Aberdeenshire Council convened on Thursday, 24 September 2026, addressing a range of critical issues including the affordability of Scotland's tax and spending plans, the Programme for Government, and the annual performance of council services. Key decisions included agreeing to write to the Scottish Government regarding the timing of consultations and approving the permanent closure of Kinneff School, merging its catchment with Catterline School.

The council also agreed to merge Fintry School and King Edward School, with education to be permanently discontinued at the Fintry site. Furthermore, the council noted the outcome of the Amber Snow debrief, acknowledging areas of strength and proposing follow-up actions for future severe weather events, and reviewed the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership's Annual Performance Report for 2025-26.

Pre-Budget Scrutiny Consultation Response

Councillor Sarah Dickinson, supported by Councillor Jim Gifford, proposed an amendment to the report on the pre-budget scrutiny consultation regarding the affordability and sustainability of Scotland's tax and spending plans. The amendment, which was agreed, instructed the Chief Executive to write to the Scottish Government, emphasising the importance of considering local government recess periods when scheduling consultations and ensuring response deadlines fall within council session times. This was prompted by three significant consultations occurring during the summer recess, forcing officers to respond under delegated authority. Councillor Dickinson stated, This is unacceptable. Councilors can meet during the recess period when there are urgent matters to consider, and these consultations do not, in my view, meet that criteria. Councillor Gifford echoed these sentiments, adding, It's the timing, as Councillor Dickinson has just said, it's the timing of the consultations that is clearly the problem. Councillor Ross from the Alliance group also supported the amendment, noting, Consultation is an important part of an effective local government, but the timing of consultation matters. Councillor Petrie suggested including a request for longer consultation periods in general, which Councillor Dickinson agreed to incorporate.

Council Tax High Value Property Bands

The council noted the response to the Scottish Government consultation on Council Tax High Value Property Bands (Bands I and J). The response supported the introduction of new bands for higher-value properties, advocated for a higher multiplier for Band I, and supported the proposed multiplier for Band J. A key concern raised was the need for clarity on how any additional income generated would be distributed across local government.

Public Sector Reform Consultation

The council noted the response submitted to the Scottish Parliament consultation on Public Service Reform: Pre-budget Scrutiny 2027-28. The response highlighted the importance of sustainable public finances, multi-year funding, prevention, public service reform, economic growth, and capital investment. It also advocated for multi-year settlements and greater financial flexibility for councils. The council agreed that all elected members would be included in workshops to shape the response to consultations on public service reform and social care reform, with the final response to be considered at the next full council meeting on 26 November 2026.

Programme for Government 2026-2031 and Public Service Reform

The council noted the content of the Scottish Government's Programme for Government 2026-2031, acknowledging its potentially significant implications for local governance, social care, and public service reform. Councillor James Adams, Council Co-Leader, welcomed the programme's alignment with council ambitions, stating, Many of the commitments align close with the Council's ambitions. The programme presents opportunities for Aberdeenshire through investment in housing, support for children and families, economic development, net zero transition, rural sustainability and community wellbeing. However, concerns were raised about the need for early clarity on funding models and workforce requirements. Councillor Stirling, Council Co-Leader, emphasised the importance of a united approach, stating, We have to take every opportunity to ensure that we can, as far as possible, influence conversations that are going to take place in the coming months and times ahead. Councillor Adams also stressed the need for genuine partnership with local government, stating, National ambitions will only be achieved if local government is involved from the outset in policy design, decision making and implementation. The council agreed that all elected members would participate in workshops to shape the council's response to the consultations on public service reform and social care reform, with the final response to be considered at the next full council meeting on 26 November 2026.

Annual Council Plan Performance Report 2025/26

The council considered and commented on the progress made under the Council Plan 2024-2029 and approved the Annual Performance Report for 2025/26. The report indicated that out of 49 Council Plan measures, 32 were meeting targets, 12 were off target, and 5 were data-only. Councillor Stewart Adams, Council Co-Leader, presented the report, highlighting that while achievements were noted, areas for improvement were also identified, particularly concerning public perceptions of influence in decision-making. Councillor Stirling, Council Co-Leader, reiterated the need for innovation and transformation, and proposed that declining performance measures be referred back to relevant policy committees for discussion and improvement. Councillor Petrie noted specific concerns regarding the drop in resident perception of influence, the uptake of funded early learning and childcare, aspects of health and social care outcomes, and procurement spend on local enterprises.

Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership Annual Performance Report 2025-26

The council acknowledged the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership Annual Performance Report for 2025-26. Mrs Lee Jolly, Chief Officer of AHSCP, presented the report, highlighting resilience and progress despite increasing demand, workforce pressures, and financial constraints. Positive developments included strengthening the financial position, launching a new 10-year strategic plan, expanding technology-enabled care, and developing support for unpaid carers. However, challenges remain regarding growing demand, complex needs, and areas requiring improvement in service user experience and involvement in decision-making. Councillor Stirling welcomed the report and the partnership's efforts in financial recovery and sustainability. Councillor Keating also supported the report, emphasizing the importance of transparency and the balanced assessment of progress and challenges. Councillor Grant raised questions about declining national indicators related to adults supported at home and positive experiences with GP practices, which Mrs Jolly addressed by explaining the pressures on primary care and the challenges in recruiting staff for new initiatives.

