Outline Business Case – Exempt Appendix), item 15.3 (City Centre Lighting and Wayfinding – Exempt Appendix) and item 15.4 (Work Plan and Business Cases – Exempt Appendices) with the press and public excluded from the meeting.

The Committee 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 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:- article 20 (paragraph 6), article 21 (paragraphs 6 and 8), articles 22 and 24 (paragraph 8) and article 23 (paragraph 9).

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)      Councillor Cooke advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda item 9.1 (Council Financial Performance – Quarter 3, 2025/26) by virtue of him being a Council appointed observer on the Sport Aberdeen Board and also a member of the Integrated Joint Board. Having applied the objective test, he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting;

(2)      Councillor Radley advised that she had a connection in relation to agenda item 9.1 (Council Financial Performance – Quarter 3, 2025/26) by virtue of her being a Council appointed member of the Integrated Joint Board. Having applied the objective test, she did not consider that she had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting;

(3)      Councillor Malik advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda item 9.1 (Council Financial Performance – Quarter 3, 2025/26) by virtue of him being a Council appointed member of the Integrated Joint Board. Having applied the objective test, he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting;

(4)      Councillor Greig advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda item 9.1 (Council Financial Performance – Quarter 3, 2025/26) by virtue of him being a Council appointed member of the Integrated Joint Board. Having applied the objective test, he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting; and

(5)      Councillor Brooks advised that he had a connection in relation to agenda item 9.6 (Kincorth Cruyff Court OBC) by virtue of him being employed by an oil and gas company utilised as a Decommissioning and Optioneering SME (subject matter expert). Having applied the objective test, he did not consider that he had an interest and would not be withdrawing from the meeting.

At this juncture, the Convener advised that there had been a request that Mr Willie Wilson, representing the Community Council would be presenting his deputation first.

The Convener also indicated that he will be taking item 9.6 (Kincorth Cruyff Court Outline Business Case) immediately following the three deputations.

The Committee had before it a deputation by Mr Willie Wilson, Kincorth and Leggart Community Council in relation to item 9.6 (Kincorth Cruyff Court Outline Business Case). (Article 6 of this minute refers).

Mr Wilson advised that the Kincorth and Leggart Community Council, Kincorth Amateur Football Club and Kincorth Community Centre Development Hub were in strong opposition to the Cruyff Court being located at the Kincorth playing field, Kincorth Circle, which remained the only grass area to be used for football in the Kincorth community.

He indicated that the feelings of the residents and the community council had been expressed at meetings which included representatives from the Denis Law Trust, Sport Aberdeen and Council officials, with alternative options being submitted to the community.

He explained that nobody was in support of the Cruyff Court being located on the playing field, and they favoured the option of the unused bowling green at Kincorth Sports Centre (option 3C).

He made reference to the extensive use of the playing field by Kincorth Amatuer Football Team and the Emirates children’s teams with up to 250 children attending each weekend. In addition, the area had been used for the Legends Day, the Kincorth Gala and the resurrection of the Champion Street football tournament which had been a huge success. The pitch was also used as a memorial by the Amateur Football Club.

He intimated that if the Cruyff Court was to be located on the grass area, there would likely be a need for reconfiguration of the current layout, meaning the loss of some children’s pitches

Mr Wilson made reference to the Kincorth Green Space Network, the Aberdeen Local Development Plan and the LOIP (Stretch Outcome 16).

In terms of the consultation process, Mr Wilson advised that it was unreliable given the extremely low amount of votes submitted for this important issue and the number of responses received from out with the Kincorth area.

Reference was also made to a statement by a Denis Law Trustee, which indicated that the Cruyff Court would not be located in an area which would be detrimental to the community. Mr Wilson also read out a letter he received from Stephen Flynn MP.

He concluded by intimating that a Cruyff Court should be located within Kincorth, however it should not be situated in the playing field as the children currently playing youth football on the grass there would lose out.

Mr Wilson responded to questions from members, specifically around the consultation process and the public petition organised by the Community Centre Hub. He also explained that there were three sizes of Cruyff Courts, one of which, would fit into the disused bowling green area.

The Committee resolved:-

to thank Mr Wilson for his deputation.

The Committee had before it a deputation by Mr Terry Massie, Kincorth AFC Secretary in relation to item 9.6 (Kincorth Cruyff Court Outline Business Case). (Article 6 of this minute refers).

