The Banff and Buchan Area Committee is scheduled to meet online on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on the Environment and Infrastructure Services' performance, school capacity policies, and funding allocations from various council budgets.

Environment and Infrastructure Services Area Performance Update

The committee is set to receive an update on the performance of Environment and Infrastructure Services (EIS) for the first and second quarters of the 2026/27 financial year. The report, detailed in Appendix 1 of the relevant document¹, outlines progress against performance indicators that support the Council Plan Priorities 2024-2029. While eight of the eleven reported indicators are meeting or exceeding standards, two are showing warnings and one is flagged as an alert. Key successes include improved street lighting repairs and strong performance in Trading Standards. Areas for attention include householder planning determination times and building warrant processing, which are slightly below target due to increased workloads and response times to dangerous buildings.

School Capacity, Reserved Places and Admission Limit Policy

A draft policy on School Capacity, Reserved Places and Admission Limits is scheduled for consideration. This policy aims to consolidate existing arrangements and establish a consistent, transparent, and evidence-based methodology for primary and secondary schools across Aberdeenshire. The policy, which will replace previous arrangements for secondary schools and link to the primary school capacity review methodology, has undergone internal consultation and is being presented to Area Committees for comment before a final report is made to the Education and Children's Services Committee on 3 December 2026. The policy supports effective planning and management of the school estate, workforce planning, and financial planning.

Banff and Buchan Area Committee Budget 2026/27: Second Tranche Funding Allocations

The committee will consider the allocation of funding from the Banff and Buchan Area Committee Budget for 2026/27. Following a first tranche of allocations totalling £11,191.96, a residual fund of £6,608.04 remains. A second tranche of funding has been allocated to six groups, totalling £6,608.04. The report details the projects supported, which align with themes such as improving the appearance of towns and villages, strengthening communities, and supporting health and active communities. All projects must be completed and receipts submitted by 15 March 2027.

Banff and Buchan Crown Estate Coastal Communities Fund 2025/26 (Allocation 7): Third Tranche Funding Allocations

This report seeks consideration of the third tranche of funding allocations from the Banff & Buchan Crown Estate Coastal Communities Fund 2025/26. Following the allocation of £6,821.60 to four projects, a remaining budget of £8,698.52 is available. The committee is asked to agree to proceed with a fourth tranche of funding, with a closing date of 18 December 2026, and to delegate authority for the allocation of the remaining funds to the Banff and Buchan Area Manager, in consultation with the Chair, Vice Chair, and Opposition Spokesperson. Successful applications will be reported back to the committee on 9 February 2027. The fund aims to support projects that deliver benefits to coastal communities, with criteria reflecting Aberdeenshire Council's priorities.

Banff and Buchan Crown Estate Coastal Communities Fund: Year End Update

The committee will consider the outcomes of the Banff and Buchan Crown Estate Coastal Communities Fund (Allocation 6) and feedback from supported projects. The fund made £100,383.05 available for local projects. The report details completed projects, including repairs to the Sandend - Whitehills coastal path, redevelopment of graphics at Macduff Marine Aquarium, and safety interventions at Tarlair outdoor pool. These projects have provided benefits such as improved accessibility, enhanced visitor experiences, and increased community resilience.

Banff & Buchan Area Committee Budget 2025/2026 Year End Update

This report provides a summary of the outcomes from the 2025/2026 Banff & Buchan Area Committee Budget, for which £35,600 was allocated to local projects. The report details sixteen completed projects from fourteen groups, supporting initiatives that have generated positive benefits across the Banff and Buchan area. These projects align with the Council's priorities of a sustainable economy, connected communities, and living well locally.

Banff and Buchan Coastal Communities Fund 2025/26: Year End Update

The committee is asked to consider the outcomes of the 2025/26 Banff and Buchan Coastal Communities Fund, for which £80,000 was made available. The report details seven completed projects from seven groups, including repairs to steps at Macduff War Memorial, installation of a handrail at Banff Castle, and replacement of floodlights with LED at Fraserburgh All Weather Sports Facilities. These initiatives have aimed to deliver benefits to communities within the Banff and Buchan coastal area, supporting council priorities.

Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report

The committee will review its Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report, which highlights key scrutiny activities undertaken in the past year and outlines the proposed programme for the coming year. This report is a requirement under the Scheme of Governance² and provides an opportunity for members to reflect on scrutiny efforts and identify future areas for focus. The report details formal scrutiny through performance reports and policy reviews, as well as informal scrutiny through briefing sessions and ward meetings. The proposed programme for 2026/27 includes continued performance reporting, informal sessions, and new policy development.