The North East of Scotland Investment Zone Joint Committee met to discuss a proposed Non-Domestic Rates Retention Strategy and several business cases for projects within the Investment Zone. The meeting also included consideration of the Public Sector Equality Duty and the exclusion of the public for certain agenda items.

Non-Domestic Rates Retention Strategy

A key item on the agenda was the proposed Non-Domestic Rates Retention Strategy (NDRR). This strategy outlines how future rates growth generated within designated Investment Zone sites will be reinvested to support the zone's objectives. The strategy details the principles, objectives, assessment processes, governance, and monitoring for NDRR. It was recommended that the Committee approve the strategy, subject to the adoption of specific points within the discussion document. The strategy aims to provide a clear framework for reinvesting retained rates income to support the North East Scotland Investment Zone's goals, including unlocking development, accelerating cluster growth in green energy and digital technology, increasing investor confidence, and fostering innovation. The strategy also sets out a hierarchy of reinvestment priorities, from core delivery and assurance to enabling infrastructure, investor readiness, and skills and workforce development.

Business Cases for Investment Zone Projects

The meeting was scheduled to consider several business cases for projects within the North East Scotland Investment Zone. These included:

• Business Case IZ02 - Deepwater Wind Hub: This item was listed for discussion with the public excluded, relating to information about the financial or business affairs of a particular person or organisation.
• Business Case IZ03 - Energy Transition Skills Hub: This business case was also scheduled for discussion with the public excluded, concerning information relating to applicants for, or recipients of, financial assistance.
• Business Case IZ12 - The Green Energy & Digital Technology Accelerator: Similar to the above, this item was to be discussed with the public excluded due to its nature as information relating to financial assistance.
• Business Case IZ05 - ONE Entrepreneurship Programme: This programme was also subject to exclusion of the public, as it pertains to information about financial assistance.
• Business Case IZ06 - Digital Tech Innovation Fund: This fund was also on the agenda for private discussion, relating to information about financial assistance.

Public Sector Equality Duty

The Committee was scheduled to consider and potentially adopt a resolution regarding the Public Sector Equality Duty. This duty, as outlined in Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, requires public bodies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation; advance equality of opportunity; and foster good relations between those who share protected characteristics and those who do not. The Committee was also to consider any Integrated Impact Assessments provided in relation to the agenda items.

Exclusion of the Public

A resolution was to be considered to exclude the public and media representatives from the meeting for specific items (Items 5 to 10). This exclusion was proposed on the grounds that these discussions would likely involve the disclosure of exempt information, as defined by the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

Minute of Previous Meeting

The Committee was also scheduled to consider the minute of the previous meeting of the North East Scotland Investment Zone Joint Committee held on 21 August 2026.