This week in Aberdeen City:

Aberdeen Art Centre's Future Secured as Council Re-opens Lease Talks

Aberdeen City Council has decided to re-open negotiations for a long-term lease of the Aberdeen Art Centre with Castlegate Arts Ltd, a move that secures the future of a much-loved cultural hub. The Council will also provide crucial financial support for essential electrical upgrades to the building.

The decision, made at the Council meeting on Tuesday 6 October 2026, aims to find a sustainable path forward for the arts organisation and the historic building it occupies. Castlegate Arts Ltd had previously found the Council's initial offer of a new lease on current FRI terms unworkable. However, the Council's latest resolution opens the door for a lease length of at least 30 years, with an option for tenant purchase.

Crucially, the Council has agreed to provide a grant or contribution of up to £50,000 from contingencies towards the building's electrical upgrade and lifecycle replacement. This funding is vital for ensuring the building's safety and functionality.

The current occupation of the Art Centre will continue on a year-to-year basis, with the lease now set to continue on tacit relocation¹ beyond its expiry in January 2027. This provides immediate security for Castlegate Arts Ltd while negotiations for a long-term solution take place.

The Council's commitment to the Aberdeen Art Centre reflects its recognition of its importance to the city's cultural landscape. The decision to re-open negotiations and provide financial support demonstrates a proactive approach to safeguarding this valuable community asset.

• Council meeting on 06 October 2026

Taxi Driver Licence Suspensions Scheduled for Review

The Licensing Sub Committee was scheduled to consider three separate requests for the suspension of taxi driver licences on Friday 9 October 2026. The details of these sensitive cases were not publicly available, as they were contained within exempt information.

The committee's role in such matters is to ensure public safety by reviewing the conduct of licensed drivers. The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973¹ allows for certain information to be kept confidential to protect individuals and ongoing investigations.

While the specific reasons for the potential suspensions were not disclosed, the scheduled discussion highlights the council's ongoing work to regulate the taxi trade and maintain high standards for public transport.

• Licensing Sub Committee meeting on 09 October 2026

Council Meeting Focuses on Confidence in Co-Leader

A special meeting of the Council was scheduled for Tuesday 6 October 2026, convened at the request of a significant number of councillors. The sole item on the agenda was a discussion regarding the Confidence the Council has in the Co-Leader.

This type of meeting, initiated by a written request from councillors, is a mechanism within local government to address serious concerns about leadership. The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973¹ provides the framework for such requests, allowing for a formal review of confidence in elected officials when deemed necessary by a substantial portion of the council.

The meeting was scheduled to consider the implications of this confidence matter, which can have a significant impact on the council's governance and its ability to effectively serve the community.

• Council meeting on 06 October 2026

Other Matters

Urgent Business Committee to Consider Charity Reorganisation and Sport Aberdeen Appointments

The Urgent Business Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 12 October 2026. A key item on the agenda is the proposed reorganisation of the Aberdeen Endowments Trust (SC010507). The Trust, established in 1909, is seeking to transfer its assets to a new charitable company, Aberdeen Education Trust (SC054993), arguing its current governing document is outdated. The proposed changes aim to create a more flexible structure for awarding funds, with specific allocations for Robert Gordon's College and other beneficiaries. The committee will consider whether to make a representation to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) by the deadline of 14 October 2026.

Additionally, the committee will address the appointment of elected members to the Board of Sport Aberdeen. This follows interim appointments that are due to expire. The council will be asked to appoint at least two elected members as Directors and Charity Trustees of Sport Aberdeen, with a recommendation for diverse representation from across the council's political groups.

• Urgent Business Committee meeting on 12 October 2026

Appeals Sub Committee to Review Procedures and Consider Appeal

The Appeals Sub Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 13 October 2026. The agenda includes a review of the committee's procedural guidelines, which detail how employee appeals and trade union disputes are handled. The committee will also consider a confidential appeal case, designated as Appeal 26/08, reviewing submissions from both management and the appellant to ensure fairness and reasonableness in officer decisions.

• Appeals Sub Committee meeting on 13 October 2026

This week in Aberdeen City:

Hospital Discharge Service Praised for Home First Approach

Aberdeen City Council's Integration Joint Board (IJB) met on Tuesday 29 September 2026 to discuss a range of vital health and social care services. A highlight of the meeting was the Discharge to Assess (D2A) service, which allows patients ready to leave hospital to return home with intensive short-term support.

