The North East Scotland Zone Joint Committee held its inaugural meeting, establishing key governance structures and approving the Tax Site Management Policy. Councillor Anne Stirling was appointed Chair and Councillor Christian Allard was appointed Vice Chair, both serving until the May 2027 local government elections.

Governance Arrangements

The committee formally adopted its governance framework, which includes the Standing Orders, Terms of Reference for both the Joint Committee and the Programme Board, and details of delegated authorities. Key appointments were made, including Sir Ian Wood as the substantive representative for Opportunity North East (ONE), Professor Pete Edwards for the University of Aberdeen, and Professor Steve Olivier for Robert Gordon University. Reuben Aitken from Scottish Enterprise and Maggie McGinley from ETZ Ltd were appointed as non-voting representatives.

A minor amendment was made to the conflict of interest declaration form to change the wording from challenge funds to investment zone to avoid confusion. Councillor Ian Yuill proposed and the committee agreed to remove bracketed text from recommendation 1.2.9 to ensure clarity on consultation processes across all areas, not just Aberdeen. The committee also agreed to suspend standing orders to allow the Chair and Vice Chair to remain in post until May 2027.

Delegations were approved, including authority for the Head of Planning and Economy at Aberdeenshire Council to approve non-material change requests and submit reports to government bodies. The committee also agreed to delegate power to determine the eligibility of investment proposals for the North East Scotland Investment Zone tax sites, subject to the approval of the Tax Site Management Policy. Meeting dates for the remainder of 2026 were also confirmed.

North East of Scotland Investment Zone Tax Site Management Policy

The committee approved the North East of Scotland Investment Zone Tax Site Management Policy. This policy outlines the framework for governing and managing the designated tax sites within the Investment Zone, which are located at Aberdeen Energy Transition Zone, Peterhead Upperton, and Peterhead Port.

The policy details the eligibility criteria for businesses seeking to benefit from tax incentives, which include alignment with eligible sectors (green industries and digital technology), demonstrating additionality (new or expanded investment), and being located within the designated tax sites. Businesses must also adhere to the Scottish Government's Fair Work First Principles and contribute to local outcome improvement plans.

The policy also sets out the decision-making process for investment proposals, including an exceptions process for businesses that may not strictly meet the standard criteria. Responsibilities for various stakeholders, including the Programme Board, the Tax Site Operations Team, occupiers, landowners, and the local authorities (Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council), are clearly defined. Aberdeenshire Council will act as the accountable body for the flexible funding provided by the government. An amendment was made to clarify the terminology regarding business rates relief for Aberdeen City Council.

Public Sector Equality Duty

The committee considered and adopted the resolution regarding the Public Sector Equality Duty, acknowledging the legal requirement to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between those who share protected characteristics and those who do not.

Exempt Information

The committee agreed to exclude the public and media representatives from the meeting for Item 5, which concerned a Memorandum of Understanding, on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information.