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Communities Committee - Thursday, 16th April, 2026 10.15 am
April 16, 2026 at 10:15 am Communities Committee View on council website Watch video of meeting Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Communities Committee met on Thursday, 16 April 2026, to discuss a range of important issues including the allocation of funds to tackle poverty and inequalities, an update on the Live Life Aberdeenshire Estates Plan, and a consultation response to Police Scotland's Annual Police Plan. Key decisions included the approval of the Fairer Aberdeenshire budget for 2026/27 and the re-establishment of a Member Officer Working Group to review Live Life Aberdeenshire's membership scheme and concessionary charges.
Tackling Poverty & Inequalities Budget Allocation 2026/27
The committee agreed to the proposed Fairer Aberdeenshire budget allocation for 2026/27, amounting to £4,768,582. This budget will be allocated across key priority areas: reducing child poverty, financial inclusion, food security, digital inclusion, and information and advice services. A significant portion of the budget, £695,608, will be delegated to the Buchan Area Manager, Mrs. Amanda Roe, in her capacity as Chair of the Tackling Poverty and Inequality Strategic Partnership, for further allocation in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair. The committee also acknowledged the considerable progress made by the Tackling Poverty & Inequalities Strategic Partnership, noting achievements such as supporting over 8,000 households to reduce food and fuel poverty and facilitating a financial gain of nearly £10 million for clients through information and advice services. Councillor Glen Reynolds raised concerns about the impact of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East on fuel poverty, to which officers responded by outlining ongoing work with housing colleagues and commissioned services like SCARF to provide energy advice and support. Councillor Neil Baillie inquired about ensuring best practice and cost efficiency across various community groups delivering services, and Annette Johnson, lead officer for Tackling Poverty and Inequalities, explained the collaborative approach through partnerships and project assessment groups to avoid duplication and ensure effective resource utilisation. The committee also discussed the varying costs of service delivery per household, with Annette Johnson clarifying that these differences are due to factors such as geographical reach, the complexity of needs addressed, and the provision of wrap-around support, particularly in rural areas. Councillor Iain Taylor commended the 95% success rate of specialist pathways in helping individuals no longer require further support and the significant external funding secured. Councillor Iris Walker questioned the added value of the specialist debt service, and Annette Johnson explained that community-based services offer a trusted local relationship, complementing national online services and increasing accessibility for those who may not wish to access them. Councillor Anouk Kloppert sought further background on the D-side Compassion Project's higher delivery costs, which Annette Johnson explained was due to its operation as a social supermarket with home delivery options and additional social interaction activities, particularly serving rural and isolated communities.
Live Life Aberdeenshire Estates Plan 25/26 - Update
The committee received an update on the progress of asset disposals as outlined in the Live Life Aberdeenshire 25/26 Estates Plan. Significant progress has been made, although some challenges have been encountered, including issues with clear property titles and the time taken for community asset transfer processes due to the capacity of community organisations. Councillor Glen Reynolds raised questions regarding community asset transfers, the potential for a resourcing issue within the council to support these transfers, and the staggered approach to asset disposal and savings. Mr. Alan Rae, from Live Life Aberdeenshire, explained that the savings achieved are part of an ongoing operational efficiency drive and that community consultation precedes asset disposal. Mr. Wood, Director of Business Services, elaborated on the community asset transfer process, highlighting the informal and formal stages and the council's commitment to supporting community groups. Councillor Reynolds further emphasised the importance of prioritising community asset transfer applications and ensuring communities are given adequate time. The Chair noted the balance required between community interest and the council's duty to ensure best value. Councillor Neil Baillie inquired whether the council considers the collective value of assets when identifying surplus properties, rather than just individual assets. Mr. Rae confirmed that a holistic, place-specific approach is taken, considering the needs of the service and the community. The committee noted the progress and agreed that further properties will be presented for consideration as part of the 26/27 Estates Plan.
Consultation Response - Police Scotland Annual Police Plan 2026/27
The committee noted the council's response to the Police Scotland Annual Police Plan 2026/27 consultation. The response, submitted by the Head of Customer & Digital Services, welcomed the emphasis on prevention and a public-health approach to mental health and harm, aligning with local priorities. However, the council requested further clarity on the local implications for resource deployment in Aberdeenshire, expected partnership demands, and future engagement with Community Safety Partnerships on the National Violence Prevention Strategy. Councillor Neil Baillie commented on the strategic changes outlined in the plan, such as the policing courts model and national roads policing model, expressing interest in further details. Councillor Glen Reynolds acknowledged the submitted response and looked forward to further deliberation on the council's engagement with the evolving policing strategy.