Lizzie Archbold, Allied Health Professions Lead, presented a video showcasing the service's success. The home first approach, commissioned from the British Red Cross, has seen 71% of users remain at home, with 94% requiring less care than initially anticipated. This initiative is estimated to have saved 1,024 hospital bed days. Lillian Gibb shared a moving personal account of her father's positive experience with the D2A service, praising the excellent care and smooth transition back home.

The IJB also reviewed the audited final accounts for 2025/26, which showed an underspend of £11.2 million. While this is a positive financial outcome, the report stressed that continued savings and service redesign remain essential. The Annual Performance Report for 2025-26 detailed progress against the Strategic Plan, highlighting achievements such as the opening of the Stoneywood Care Facility and the Discharge Without Delay programme, which saved 736 acute hospital bed days.

However, the report also noted that areas such as GP experience, readmissions, and A&E four-hour performance remain below the national average, with ongoing work planned to address these challenges. The transfer of Bon Accord Care services into Aberdeen City Council and the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership was also confirmed as complete.

• Integration Joint Board meeting on 29 September 2026

School Estate Plan Update Sparks Debate on Catchment Areas

The Finance and Resources Committee met on Wednesday 30 September 2026, with a key item being the annual update to the School Estate Plan. This plan, referred from the Education and Children's Services Committee, outlines progress and future priorities for the city's schools.

Proposals for changes to catchment areas for several schools, including Dyce Academy, Bucksburn Academy, Dyce School, and Stoneywood School, in conjunction with Aberdeenshire Council, were on the agenda. Additionally, the committee was set to discuss proposals for a new school to serve the Newhills Development Framework area and potential changes to the Brimmond School catchment area. These changes can have a significant impact on families, affecting travel times to school and community cohesion.

The report also detailed ongoing investment in school buildings, focusing on refurbishments and improvements to condition and suitability. This investment is crucial for ensuring a safe and effective learning environment for all pupils. The committee was also scheduled to review the Performance Management Framework Report, which tracks key operational measures and activity indicators.

A notice of motion regarding bp's decision to sell its North Sea operations was also on the agenda. This motion acknowledged the uncertainty for employees and the supply chain, calling for constructive engagement during the transition. It highlighted the importance of supporting the region as an attractive destination for investment in the energy sector, balancing traditional oil and gas with renewable energy and emerging technologies.

• Finance and Resources Committee meeting on 30 September 2026

Appeals Sub Committee Procedures Reviewed

The Appeals Sub Committee met on Wednesday 30 September 2026 to review its operational procedures and consider a confidential appeal. The committee plays a vital role in ensuring fair and consistent decision-making for council employees and in resolving industrial disputes.

The Appeals Sub Committee Procedure document, which was reviewed, outlines a detailed process for handling appeals, including timelines for lodging appeals, pre-hearing mediation, and the conduct of hearings. The procedure emphasizes that the Sub Committee's role is to review the fairness of decisions made by Council Officers, rather than to re-hear cases. This ensures that decisions are not only legally sound but also equitable and reasonable, particularly for staff facing disciplinary or grievance issues.

The committee also considered confidential documents related to Appeal 26/06. While the specifics of the appeal were not publicly disclosed, the process ensures that all parties have their cases heard and considered thoroughly and confidentially.

• Appeals Sub Committee meeting on 30 September 2026

Local Licensing Forum Prepares for Policy Review

The Local Licensing Forum met virtually on Tuesday 29 September 2026 to begin preparations for the development of the Statement of Licensing Policy (SOLP), which will be influenced by the May 2027 local elections. This policy is crucial for regulating alcohol and other licensed premises, directly impacting community safety and public health.

The forum planned to reflect on the current licensing policies, identifying what has worked well and areas for improvement. A key focus was on how to effectively engage the community and stakeholders in the development of the new SOLP. This inclusive approach is vital to ensure the policy addresses local concerns and promotes responsible licensing practices.

The discussion also included Preventing Harm Promoting Recovery: Scotland's Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan, highlighting the link between licensing and national efforts to tackle alcohol and drug-related issues. The forum's role in the consultation process for the new SOLP was also a key agenda item, ensuring that community voices are heard.

• Local Licensing Forum meeting on 29 September 2026

This week, Aberdeen City Council held three meetings. The most notable discussions and decisions came from the Licensing Board meeting on Wednesday 26 June 2024.