Mr Massie advised that all the Kincorth teams were in favour of a Cruyff Court being located within Kincorth, however they were very concerned about the Council’s preferred option for it being situated on the playing field at Kincorth Circle.

He made reference to the consultation process for the Cruyff Court, where the plans were first displayed at a public meeting held in the Kincorth Community Centre on 30 June 2025, noting (1) that people in attendance were given the opportunity to complete a paper form, outlining their preferred option, but only given approximately 15 minutes to do so; (2) that he declined the invitation to complete the form and requested that electronic plans be provided, but was told they were not available at that time; (3) that there were sessions of Streetsport (Denis Law Legacy Trust’s programme) in July 2025, where again paper forms were provided for completion; (4) that electronic copies of the plans were eventually made available on 25 July and the public were given two weeks to complete the survey; (5) that a very small number of people were made aware of the forms to complete, where to find them and how to access the electronic system; and (6) that the process was, in his opinion, undertaken inadequately, with some people not being able to find the survey online and were not given the same time or opportunity to complete it, resulting in a very poor number of responses (152 consulted and 49 online votes).

Mr Massie referred to the online petition resulting in 1171 votes being submitted, which supported a new Cruyff Court being relocated to one of the alternative sites which would not affect the present pitches in any manner.

He advised that the grass pitches were the main focal point area in the community for engagement, where Galas were held to support fund raising efforts by the football club and Kincorth Community Centre and would have a major effect on Champion Street football tournament in the summertime if the Cruyff Court was located there. He intimated that it would take away safe access to the pitches in close proximity to the road where many park their cars before taking their children to and from the playing field and affect training. The court and hedging would also block access for those attending the nearby shops and facilities on Provost Watt Drive.

He outlined various safety concerns if the facility was located there, with people having to cross/cycle over the pitches to access the skate/play park, potentially damaging the playing surface.

He emphasised that in his opinion, the Council’s preferred location was being forced on them as it appeared that the decision was to place it on the largest available option with minimal cost, although it did not necessarily benefit all parties involved including  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

During discussion of the following item, Councillor Malik advised that he had a connection by virtue of him being a Trustee of North East Cricket Scotland. 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 deputation by Mr Dani Kindness, Kincorth Youth Football and Champion Street Committee in relation to item 9.6 (Kincorth Cruyff Court Outline Business Case). (Article 6 of this minute refers).

Mr Kindness provided background information in relation to Kincorth Youth Football, specifically his connection with Kincorth Emirates which he founded in 2020.

He made reference to the loss of sporting facilities associated with the closure of Kincorth Academy, which included two gym halls, changing facilities and grass/astro pitches. He explained that the current grass pitches at Kincorth Circle had been used well, were being maintained by the community over many hours, which included the grass cutting and the painting of the pitch lines.

He advised that everyone connected with the team was in favour of a Cruyff Court being located within Kincorth, however they were not in favour of the proposal to have it situated at Kincorth Circle.

Mr Kindness described the youth football set-up in the area, intimating that children were now being coached from a very early age (4-5 year olds), playing 4 a-side football, moving to 5, 7 and 9 a-side and then onto 11 a-side as they enter secondary school age. He explained that during the children’s earlier years, the area required for football training was quite small, however at the moment, there was only one 11 a-side football pitch and there were concerns that even this grass area would be over utilised in the coming years, which would be a detriment to the community, preventing teams from taking in more children.

He made reference to the loss of use of Inverdee football pitches, where many Kincorth teams used to play and train, which had now been converted to two cricket pitches, indicating that investment was required to possibly create a 4G fenced in astro pitch within the Kincorth area, which could be used by the community and the Kincorth Youth/Amateur teams.

He provided information regarding the Champion Street football tournament and the set-up at the Kincorth Circle grass pitch area.

In response to questions, Mr Kindness outlined the importance of appropriate space/segregation for matches (adult and children pitches) to prevent injury. He also made reference to the Skate Park and under used play park on the south side of the area and agreed that the community would welcome the opportunity to engage with Council officials to find a solution to locate the Cruyff Court in a more suitable location within Kincorth.

The Committee resolved:-

to thank Mr Kindness for his deputation.

There is an exempt appendix in the Exempt Appendices section below.