Amber Snow Debrief

The council noted the response to the severe weather event experienced in January 2026 and the organisational and community strengths identified in the Amber Snow Debrief. Improvement themes and proposed follow-up actions were also noted. Councillor James Adams moved the recommendations, highlighting the unprecedented scale of the snowfall and the dedication of staff and volunteers. Councillor Anne Stirling seconded the motion, commending the council's mature approach to organisational learning and the practical improvements proposed. Councillor Gwyneth Petrie raised concerns about the lack of specific dates and timelines within the report and the absence of a review of machinery and equipment, although acknowledged this would be addressed in a future winter planning report. Councillor Ann Ross also thanked all involved, acknowledging the heavy snow and the hard work undertaken. Mr Alan Wood, Director of Business Services, provided clarification on equipment numbers and the upcoming winter maintenance review.

Closure of Kinneff School Statutory Consultation

The council agreed to permanently close Kinneff School and re-assign its catchment area to Catterline School. Councillor David Keating, Chair of Education & Children's Services Committee, presented the report, stating that the decision balanced community attachment with the responsibility to secure the best educational outcomes for children. Councillor Keating moved the recommendations, emphasizing the robust evidence base and comprehensive consultation process. Councillor Jim Gifford seconded the motion, highlighting the transparency and fairness of the process. Councillor George Carr, as the local member for the ward, endorsed the comments and commended the service for its engagement.

Proposed Merger of Fintry School and King Edward School

The council agreed to permanently merge Fintry School and King Edward School, with education to be permanently discontinued at the Fintry School site. Mr Laurence Findlay, Director of Education and Children's Services, introduced the report, clarifying that the proposal aimed to secure a viable and sustainable rural school. Councillor David Keating moved the recommendations, emphasizing the officer's preference for King Edward School due to continuity, location, existing roll, and potential for expansion. Councillor Jim Gifford seconded the motion, highlighting the lower maintenance costs and reduction in CO2 emissions associated with retaining King Edward School. Councillor Alastair Forsyth moved an amendment to retain Fintry School, citing its modern facilities, single building layout, and stronger suitability score. Councillor Anne Stirling formally seconded the amendment, emphasizing that the decision was about the site, not the principle of merger, and questioned the weight given to out-of-zone pupil numbers. Councillor Ross supported the motion to retain King Edward School, prioritizing continuity for children and staff. Councillor Mel Sullivan also leaned towards Fintry due to its defined grounds and community hall, while Councillor Robbie Withey expressed support for the amendment, seeking reassurance on transition plans for ASN children. Councillor Kaisa Petrie ultimately supported Fintry due to concerns about the ownership of land at King Edward School. Councillor Glen Reynolds supported the motion to retain King Edward School, emphasizing the importance of continuity for young children. Councillor Cassie supported King Edward due to its accessibility and potential for expansion. Councillor Reynolds also spoke in favour of King Edward, highlighting the potential for green energy installation. Following debate, the motion to retain King Edward School was carried with 40 votes to 22.

Proposed Changes to Integration Scheme

The council noted the legislative change allowing third sector, unpaid carer, and service user representatives on the Integration Joint Board (IJB) to have voting rights. Aberdeenshire Council agreed to approve the proposed amendments to the Integration Scheme to reflect this legislative position. Councillor Anne Stirling, Council Co-Leader, welcomed the change, stating it would strengthen lived experience in decision-making. Councillor James Adams, Council Co-Leader, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of partnership working.

Composition of Committees

The council noted the outcome of the by-election filling the vacancy in Ward 6 (Peterhead South and Cruden) with the election of Councillor Angus Matheson. The council agreed to the exact composition of the four Policy Committees and the Audit Committee, ensuring that each member was allocated one committee place.

Timetable of Meetings 2027-2028

The council approved the timetable of meetings for Council, Audit Committee, Policy Committees, and Sustainability Committee for 2027/2028. They also approved the timetable of Area Committee meetings for 2027/2028, subject to the outcome of a review detailed in the report.

Use of Delegated Powers by Officers by Reason of Special Urgency

The council noted the nine occasions between December 2023 and June 2026 when officers used delegated powers to take decisions by reason of special urgency. It was agreed that further update reports on the use of these powers would be submitted to the council on an annual basis.

Decision of the Standards Commission in Case LA/AS/4458

The council considered the written decision of the Standards Commission for Scotland following a hearing concerning alleged contraventions of the Councillors' Code of Conduct by Councillor Alan Buchan. The council noted the sanction imposed, which was a censure. Councillor Alan Buchan was found to have breached paragraph 3.1 of the Code (respect and courtesy) but not paragraph 3.3 (bullying and harassment).

Notice of Motion

Councillor Ann Ross submitted a notice of motion urging the UK Government to reduce or remove Value Added Tax (VAT) on domestic heating oil and domestic gas supplies to help households meet heating costs during winter. The motion was noted for further consideration.