Licensing Board Meeting

Premises Licence - Asha Restaurant, 117-121 Holburn Street, Aberdeen

The board reviewed an application from Asha Restaurant Ltd for a new premises licence. The restaurant sought permission to sell alcohol until 1am. Four public objections were considered, focusing on the suitability of the licence holder due to past issues with other premises. The board's legal advisor noted that these past issues were not directly related to the current application. Nevertheless, the board refused the application, citing non-compliance with the objective of preventing crime and disorder.

Local Licensing Forum Update

The board received a report from the Local Licensing Forum, a statutory body advising on licensing policy. The forum highlighted the growing issue of proxy sales of alcohol (where adults buy alcohol for minors) and ongoing efforts with Police Scotland to tackle this problem.

Personal Licence Applications

The board approved 29 applications for personal licences, which are required for individuals authorising the sale of alcohol on behalf of premises licence holders.

Staff Governance Committee Meeting

The Staff Governance Committee meeting on Monday 24 June 2024 covered several key topics:

Family Friendly Policies

The committee received an update on the council's progress towards achieving platinum accreditation under the Carers Positive scheme. This scheme, funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Carers Scotland, recognises employers supporting carers. The report noted that Aberdeen City Council had achieved level 2 accreditation and was working towards level 3. Councillors appreciated the tangible improvements and the benefits of creating a more inclusive workplace.

Sickness Absence

The committee reviewed a report on sickness absence rates, which are currently higher than the average for Scottish councils. The most common reasons for absence were mental health issues and musculoskeletal problems. The council's mental health action plan aims to address these issues through initiatives like increasing mental health first aiders and providing more training on mental health awareness. The full plan can be viewed here.

Developing the Young Workforce

The committee discussed the progress of the Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) team, which works with schools and employers to provide young people with work experience and career guidance. The team has increased the number of work placements and is addressing skills shortages in the local economy. Councillors praised the team's efforts and noted the positive impact on the community.

Other Meetings

The Planning Development Management Committee (Visits) meeting on Thursday 27 June 2024 was cancelled.

Implications

The decisions made this week reflect ongoing themes of balancing development with community impact and adhering to regulatory standards. The refusal of Asha Restaurant's licence application underscores the council's commitment to preventing crime and disorder. The discussions on sickness absence and support for young workers highlight the council's focus on improving workplace wellbeing and addressing local economic needs. These actions will influence future policies and set precedents for how similar cases might be handled, shaping the social and economic landscape of Aberdeen.

This week, the Aberdeen City Council held three meetings. The most impactful discussions came from the Local Review Body of Aberdeen City Council meeting on Monday 20 May 2024.

Key Points from the Local Review Body Meeting

1. Replacement Dwelling House at 32 Hillview Crescent (Planning Reference 230825):

   • The application was for a new dwelling house with an integrated garage. Concerns were raised about its impact on the Greenbelt and the design not fitting the surrounding area.
   • The Local Review Body (LRB) decided to approve an extension for the mobile home on site until the end of July, with a condition to restore the site afterward. This decision highlights the council's flexibility in managing temporary housing solutions while maintaining long-term planning standards.

2. Change of Use to Short-Term Let at 22 Elm Street (Planning Reference 231145):

   • The application sought to convert a first-floor flat into short-term let accommodation. Initial refusal was due to concerns about residential amenity, privacy, and security.
   • The LRB granted the change of use, subject to a time restriction, noting that the short-term let had been operating without significant issues. This decision underscores the council's willingness to adapt to evolving housing needs while ensuring community concerns are addressed.

3. Extensions and Roof Terrace at 63 Grove Crescent (Planning Reference 231029):

   • The application included a single-story extension, a dormer, and a roof terrace. Refusal reasons included overdevelopment and non-compliance with design guidelines.
   • The LRB upheld the refusal, citing overdevelopment and impact on the area's character. This decision reinforces the council's commitment to maintaining design standards and preventing overdevelopment.

Other Meetings

• The Appeals Sub Committee meeting on Wednesday 22 May 2024 did not have a video broadcast available.
• The Planning Development Management Committee (Visits) meeting on Thursday 23 May 2024 was cancelled.

Implications

The decisions made by the Local Review Body this week reflect ongoing themes we've discussed before: balancing development with community impact and adhering to planning policies. The approval of the short-term let conversion, despite initial concerns, shows a pragmatic approach to housing needs. Conversely, the refusal of the Grove Crescent application underscores a strict stance on overdevelopment and design compliance.

These decisions will influence future planning applications and set precedents for how similar cases might be handled. The council's actions continue to shape the urban landscape of Aberdeen, balancing growth with community and environmental considerations.