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director for City Regeneration and Environment, which requested consideration of an Outline Business Case for a Cruyff Court located in Kincorth.

At this juncture the Convener requested that the matter be deferred to the next meeting of the Committee in May 2026, to allow officers to engage with all stakeholders who use the football pitches in order to obtain their views on the location of a Cruyff Court in Kincorth and to involve the local Ward Members in that process.

The Committee resolved:-

to agree that the matter be deferred to the next meeting as outlined above.

The Committee had before it the minutes of meetings of the Finance and Resources Committee of 5 and 6 November 2025.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve both minutes.

The Committee had before it the minute of the special meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee of 21 November 2025.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the minute.

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

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       to remove item 8 (Transfer of Business & Community Support Officer role via TUPE to Aberdeen City Council Staff), item 10 (Beach Ballroom Investment Plan), item 38 (School Estate Plan: Denominational Primary Schools) and item 39 (Bucksburn and Dyce Long Term Secondary School Provision: Outline Business Case) for the reasons outlined in the planner;

(ii)      to note the reasons for deferral in relation to item 7 (Christmas Village Feedback Report - Annual Report); and

(iii)      to otherwise note the Committee Planner.

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director for Corporate Services which provided the full year actual financial position of the Council as at Quarter 3 (31 December 2025) and the full year forecast position for the financial year 2025/26, including:-

• General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and capital accounts and associated Balance Sheet; and
• Common Good Revenue Account and Balance Sheet.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note the cash position that has been achieved for the General Fund and HRA to the end of Quarter 3 as detailed in Appendix 1;

(b)      note the Common Good financial performance to the end of Quarter 3 as detailed in Appendix 3;

(c)      note that the General Fund full year forecast position remains on track to achieve a full year outturn of ‘on budget’ although there are a range of financial risks that exist for the financial year. Continuing action and controls, as outlined in Appendix 2 will remain in place for the remainder of the financial year;

(d)      approve additional recurring funding in 2025/26 of £634K for the Integrated Joint Board of Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian (IJB) in respect of additional funding provided by Scottish Government for the agreed pay settlement, the distribution of funding to Councils having been confirmed in the latest Finance Circular;

(e)      note that the Council maintains financial resilience with the resources available on the Council Balance Sheet, the General Fund Reserves in particular. As at 31 March 2025 the uncommitted value of those reserves was £12m, the minimum that the Council Reserves Statement recommends and as approved by the Council;

(f)       note that the HRA full year forecast position, as detailed in Appendix 2, is slightly under budget, but continues to face challenging cost pressures as outlined in Appendix 2 and the HRA Budget Report 2026/27; and

(g)      note that capital expenditure continues to be low at the end of Quarter 3, however forecasts are that additional expenditure and progress will be recognised in the final quarter.

The Convener moved. Seconded by Councillor Greig:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

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

that the Committee:-

(1)    note the report;

(2)    agree the greatest uncertainty for the Council is the financial risk posed to the General Fund from the Aberdeen City IJB; and

(3)    agree in respect of the HRA budget, the loss of income arising from voids continues to be an unnecessary cost pressure, noting the SNP Convener of the  Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee position on voids is the main reason the HRA is under severe pressure resulting in unacceptably high rents meaning families receiving “cost of living support” from UK Labour are seeing those benefits eroded by high council tax and high rents courtesy of the SNP.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (5) – the Convener and Councillors Allard, Cooke, Greig and Radley; for the amendment (4) – Councillors  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director for Corporate Service which provided an overview of the recent credit rating annual review and reported on the outcome of the review.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee note the outcome of the annual review was affirmation of the A2 rating, and an economic outlook of ‘stable’.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       to approve the recommendation; and

(ii)      to request that the Chief Officer – Finance circulate details to members in relation to the six monthly bond repayment figure.

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director for Corporate Service which advised on the numbers and values of Council Tax, Penalty Charge Notices, Bus Lane Enforcement Charge Notices, Service Income and Council House Rent debts written off as unrecoverable during 2024/25 as required in terms of the Council’s Financial Regulations.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee note the numbers and values of Council Tax, Penalty Charge Notices, Bus Lane Enforcement Charge Notices, Service Income, Council House Rent and Housing Benefit Overpayments debts written off as unrecoverable during 2024/25 in terms of the Council’s Financial Regulations and the reasons for such debts being written off.

