2017/18 Capital Budget

A total of £132 million is to be spent on capital projects across Aberdeenshire in the coming year, with the approval of the 2017/18 Capital Plan.

Councillors discussed the spend at their budget setting meeting today (Thursday 9 February) and approved the report which laid out the plans for the coming year, and beyond.

It represents a significant building programme, and a considerable investment in communities the length and breadth of Aberdeenshire.

Programmes which will benefit include new schools such as the ones at Uryside and Kintore, the Hill of Banchory sporting facilities and significant investment in the AWPR which is of huge significance to communities and businesses and is the largest road building project in the UK. There will be investment in street lighting, parks and open spaces, development of the council industrial portfolio and in waste collection services.

Meanwhile the council is also progressing toward the official opening of Midmill School by HRH Princess Anne and the full opening of the Banff and Macduff Sporting Facilities in the near future.

The plan also includes a number of projects to modernise the council office estate in order to generate financial efficiencies.

The City Region Deal features in the Capital Plan, with investment in transportation, digital infrastructure, and boosting our wider economy with a focus on oil and gas, food and nutrition and life sciences.

Within the last week the Scottish Government announced an additional £8m in funding for Aberdeenshire Council, of which £1.8m is reserved for capital projects. The future of the Capital Plan was also discussed, and there was recognition of the huge amount of projects coming down the pipeline, amounting to £878 million up to 2031/32.

Co-leader of Aberdeenshire Council Cllr Richard Thomson said: “This paper, and the plan it reflects, shows a real commitment to the building blocks of the region. We recognise the importance of investing when times are hard, and ensuring that Aberdeenshire gets the investment it deserves. This plan is efficient, proactive and reflective of what the community needs and I am pleased we gave it the backing of this committee.”

Co-leader of Aberdeenshire Council Cllr Alison Evison said: “On paper, it is a list of project names with large numbers next to them – but what this plan actually delivers is so much more. The schools, sports facilities, care homes and flood protection make up the supporting infrastructure of our communities. I think we can all be very proud of the Capital Plan and what it delivers right across Aberdeenshire.”

The Capital Plan was approved by councillors.