Live Life Aberdeenshire Member Officer Working Group (MOWG) - Terms of Reference for Membership & Concessionary Charges Review
The committee agreed to re-establish the Member Officer Working Group (MOWG) on the Live Life Aberdeenshire membership scheme and pricing. The revised terms of reference were agreed, and the committee proceeded to appoint eight members on a politically proportionate basis to the MOWG. This group will oversee proposals to introduce changes to concessionary discounts and adapt the range of membership products on offer, aiming to achieve a saving of £175,000 as agreed by Aberdeenshire Council. The MOWG will initially focus on concessionary charges, with a provisional reporting date to the Communities Committee on 4 June 2026.
Public Sector Equality Duty
The committee agreed to adopt the resolution 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 a protected characteristic and those who do not. This duty is a legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010.
Minute of Meeting
The minutes of the Communities Committee meeting held on 12 February 2026 were agreed as a correct record.
Statement of Outstanding Business
The committee noted the update on outstanding business, with Mr. Wood confirming that most items have been completed and can be removed from the list. The committee thanked officers for their work.
The meeting also included a private session to discuss exempt information related to the Supplementary Directorate Procurement Plan for Housing and Building Standards.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Public Sector Equality Duty
AgreedThe Communities Committee of Aberdeenshire Council agreed to the Public Sector Equality Duty on 16/04/2026. This decision involved reminding members of their legal duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 to have due regard to specific needs when making decisions. Members were directed to consider Integrated Impact Assessments where available.
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The Aberdeenshire Council Communities Committee, on 12 February 2026, agreed to note the financial performance for 2025/26, budget risks, savings progress, reserves, and approved budget virements. The committee also agreed to receive regular performance reports and updates on actions taken to mitigate potential pressures, and requested officers provide further detail on kitchen ventilation upgrades in care homes.
The Aberdeenshire Council Communities Committee, on 12 February 2026, agreed to note the report relating to the current Aberdeenshire Local Fire and Rescue Plan.
The Aberdeenshire Council Communities Committee, on 12 February 2026, agreed to acknowledge reviewed policies, approve proposed plans for reviewing policies, and continue to identify any gaps or review requirements as part of the annual overview of the Council's Policy Framework.
The Aberdeenshire Council Communities Committee, on 12 February 2026, agreed to note the Directorate Procurement Plan, approve items within the committee's remit, not reserve approval for items between £50,000 and £1,000,000, and noted that the committee will receive procurement approval forms for items over £1,000,000. The committee also requested officers explore options to enhance tenant awareness of claiming costs from energy suppliers for selling excess electricity back to the grid.
The Aberdeenshire Council Communities Committee, on 12 February 2026, agreed to note the Directorate Procurement Plan, approve items within the committee's remit, not reserve approval for items between £50,000 and £1,000,000, and noted that the committee will receive procurement approval forms for approval for items over £1,000,000.
The Aberdeenshire Council Gypsy/Traveller Sub-Committee, on 17 September 2025, agreed to continue to monitor the progress on actions in the Gypsy/Traveller Action Plan at each meeting.
The Aberdeenshire Council Gypsy/Traveller Sub-Committee, on 17 September 2025, agreed to note the content of the report detailing the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Health Needs Assessment undertaken by NHS Grampian.
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Supplementary Directorate Procurement Plan - Housing and Building Standards (Stock Improvement)
AgreedThe Communities Committee agreed the Supplementary Directorate Procurement Plan - Housing and Building Standards (Stock Improvement) on 16/04/2026. This revised the procurement of the Housing Investment Programme.
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The Communities Committee agreed to note progress on asset disposals. This decision was made on 16/04/2026. The committee noted that further properties will be presented as part of the 26/27 LLA Estates Plan.
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The Communities Committee of Aberdeenshire Council agreed to remove two items from the Statement of Outstanding Business on 16 April 2026. These items, relating to financial performance and housing and building standards procurement, were noted as completed.
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The Communities Committee agreed to re-establish the Live Life Aberdeenshire Member Officer Working Group with revised terms of reference. The committee also agreed to appoint eight members to the working group. The working group will develop proposals for concessionary discounts and membership products.
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The Communities Committee of Aberdeenshire Council agreed to delegate approval of the allocation of £695,608 to the Buchan Area Manager, as Chair of the Tackling Poverty & Inequalities Strategic Partnership. This decision was made on 16 April 2026. The committee agreed to this delegation following consultation with the Chair, Vice Chair, and Opposition Spokesperson, in line with the strategic investment framework.
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The Communities Committee of Aberdeenshire Council agreed the Sederunt and Declaration of Members' Interests on 16 April 2026. Councillor A Kloppert attended as a substitute for Councillor A Evison.
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The Aberdeenshire Council Communities Committee noted the consultation response to the Police Scotland Annual Police Plan 2026-27 on 16 April 2026. The response, submitted by the Head of Customer & Digital Services under delegation, sought clarity on local resource deployment, partnership demands, and engagement with Community Safety Partnerships.
Attendees
