The Finance and Resources Committee of Aberdeen City Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on the council's financial performance, budget strategies, and various service delivery and city development initiatives. Several notices of motion are also set to be considered, addressing community asset transfers and funding for arts organisations.

Ferryhill Library Community Asset Transfer

Councillor Watson has put forward a notice of motion regarding the former Ferryhill Library. The report pack indicates that the committee is scheduled to consider plans by the Aberdeen Library Trust to reopen the library as a community facility. The motion highlights concerns about the dereliction of unused buildings, such as Westburn House, due to delays in their reuse. It proposes utilising the Council's power to advance well-being under section 20 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 to facilitate this initiative. Specifically, instructions are to be given to the Chief Officer Corporate Landlord to engage with the Aberdeen Library Trust regarding a formal Community Asset Transfer request. This would involve agreeing a memorandum of understanding outlining the process, including valuations, access arrangements, and a timeline. The Council would also commit to maintaining the building's weathertight and safe condition for a 12-month period, and a grant of up to £6,000 from uncommitted reserves is proposed to commission a feasibility study for the project.

Peacocks Visual Arts Funding

Councillor Greig has submitted a notice of motion concerning Peacocks Visual Arts Ltd. The report pack suggests that the committee is scheduled to consider lease terms agreed with Peacock Visual Arts Ltd for units C and E of Marischal Square. The motion notes that the organisation wishes to enter the lease but requires a capital contribution from Aberdeen City Council to cover a shortfall in their Phase 1 fit-out costs. This funding would enable them to begin operating while they fundraise for Phase 2 changes. The motion also highlights that Peacock Visual Arts Ltd has met the Council's Following the Public Pound criteria. The committee is asked to agree to allocate £250,000 of capital funding from The Marischal Square Development Fund to Peacock Visual Arts Ltd for capital works to these units, subject to a funding agreement that protects the Council's interests and complies with subsidy control legislation and other statutory duties.

bp's North Sea Operations

An urgent notice of motion, referred from the Council on 19 August 2026 by Councillors Allard and Yuill, addresses the decision by bp to sell its North Sea operations. The report pack indicates that the committee is scheduled to note the uncertainty this creates for employees, contractors, supply chain businesses, and their families. It acknowledges concerns expressed by workers, trade unions, local businesses, and communities regarding potential employment implications. The motion further notes the significant contribution bp's workforce and associated businesses have made to the prosperity of Aberdeen and the wider North East. It understands that asset transfers are a feature of the North Sea energy sector and recognises Aberdeen and the North East's resilience through industry changes. The motion calls upon bp and any prospective purchaser to engage constructively with the workforce, trade unions, and stakeholders to ensure continued investment and employment. It also recognises the importance of oil and gas alongside renewable sectors and calls on governments to support the region as an attractive investment destination and a centre of excellence for skills and talent.

Council Financial Performance and Strategy

The committee is scheduled to review the council's financial performance for Quarter 2 of the 2026/27 financial year. This includes an update on the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account, as well as capital accounts and the Common Good revenue account. A report on the Medium Term Financial Strategy for the Council's General Fund for 2026 is also on the agenda, outlining the financial situation and approach to addressing challenges over the medium term. This includes a projected budget gap for the next financial year and the subsequent four years, with different scenarios presented. The committee is also expected to consider the Capital Programme Update, detailing the progress of key capital expenditure projects.

Service Delivery and City Development

Several reports are scheduled for discussion under Service Delivery, including the Contributing to Your Care and Support policy for Adult Social Care (Non-Residential) Charging for 2027-2030, and the Annual Procurement Report for 2025-2026. Under City Development and Regeneration, updates are scheduled on Rally Scotland 2027, the North East Scotland Investment Zone's Non-Domestic Rates Relief Policy and Non-Domestic Rates Retention Strategy, and the Aberdeen Visitor Levy's Implementation and Investment Governance.

Fleet Replacement and Other Matters

The committee will also receive an update on the Fleet Replacement Programme for 2026/27, detailing the current position and replacement options for vehicles and plant. Other items include a report on the Future Programme of Cruyff Courts in Aberdeen and the Development of the Former Bowling Green in Kincorth.

Exempt Business

There are also items scheduled for discussion under Exempt/Confidential Business, including the transfer of two posts via TUPE to Aberdeen City Council Staff, and exempt appendices related to the Development of the Former Bowling Green, Kincorth, and the Work Plan and Business Cases.