The Convener moved, seconded by Councillor Greig:-

that the Committee approve the recommendation contained within the report.

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

that the Committee –

(1)    note the numbers and values of Council Tax, Penalty Charge Notices, Bus Lane Enforcement Charge Notices, Service Income, Council House Rent and Housing Benefit Overpayments debts written off as unrecoverable during 2024/25 in terms of the Council’s Financial Regulations and the reasons for such debts being written off;

(2)    agree the General Account has lost income from write offs of £3,424,668.46 whilst the total write offs for the HRA account is £3,743,135.08;  and

(3)    note the HRA has seen a loss of income through voids at £8,441,869 and through write offs at £3,743,135 totalling £12,185,004 noting rents have had to be increased over the last two years by 4.7% 24/25 and 7.5% 25/26 because the Housing Convener remains unable to control her brief, meaning ordinary hard-working council tenants are being penalised for SNP failures.

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

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       to adopt the motion; and

(ii)      to request that the Chief Officer - Finance circulate details to members relating to the value of outstanding debt for rent and council tax as per the 2024/25 Annual Accounts.

With reference to article 10 of the minute of meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee of 5 November 2024, the Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director for City Regeneration and Environment which (1) outlined the current position of the programme for Fleet Vehicles and Assets; (2) presented the Fleet Asset Management Plan (Appendix A) which identified age and replacement plans for all vehicles and plant to provide assurance on effective identification of assets to populate the Phase 6 Fleet Replacement Programme Projected Spend for 2025/2026 (Appendix B) and future Fleet Replacement requests; and (3) provided an update position on the essential interdependencies on the Fleet Replacement Programme now and moving forward.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note the refreshed Fleet Asset Management Plan and supports use of the Plan to identify future replacement requests;

(b)      approve the phase 6 Fleet Replacement Programme for 2025/26 (as detailed in Appendix B); and

(c)      delegate authority to the Chief Officer – Operations, following consultation with Chief Officer - Commercial and Procurement Shared Services and the Chief Officer – Finance:-

(1)    to consider and approve any additional procurement business cases for vehicles and plant for the purposes of Procurement Regulation 4.1.1.2;

(2)    to then consult with the Convener and Vice Convener, Finance and Resources Committee and thereafter to procure appropriate works and services; and

(3)    enter into any contracts necessary for the vehicles and plant without the need for further approval from any other Committee of the Council, within the current Capital budget.

The Convener moved, seconded by Councillor Greig:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

Councillor Brooks moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Nicoll:-

that the Committee –

(1)    approve recommendation (a) within the report;

(2)    approve the phase 6 Fleet Replacement Programme for 2025/26, with a preference for electric vehicles where practically possible (as detailed in Appendix B); and

(3)    instruct the Chief Officer – Operations, following consultation with Chief Officer - Commercial and Procurement Shared Services and the Chief Officer – Finance:-

(a)    to consider and prepare justification for any additional procurement business cases for vehicles and plant for the purposes of Procurement Regulation 4.1.1.2;

(b)    Seek approval from this Committee and thereafter to procure appropriate works and services; and

(c)    Seek approval from this Committee before entering into any contracts necessary for the vehicles and plant within the current Capital budget.

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

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

There is an exempt appendix in the Exempt Appendices section below.

With reference to article 6 of the meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee of 13 September 2023, the Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director for Corporate Services, which presented details of the proposed project to construct a district heating transmission pipeline to distribute low carbon heat from the Energy from Waste plant at East Tullos to heat networks in the city centre and to support further network expansion.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note the proposed route and estimated return on investment to construct, operate and maintain the district heating transmission pipeline in Appendix 1, Section 4 – Financial Case; and

(b)      authorise the Chief Officer - Commercial and Procurement to commission the necessary ancillary external resources to support the project delivery, to undertake a procurement exercise to invite tenders for a design and build framework contract, and, upon completion, to issue a call-off order for the detailed design of the district heating transmission pipeline to RIBA Stage 4 (to include a survey and assessment of the existing Aberdeen Heat and Power City Centre and Seaton heat network to ensure technical compatibility), and to request a fixed price from the contractor for the construction of the transmission pipeline.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director for Corporate Services which presented the status of (1) key operational performance measures and activity indicators relating to those Clusters within the remit of the Finance and Resources Committee at Quarter 2, 2025-26; and (2) year-to-year comparisons derived from recent national publications.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee note the report and provide comments and observations on the performance information contained in the Appendix to the report.

