Aberdeenshire Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday, 30 April 2026, with a key item on the agenda being an update on the Corporate Improvement Plan. The council will also consider a consultation report regarding the proposed closure of Tullynessle School.

Corporate Improvement Plan - Bi-Annual Update

The council is set to receive a bi-annual update on its Corporate Improvement Plan. This plan amalgamates actions from Best Value assessments, self-evaluation activities, and the Annual Governance Statement. The Audit Committee monitors this plan on a six-monthly basis, with reports presented to the full council in April and November to enhance transparency and accountability. The report will detail progress on various action plans, including those related to workforce planning, transformation initiatives, and the optimisation of the council's office estate. Members will be asked to consider and comment on the plan, and potentially agree revised action due dates for four transformation actions, extending them to 30 June 2026. The report indicates that there are no direct financial or staffing implications arising from this update, and an Integrated Impact Assessment has not identified the requirement for further detailed assessments.

Consultation Report Regarding the Closure of Tullynessle School

A significant item on the agenda is the consideration of the formal consultation report concerning the proposed permanent closure of Tullynessle School. The council is being asked to consider the comments from the Marr Area Committee and the Education & Children's Services Committee before making a decision. The recommendation is to permanently close Tullynessle School and reassign its catchment area to Keig School. The report details the statutory consultation process, which ran from 1 September 2025 to 31 October 2025, including public meetings, an online survey, and pupil engagement. It addresses various concerns raised, including the impact on Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) provision, options for catchment reassignment, community impact, and school transport. An Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) has been carried out, identifying some negative impacts that cannot be fully mitigated, such as potential increases in journey times for pupils and the loss of the ability for children to walk or cycle to school. However, the report argues that these are outweighed by the educational benefits and the need for financial sustainability.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members will be reminded of their legal duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 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. They will also be asked to consider the contents of any Integrated Impact Assessment provided and take them into account when reaching a decision.

Aberdeenshire Temporary Closure Guidance

The council will be asked to approve new guidance for the temporary closure of primary schools and Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings. This guidance has been developed following new temporary closure guidance issued by the Scottish Government in December 2025. The Aberdeenshire Council guidance sets out decision-making processes and governance arrangements for both planned and unplanned temporary closures, emphasising evidence-based decision-making, transparent rationale, and robust governance. It also highlights the importance of embedding UNCRC duties throughout the process and distinguishing between planned closures requiring Committee approval and unplanned closures that may be authorised by the Director of Education and Children's Services in emergencies. Proposed amendments to the Scheme of Governance are also presented, which would require suspending standing orders to be agreed at this meeting.

Use of Specific Delegation - Peterhead Community Campus

A report concerning an urgent contractual matter related to Peterhead Community Campus is scheduled, with the intention that the public and media representatives will be excluded from the meeting for this item. This is due to the likely disclosure of exempt information concerning expenditure to be incurred by the Council under a contract for the acquisition of property or supply of goods or services, and the identity of tenderers. Following comments and questions from members, the council agreed to approve an urgent joint procurement with Aberdeen City Council and Moray Council for a long-term contract, and to approve the procurement and funding of specialist professional advisory and project management support. Authority will be delegated to the Head of Environment and Sustainability as the Representative on the Project Board.

Audited Annual Accounts and Annual Audit Report 2024/25

The council is expected to acknowledge that its External Auditors have stated that the Council's financial statements give a true and fair view and have been properly prepared for 2024/25. They will also note and endorse the Audited Annual Accounts for both the Council and its Charitable Trusts for 2024/25, and note the External Auditors' Annual Report and its conclusions.

Financial Performance 2025/26 (Quarter 3)

A report outlining the Council's financial performance at Quarter 3 will be presented. This will highlight an improved position compared to Quarter 2 but will emphasise the need for continued vigilance and sustained action to address ongoing budget pressures and savings at risk. The council will be asked to note the General Fund Revenue, Housing Revenue Account (HRA), General Services Capital and HRA Capital position for 2025/26, as well as budget risks, progress with savings, council reserves, and balance sheet provisions and contingent liabilities. They will also be asked to approve revenue budget virements and changes to the General Services Capital Plan.

Chief Social Work Officer Annual Report 2024 - 2025

The Chief Social Work Officer's Annual Report for the financial year 2024-2025 will be presented. Members will be asked to note the report, acknowledge the level of investment in Children and Adult Social Work Services, and acknowledge the commitment of social work staff in the consistent delivery of high-performing services.

Annual Review of the Scheme of Governance

The council is scheduled to review its Scheme of Governance, which includes proposed amendments to Standing Orders, notably a refreshed Written Question procedure, and proposed changes to powers delegated to Committees and officers. The report details how these changes have been identified through service consultation and issues arising during the year.

Contract Matter

A report concerning an urgent contractual matter will be presented, providing an update and seeking approval for delegations and agreements required to facilitate progression. This includes approving an urgent joint procurement with Aberdeen City Council and Moray Council, approving the procurement and funding of specialist professional advisory and project management support, and delegating authority to the Head of Environment and Sustainability as the Representative on the Project Board.