The Buchan Area Committee of Aberdeenshire Council met on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, to discuss a range of performance reports and budget allocations. Key discussions included the year-end performance of Education and Children's Services, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's quarterly report, and Business Services' performance indicators. The committee also agreed on the allocation of the Buchan Area Committee Budget for 2026/27 and the funding for Community Councils.

Education and Children's Services Performance

Anne-Marie Davison-Cloud, Head of Resources and Performance, presented the Education & Children's Services Year-End Performance Monitoring Report for 2025/26. The report indicated that 40% of key performance measures were meeting or exceeding targets, while 40% were off target and 20% were just below target. Strengths highlighted included positive destinations for school leavers (94.9%) and strong foundation apprenticeship completion rates (94-95%). However, areas for improvement included literacy attainment (65.6%), participation in sport, culture, and leisure, and uptake of early learning and childcare for two-year-olds.

Councillor Leeann McWhinnie expressed concern about the decline in Live Life Aberdeenshire (LLA) usage and membership. Anne-Marie Davison-Cloud explained that while visitor numbers had decreased, particularly in Mintlaw, footfall in Peterhead was increasing, though active membership was lower than before co-location. The challenge lies in converting increased footfall into active memberships.

Councillor Geoff Crowson raised concerns about the literacy attainment figures, asking for a breakdown by primary year stages and whether the removal of enhanced provision had impacted these levels. Anne-Marie Davison-Cloud explained that the drop in literacy attainment was observed at first level, and that the service was focusing on moderation work and targeted improvement activities in the lowest-attaining schools. She noted that specific programmes like Colourful Semantics were being considered.

Councillor Anne Simpson commented on the LLA figures and the positive trend in school leavers' positive destinations, attributing this to foundation apprenticeships. Councillor Colin Simpson echoed this sentiment, highlighting the success of foundation apprenticeships as a testament to the partnership approach between schools, communities, and the business sector. Councillor Stephen Smith requested a disaggregation of LLA figures between sports, physical activity, and culture, and enquired about the summer Bookbug programme provision in Cruden Bay.

The committee was recommended to acknowledge and consider the progress made and to instruct the Director of Education & Children's Services to continue presenting performance reports on a six-monthly basis.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Performance

Marty Powell from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service presented the performance report for Quarter 4 (1 January to 31 March 2026). Overall incident numbers saw a slight increase from 104 to 108. Deliberate fires increased to eight incidents, and fire rescues rose from six to eight. Casualties treated also increased to 15. There were no fire fatalities in this quarter, but four non-fire fatalities were recorded. Accidental dwelling fires were highest in the Peterhead South and Cruden ward.

Councillor Hannah Powell enquired about the new Community Intelligence Supporting Forum for partners. Marty Powell explained that this forum allows for real-time information sharing between agencies like Police Scotland and local schools to identify trends and potential issues more quickly. Councillor Geoff Crowson asked if community councils could also be included in this information sharing. Marty Powell indicated that the forum was in its initial stages but that expansion to wider community partners could be considered.

The committee was recommended to acknowledge and discuss the performance report and any local operational matters.

Business Services Performance

Rob Simpson, Director of Business Services, presented the Year-End Progress Report for Business Services Performance Indicators (April 2025 - March 2026). Overall performance was described as generally good, with seven out of 15 indicators on track, one amber, and seven data-only. Customer services showed strong performance with call wait times within target and abandonment rates below target. Processing times for council tax reduction and housing benefit claims were maintained despite a large-scale transition to Universal Credit.

Councillor Hannah Powell asked about the source and criteria for crisis grants and the reasons for their uptake. Rob Simpson confirmed that government funding contributes to these grants and that criteria had been circulated previously. He attributed the increased uptake to the rising cost of living. He also reassured that signposting to relevant services was provided to address root causes. Councillor Hannah Powell also praised the customer service desk in Peterhead for its efficiency and helpfulness.

The committee was recommended to acknowledge and comment on the progress made and to instruct the Director of Business Services to continue presenting six-monthly performance reports.

Update on Capital Investment to Peterhead Schools

Emma Plunkett, Head of Property and Facilities, provided an update on capital investment in Peterhead schools. A total of £1.6 million was invested in Peterhead Academy, Anna Ritchie, Meethill School, and Dales Park School in the last financial year. Further investment is planned for the current financial year, including electrical upgrades at Meethill School and roof covering replacements at Anna Ritchie School, along with repairs to the swimming pool.

Councillor Geoff Crowson sought reassurance that roof covering works would include soffits and fascias. Emma Plunkett confirmed this would be the case and that insulation would also be increased to meet carbon reduction standards. Councillor Hannah Powell welcomed the work on the swimming pool and requested updates on its timeline.

The committee was recommended to note the upgrades completed and the programme of works commencing in 2026/27.

Buchan Area Committee Budget 2026/27

Theresa Wood, Area Committee Officer, presented the proposal for the allocation of the Buchan Area Committee Budget for 2026/27, amounting to £17,800. The budget was proposed to be divided between the Brighter Buchan Initiative (£4,500) and an Area Committee Project Grant Fund (£13,300). The Brighter Buchan Initiative would provide £250 per village and £500 for Peterhead for environmental and greening projects. The Area Committee Project Grant Fund would allow constituted groups to apply for grants up to £2,000 for projects demonstrating wide community benefit.

The committee was recommended to agree to this disbursement.

Buchan Area Community Council Funding 2026/27

Theresa Wood also presented the report on Buchan Area Community Council Funding for 2026/27. The total allocation for Buchan is £9,585, based on a fixed grant of £600 per community council plus a per capita amount. A proposal was made and seconded to increase the fixed grant to £900 per community council, as had been agreed in the previous year, to provide a more equitable distribution of funds.

The committee was recommended to agree to the allocation of Community Council administration grants, with the amendment to increase the fixed grant to £900 per community council.

The public section of the meeting concluded with thanks to the officers and members.