Aberdeen City Council met on Wednesday 1 July 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the Local Outcome Improvement Plan, energy policy, and the impact of university funding cuts. The Council endorsed the Local Outcome Improvement Plan 2026-36 and its associated Locality Plans, and also noted the Treasury Management Strategy Year-End Review. Several notices of motion were also considered, addressing topics from officer impartiality to the future of North Sea energy.

Local Outcome Improvement Plan and Locality Plans

The Council endorsed the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) 2026-36 and the Locality Plans for North, South, and Central Aberdeen for the same period. They also endorsed the Community Planning Annual Outcome Improvement Report 2025/26 and the annual reports for the North, South, and Central Locality Plans. The Council expressed gratitude to the Aberdeen Youth Movement for their input on a video and to the Community Planning team for their work.

Energy Policy and North Sea Future

A significant discussion focused on the UK government's decision to loosen restrictions on Russian energy imports while restricting domestic North Sea production. The Council resolved to note with concern the UK government's decision to allow Scotland's refinery to close while easing sanctions on aviation fuel made from Russian oil. They recognised that Scotland's energy workers deserve better job opportunities and that communities in the North East deserve greater influence over their energy future. The Council agreed with Offshore Energy UK that maintaining a stable and secure supply of domestic oil and gas during the energy transition is crucial. The Chief Executive was instructed to write to the new Prime Minister to express the Council's view that the North Sea must remain operational. The letter will advocate for the removal of the Energy Profits Levy, addressing Scotland's refinery shortage in aviation fuel, reversing restrictive visa policies impacting the energy sector's workforce, and building on the success of the oil and gas sector to support investments in renewable energy, ensuring Aberdeen remains the energy capital of Europe.

Review of Politically Restricted Posts and Employee Code of Conduct

Councillor Kusznir put forward a notice of motion requesting a review of the Council's guidance for officers on determining politically restricted posts and the Employee Code of Conduct. The aim is to reinforce statutory duties and support public perception of officer impartiality. The review will specifically consider provisions preventing those in politically restricted posts from standing for election. The Council resolved to instruct the Chief Officer - People and Citizen Services to undertake this review, reinforcing statutory duties and supporting officer impartiality. The review will also examine the provisions preventing politically restricted posts from standing for election. The Council noted that the UK Civil Service Management Code stipulates that politically restricted employees are not permitted to stand for election, while non-politically restricted employees may seek election with formal permission and appropriate leave arrangements.

Unauthorised Gypsy/Traveller Encampments at St Fittick's Park

A notice of motion by Councillor Kusznir highlighted concerns about recurring unauthorised Gypsy/Traveller encampments and their impact on St Fittick's Park, Torry, and the local community. The motion recognised the need to protect public space and reduce the park's attractiveness for such encampments. The Council resolved to refer this notice of motion to the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee. This committee will receive a report within two cycles detailing options to limit unauthorised encampments at St Fittick's Park, including physical measures, management and enforcement options, engagement approaches, estimated costs, risks, and effectiveness of each option, along with a preferred option and next steps.

Funding for Additional Support Needs (ASN) in Schools

Councillor Boulton's notice of motion called for the Chief Officer - Education and Lifelong Learning to write to the Scottish Government's Education Minister requesting urgent funding to meet the rise in Additional Support Needs (ASN)¹. The motion also proposed recognising violent and abusive behaviour in schools as a serious health and safety issue, supporting calls for additional resources, scrutinising proposed action plans, seeking assurance on post-incident support for staff, and supporting the development of an education-specific incident reporting system. The Council resolved to agree that ASN funding provided to local authorities has been used appropriately and targeted to meet additional support needs through local early intervention innovations. They agreed to continue using ASN funding creatively and purposefully for clearly defined actions. The Council noted that the main impacts on children and young people stem from the home and family setting, welcoming the continuing focus and investment on family and community support models. They also noted that school settings reflect the wider social environment and that very few incidents of violence are reportable to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Guidance for consistent support after a behaviour incident has been agreed with unions, and achieving 100% consistency is an ongoing aim. The Council noted that an isolated education incident-reporting model would make it difficult to compare the education service with other Council services and could potentially compromise the Council's reporting duties to the HSE. They agreed that the voices and experiences of teachers and staff are vital in any response and noted that the education service routinely engages with staff, children, and young people. The Council reaffirmed Aberdeen's commitment to being a child-friendly city and thanked unions for their cooperative work.

Gender Search Option for MSPs and Council Website

Councillor Boulton also proposed a notice of motion requesting the Chief Executive to write to the Scottish Parliament and the First Minister, John Swinney, requesting the re-instatement of the search option to seek MSPs by gender. This would allow for a clear understanding of women participating in politics and help identify a female MSP for vulnerable individuals. The motion also suggested reviewing the Aberdeen City Council (ACC) website to ensure a quick link providing the same search function, subject to elected members' consent. The Council resolved to refer this notice of motion to the Anti Poverty and Inequality Committee.

Proposed Cuts at the University of Aberdeen

Councillor Malik's notice of motion expressed serious concern over proposed cuts by the University of Aberdeen to postgraduate courses and jobs. The motion highlighted the cumulative loss of jobs across Aberdeen's universities and the potential damage to the city's economy and reputation. It stated that financial pressures are exacerbated by inadequate funding arrangements and recognised the efforts of those campaigning to protect jobs and courses. The Council resolved to defer consideration of this notice of motion to the Council meeting on 19 August 2026.

Other Business

The Council also noted the result of the George Street/Harbour by-election. A report on the Treasury Management Strategy Year-End Review for the 2025/26 financial year was also noted. An update on the Scottish Government Pilot of Drug Checking in Aberdeen was received, with the evaluation to be reported to the Aberdeen City Integration Joint Board for Health and Social Care. The Council also noted the Council Business Planner, with specific items regarding RAAC Update and Financial Regulations, Procurement Regulations and Powers Delegated to Officers to be reported to the August meeting.