The Garioch Area Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, with a key focus on reviewing the Festive Lights Policy and discussing the Strategic Housing Investment Plan. The committee will also receive an update on the Garioch Area Committee Budget.

Festive Lights Policy Review 2026

The committee is set to consider proposed changes to the Festive Lighting and Bunting Policy, with a view to forwarding comments to the Infrastructure Services Committee. The review aims to introduce a more structured and permissive framework for community-led festive light installations. This includes removing location restrictions, allowing community groups to apply for installations on any street, provided safety is not compromised and a suitable column is available. If a suitable column is not present, community groups may be asked to fund an upgrade. The proposed approach also seeks to share the cost burden of installations and electricity between the Council and community groups, adhering to Full Cost Recovery principles.

The report outlines that the Council would continue to fund a fixed allocation of electricity, with this allocation to be distributed across settlements based on population. Should a community group wish to exceed this allocation, they would be responsible for the additional electricity costs. The policy also proposes a 5-year approval period for additional installations, with advance payment for electricity costs above the allocated sum.

Feedback from a public engagement exercise conducted via Engage Aberdeenshire between 03 July 2026 and 31 August 2026 is included. The exercise recorded 991 visits and 304 survey returns. Broad support was found for communities determining light placement, with an acceptance that communities should fund infrastructure upgrades where necessary. However, there was strong opposition to shifting electricity and ongoing maintenance costs onto local communities, and a rejection of upfront five-year electricity payments. Many respondents viewed the consultation as a tick-box exercise and opposed paying for infrastructure upgrades, arguing that maintaining safe structural assets is the local authority's responsibility. Concerns were also raised about the fairness of population-based funding allocation and the Council's own energy inefficiencies.

The policy aims to align with the Council's priorities of a sustainable economy, connected communities, and living well locally, by supporting community initiatives and enhancing the aesthetics of town centres. An Integrated Impact Assessment has been carried out, identifying positive impacts on town centre aesthetics, cultural heritage, footfall, business, and tourism. Negative impacts identified include increased energy consumption and strain on infrastructure, which cannot be fully mitigated.

Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2027-2032

The committee will be asked to provide comments on the draft Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for 2027-2032. This plan outlines investment priorities for affordable housing over a five-year period, guiding the application of Scottish Government and other funding. The SHIP aims to deliver approximately 2278 new affordable homes, with around 610 suitable for particular needs and 196 fully wheelchair accessible. The plan details proposed developments across various tenures, including social rent, mid-market rent, and affordable home ownership, with a significant focus on addressing housing need in areas with high demand scores, such as Inverurie, Stonehaven, and Peterhead.

The report highlights the ongoing challenges within the housing market and construction sector, including mixed housing market conditions, inflationary pressures, and labour shortages, which affect project affordability and viability. It notes that a significant proportion of affordable housing development relies on contributions from the private development industry through the Local Development Plan's Affordable Housing Policy.

The SHIP supports the Council's strategic priorities of a sustainable economy, connected communities, and living well locally. An Integrated Impact Assessment has been conducted, identifying positive impacts across various areas, including children's rights and wellbeing, equalities, health, sustainability, and town centres, with all negative impacts deemed mitigable.

Garioch Area Committee Budget Update

The committee will receive an update on the allocations made from the Garioch Area Committee Budget for 2026-27. A total of £17,800 was allocated, with £15,000 designated for a single open fund, subject to specific criteria, and £2,800 allocated for Place Plans, Local Place Plans, and Community Action Plans. The report details awards made to date, totalling £10,243.60, with £4,756.40 remaining unallocated. A further application from Parkrun Ltd for £2,000 is pending consideration. The allocations aim to support various community projects and initiatives across Garioch, aligning with the Council's priorities.