The Finance and Resources Committee was scheduled to consider the Council's financial strategy, capital programme, and policies relating to adult social care charges. The meeting was also scheduled to discuss the future provision of Cruyff Courts in Aberdeen.

Medium Term Financial Strategy for the Council's General Fund

The committee was scheduled to consider the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the Council's General Fund for 2026. This strategy outlines the known factors affecting the financial position and sustainability of the General Fund over the medium term. It was scheduled to present scenarios the Council faces and the approach to addressing them. The report indicated a projected budget gap of £13 million for the next financial year under the central scenario, with a five-year gap estimated at £80 million. The strategy also detailed principles for income, expenditure, and capital investment designed to support financial resilience. Recommendations included approving the MTFS, noting the Scottish Budget for 2027/28, and approving the Loans Fund Repayment Policy for 2027/28 and beyond. The report highlighted that the Council's General Fund has underlying resilience of £15.2 million in uncommitted reserves, which is within the target range of 2-3% of Net Revenue Expenditure.

Capital Programme Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of key capital projects within the approved Capital Programme. The report was to summarise expenditure projections and performance against programme timescales for projects including the replacement of Hazlehead Academy, suitability improvements at Ferryhill School and Harlaw Academy, the refurbishment and extension of St Peter's RC Primary School, the Harlaw Road Pavilion, Bucksburn Academy Extension, the B999/Shielhill Road Junction improvement, and various City Centre Masterplan projects including Union Street Central Streetscape, Castlegate Streetscape, New Market, and the Beachfront – Beach Park and Events Park. The report was to highlight risks and issues specific to individual programmes and the overall Capital Programme, noting potential cost and timescale increases due to external factors such as inflation and supply chain disruption.

Future Programme of Cruyff Courts in Aberdeen

Discussions with the Denis Law Legacy Trust (DLLT) regarding a potential future programme of Cruyff Courts in Aberdeen were scheduled to be presented. The report was to update the committee on the work being undertaken to evidence the social impact of existing Cruyff Courts and to consider a proposal for a further court in Seaton. The DLLT had identified Seaton as its preferred location, with potential for partnership with Aberdeen Sports Village and the University of Aberdeen. The committee was asked to note the work being undertaken by the DLLT, the proposals for additional courts, and to instruct the Chief Officer Corporate Landlord to investigate options for a Seaton court and develop a costed proposal for consideration in the 2027/28 budget process.

Contributing to Your Care and Support – Adult Social Care (Non-Residential) Charging Policy 2027-2030

The committee was scheduled to consider an update on the implementation of the 'Contributing to Your Care and Support – Adult Social Care (Non-Residential) Charging Policy 2025-2026' and to seek approval for a revised Charging Policy for 2027-2030. The report detailed changes to the policy, including a revised phased implementation approach to charging based on individual budgets, updated charging percentages and timescales, and the introduction of additional safeguards and transitional financial hardship arrangements. The policy aimed to ensure fair and transparent application of charges, with a move towards charging 100% of the cost of chargeable elements of individual budgets by 2029/30. The report also outlined proposed rates for in-house services and detailed the communication plan for affected clients.