Council tax could rise by 10%, and services may get cuts. Difficult choices are needed to handle a big shortfall.
The council needs to save money due to a £26 million gap in funding. They plan to save nearly £14 million, acknowledging it’s a tough time for everyone. Cuts are needed to balance the budget.
Last year, the government froze council tax, but that freeze ended in December. Now, bills can rise significantly. A 10% council tax rise is possible, meaning a Band D property could pay £1,532.76 yearly, or £127.73 each month. The council may increase tax 8% more next year, and again the year after.
Education could also see cuts, as the council wants to save over £7 million. They’ll check how to make childcare cheaper, and some schools could close or shorten hours. This could save £487,600. Furthermore, they might change when kids start early learning, saving £588,000, while staff changes also could add £504,000.
Pupils could see meal changes, with food at schools potentially being cut to save £50,000. School meals for older kids might cost £3.05, potentially generating an extra £77,000. A program for vulnerable families may lose funds, ending support for Homestart Garioch, which will be reduced by £232,000 over three years.
Local services face changes too. Libraries might not be stand-alone to save £18,000, and halls could shut unless groups take over, saving £128,444. Sports places could have set hours and staff, aiming for tailored and rigid services, saving £131,991, with staff cuts expected.
Live Life Aberdeenshire may cut staff, saving £120,661. Sports prices might rise 10%, generating £690,130 extra. Support for local tourism will fall by £25,000, and a payment to Dee Catchment Partnership will end too.
Flood support may be cut. Sandbag stores may close over three years, saving £1,000. Free sandbags may stop too, potentially saving £50,000 yearly. The contract for a flood barrier will end in 2026, requiring residents to take over that barrier at Kemnay.
Streetlights may switch off from 1 to 5 am, with the council anticipating savings of £750,000. Grit bins will only be filled by strict rules, expected to save £380,000, and free straps for bins are ending at a saving of £24,900.
Macduff Harbour could face cuts. The ice plant may close to save £20,000. Night watch posts may go, saving £150,000, as they state theft is not an issue. The council will still pay its share to the IJB, an amount of about £11.4 million.
Money will pay staff who leave, as they release £2 million for voluntary severance costs. Council members will meet to discuss these plans next Thursday, and they will set next year’s budget.