The Committee resolved:-

to note the performance information contained in the Appendix to the report.

There is an exempt appendix in the Exempt Appendices section below.

With reference to article 13 of the minute of meeting of the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee of 10 June 2025, the Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director City Regeneration and Environment which sought approval to progress a programme of projects in the City Centre to be delivered using net surplus from Bus Lane Enforcement (BLE).

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note the funding received from Transport Scotland via Tier 2 of the Bus Infrastructure Fund in July 2025 to deliver additional bus stopping points and improved passenger facilities at bus stops on Guild Street;

(b)      agree the use of £300,000 of Bus Lane Enforcement surplus funding approved by the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee in June 2025 be focused on improvements to Carmelite Street as a way to compliment the public transport focused improvements on Guild Street and improve the pedestrian experience (journey and wayfinding) between Union Square and Union Street;

(c)      instruct the Chief Officer - Capital to progress all necessary approvals, permissions, licenses, agreements, and consents required to develop and implement the Carmelite Street proposals as outlined in Appendix 1;

(d)      further improve wayfinding in this area, agree the £200,000 Bus Lane Enforcement surplus funding approved by the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee in June 2025 be focused on illumination around the new Aberdeen Market building – specifically Carnegie’s Brae and East Green; and

(e)      approve the illumination proposals for Carnegie’s Brae and East Green at Appendix 2, and instruct the Chief Officer – Operations to deliver the project once resurfacing works to Carnegie’s Brae have been completed.

The Convener moved, seconded by Councillor Greig:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

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

that the Committee –

(1)    note the report;

(2)    instruct the Chief Officer - Finance to provide the Committee with a written submission as to the qualification, if any, around Transport Scotland’s funding via Tier 2 of the Bus Infrastructure Fund in July 2025 given the debate around the qualification around the bus gate monies;  and

(3)    note the decision of SNP to take no action against those facing flooding in Peterculter on 4 February 2026 but are prepared to spend in excess of £500,000 as noted at 2.2 and 2.4 of the report on lighting.

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

that the Committee –

(1)    note that the current recommendations for use of these finances do not address citywide priorities;

(2)    agree the use of £300,000 of Bus Lane Enforcement surplus funding approved by the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee in June 2025 be prioritised for improvements to roads, in particular the remedial action required to address the high number of potholes and sunken ironworks that have developed since the start of January 2026; and

(3)    furthermore, agree the £200,000 Bus Lane Enforcement surplus funding approved by the Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

With reference to article 15 of the minute of meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee of 12 February 2025, the Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director for City Regeneration and Environment, which sought approval (1) for travel to Stavanger in March 2026; and (2) of proposed international travel by officers and elected members in order to support relevant City Development and Regeneration activities throughout 2026/27.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      approve the Lord Provost (or one other Elected Member) plus one officer to attend High Wind 2026 in Stavanger, Norway between 9 - 11 March 2026, as an addition to the travel agreed for 2025/26 at Finance and Resources Committee on 12 February 2025 and within existing budget;

(b)      approve international travel to support City Development and Regeneration activity in 2026/27 as set out in Appendix 1, including event and conference attendance to support international partnerships, hydrogen activity, city events and Art Gallery and Museums;

(c)      delegate authority to the Chief Officer – City Development and Regeneration to:-

(1)    approve necessary travel documentation and arrangements and associated expenditure for the travel noted in recommendations 2.1 - 2.2 above, provided costs to the Council do not exceed the budgets referred to in Section 4 of this report and provided all necessary external funding is obtained and that all arrangements are made in line with applicable Council travel policies;

(2)    determine which officers should undertake such travel; and

(3)    following consultation with the Co-Leaders and Lord Provost, determine which Elected Members should undertake such travel; and

(d)      agree that the outcomes of overseas activity undertaken in 2026/27 will be provided to this Committee by way of an annual Service Update.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director for City Regeneration and Environment which provided information on the Pride in Place Programme (including funding) and sought instruction concerning the Council’s involvement as Accountable Body.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note the UK Government’s allocation of up to £20m over 10 years (2026-2036) for delivery of the Pride in Place Programme in Aberdeen;

