Engage Aberdeen residents in future spending decisions.

Councillors in Aberdeen have given the green light to plans that aim to enhance public participation in determining the future spending plans of the city council. This decision comes after a thorough review of the outcomes of the council’s Budget Protocol implementation during the previous year’s public consultation process.

The review also proposed the creation of budget options and evaluations of their anticipated impacts within the initial quarter of the current financial year. These options will serve as the foundation for interactions with both councillors and the public once a medium-term financial plan is presented to the councillors.

Expressing his views on the matter, Councillor Alex McLellan, the chair of the Finance and Resources Committee, stated, “Aberdeen City Council conducted its budget consultation for the first time, which provided individuals with the opportunity to voice their opinions on the proposed savings options presented to the councillors.

“This initiative resulted in over 5000 responses during the two phases of the consultation process, and I am optimistic that an even larger number of people will actively engage in the budget discussion in the upcoming months.”

Furthermore, Councillor Ian Yuill, the council’s co-leader, emphasised, “The report not only highlights the successful aspects but also pinpoints areas that can be improved upon.

“It is crucial that public engagement and consultation concerning the council’s budget allocation process are as transparent and inclusive as possible.”

During the Budget Protocol implementation, the ground-breaking public consultation received over 5000 responses across both phases. Participants were tasked with prioritising identified potential budget savings and indicating their preferred areas for investment amidst plans to address a projected funding shortfall of £83 million over the next four years due to escalating costs associated with public service delivery.