Council focus shifting to Covid ‘aftershocks’

Pandemic: Fears spending on past priorities could be slashed

Fears have been raised Aberdeenshire Council could slash spending on past priorities to cope with the economic “aftershocks” of coronavirus.

In 2017, the local authority agreed to focus on 11 key priorities to address over the following five years, which included aims to reduce poverty, to tackle poor mental health and to protect the environment.

Now, three “new priorities” could replace them as the authority changes tack in the wake of the pandemic.

Their primary concerns will simply be people, environment and economy under the new proposals.

At a meeting of Aberdeenshire Council next week, elected representatives have been urged to endorse the streamlined approach.

Council Leader Jim Gifford said: “When resources are stretched it’s more important than ever to be clear about our priorities and what services will need to change, reduce or stop altogether, in order for us to protect what’s most essential.

“We are now entering a more difficult time where the true financial impact of the virus will become clear and difficult decisions will have to be made in order to work within defined budgets.”

Last night, East Garioch councillor Martin Ford raised concerns the move could lead to areas that require attention being “downgraded”.

He said: “Existing priorities such as providing the best life chances for all children, encouraging active lifestyles, reducing poverty and inequality and tackling climate change must continue to be priorities.

“I h o p e t h e administration does not propose dropping or downgrading these priorities. I would strongly oppose any move to do so.”

Councillors will also learn about the “aftershocks” expected from the pandemic at the meeting.

A new strategy has been unveiled on how the council could deal with fallout from lockdown for up to two years.

Mr Gifford added: “We must be prepared to respond in the case of further waves, be that local, regional or national lockdowns, particularly as we move towards winter and the additional pressures that is likely to place on all public services.”

“Difficult decisions will have to be made”

CHANGING TACK: Aberdeenshire Council’s primary concerns may be people, environment and the economy under new post-Covid proposals