(b)      agree that Aberdeen City Council shall act as the Accountable Body in relation to the Pride in Place Programme for Aberdeen’s “North Locality Priority Neighbourhood / Cummings Park, Heathryfold and Middlefield, Northfield, Mastrick” and the associated funding;

(c)      authorises the Chief Officer – City Development and Regeneration, following consultation with the Convener and Vice Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, to undertake any actions which the Chief Officer considers to be necessary or expedient in order to progress delivery of the Pride in Place Programme for the said Neighbourhood, within the applicable timescales, including (but not limited to) actions in relation to:

(1)    recruitment and appointment of a Neighbourhood Board Chair;

(2)    recruitment and appointment of members to, and establishment of, a Neighbourhood Board and setting terms of reference for the Board; and

(3)    confirmation of the boundary of the said Neighbourhood for the purposes of the Programme (including any alteration of that boundary);

(d)      instruct the Chief Officer – City Development and Regeneration to provide members of the Finance and Resources Committee with an update, before 17 July 2026, on progress concerning the Neighbourhood Board Chair and Neighbourhood Board and next steps for the Pride in Place Programme; and

(e)      authorise the Chief Officer – City Development and Regeneration to approve and incur expenditure relating to the above recommendations, funded from the initial Pride in Place Programme revenue grant of £150,000 provided for 2025/26 onwards.

The Convener moved, seconded by Councillor Greig:-

that the Committee –

(1)    note the report and agrees the Pride in Place money from the UK Government to local councils across Scotland is devolution in action;

(2)    instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Right Honourable Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Scotland within the UK Government thanking the UK Government for its allocation of up to £20m over 10 years (2026-2036) to deliver the Pride in Place Programme in Aberdeen; and

(3)    approve recommendations (b) to (e) contained within the report.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (5) – the Convener and Councillors Allard, Cooke, Greig and Radley; for the amendment (2) – Councillors Malik and Watson; declined to vote (2) – Councillors Brooks and Nicoll.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.

At this juncture, Councillor van Sweeden substituted Councillor Greig for the remainder of the meeting.

There are exempt appendices in the Exempt Appendices section below.

The Committee had before it a report by the Director of Corporate Services which (1) presented procurement work plans where expenditure was included for the Corporate Services and 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, Procurement Business Cases and Contract Extension Report appended to the report.

The Procurement Business Cases related to the following:-

• Business Case Welfare Grants;
• Insurance Extension to 2028;
• Additional Support Needs Advisory Project;
• End User Device Leasing Agreement; and
• Beach Phase A – Operational Management.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      review the Corporate Services and Families and Communities Functions work plans as detailed in the appendices;

(b)      approve the procurement business cases and contract extension report (Appendix 4-6), including the total estimated expenditure for each of the proposed contracts; and

(c)      note the content of Appendix 3 – 4.1.3 Technical Exemption Approvals.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       to approve the recommendations contained within the report; and

(ii)      that the Chief Officer – Commercial and Procurement reissue the draft documents circulated in error, to members of the Committee when they have been updated and finalised.

In accordance with the decision taken at Article 1 of this minute, the following items were considered with the press and public excluded.

With reference to article 7 of the minute of meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee of 7 May 2025, the Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director for City Regeneration and Environment which sought approval to reallocate funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      note that the UK Government have extended the deadline for delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to 30 September 2026;

(b)      note that the Belmont Community Cinemas ‘Improving the Entrance’ Project can no longer be delivered within this timescale due to obligations of a separate grant award; and

(c)      approve the reallocation of up to £100,000 from The Belmont Community Cinema’s ‘Improving the Entrance’ Project to The Belmont Community Cinema’s ‘HVAC Project’.

The Committee resolved:-

to approve the recommendations.

The Committee had before it an exempt appendix relating to the District Heating Transmission Pipeline report. (Article 14 of this minute refers)

The Committee resolved:-

to note the information contained within the exempt appendix.

The report and exempt appendix for this item was deferred to the Committee meeting in May 2026. (Article 6 of this minute refers).

The Committee had before it an exempt appendix relating to the City Centre Lighting and Wayfinding report. (Article 16 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 19 of this minute refers)

The Committee resolved:-

to note the information contained within the exempt appendices.

-         COUNCILLOR ALEX MCLELLAN, Convener.