The Business Services Committee of Aberdeenshire Council met on Thursday, 11 June 2026, to discuss a range of important issues including the council's governance, performance, and a petition regarding public toilets in Stonehaven. Key decisions included the approval of an updated Counter Fraud and Corruption Strategy and the agreement to proceed with a review of commercial and industrial lets following an internal audit report.

Annual Governance Statement

The committee considered the Draft Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26, which outlines how the council maintains effective governance arrangements. Councillor Sarah Dickinson suggested including sustainability champions in the statement to recognise their work in building capacity across the organisation. Councillor Gwyneth Petrie queried the link between community engagement plans and the transformation programme, while Councillor Ron McKail raised the need for greater awareness among councillors regarding their responsibilities, particularly concerning the Armed Forces Covenant. The committee agreed to note the draft statement, acknowledging it would be subject to further amendments before final approval.

Business Services' Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report

The committee reviewed its Annual Scrutiny and Improvement Report for 2025/26, summarising key scrutiny activities and outlining the programme for the coming year. Councillor Anne Stirling raised questions about gathering data and evidence of outcomes from procurement exercises, and how to ensure that intended procurement goals are actually delivered. Rob Simpson, Director of Business Services, agreed to provide a briefing note on the joint procurement strategy to all policy committees. The committee agreed to consider and comment on the activities detailed in the report and to agree the proposed programme of scrutiny activity for 2026/27.

Petition on Stonehaven Beach Toilets

A petition requesting the reinstatement of toilet provision at Stonehaven Beach was presented. Janice Langdon, owner of Molly's Café Bar, spoke about the significant problems caused by the lack of public toilets, including increased pressure on her business's facilities and potential safety issues. Councillors discussed potential solutions, including comfort partnerships and community asset transfers. Emma, Head of Property and Facilities, mentioned exploring options with Stonehaven Outdoor Pool for public use of their facilities. The committee agreed to note the petition and delegate to the manager for Concardon and Mairns to discuss opportunities with the local community regarding public conveniences in Stonehaven.

Business Services' Year-End Performance Monitoring Report

The committee received an update on the Business Services Directorate's performance indicators for October 2025 to March 2026. Rob Simpson highlighted areas of strength, such as high council tax collection rates and construction projects completed within budget. Areas for improvement included the percentage of the capital plan being expended, investigation response times, and staff digital confidence. Councillor Dickinson noted concerns about complaint management, specifically the percentage of cases responded to outside the 20-working day timescale, and the presence of repeat complainants. Councillor Gwyneth Petrie raised queries regarding staff wellbeing figures. The committee agreed to consider and comment on the performance indicators and to note that performance reports would continue to be presented on a six-monthly basis.

Counter Fraud and Corruption Strategy

The committee was asked to approve an updated Counter Fraud and Corruption Strategy. Carolyn Watt, Strategic Finance Manager, explained that the strategy had been refreshed to reflect new legislation, including the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, and evolving best practice. The updated strategy moves towards a more structured and measurable framework with clearer governance, a strengthened focus on prevention, and enhanced fraud risk assessment requirements. The committee agreed to approve the updated strategy and to have its delivery monitored through the Audit Committee.

Scrutiny Referral from Audit Committee: Internal Audit Report 2617 - Commercial and Industrial Lets

The committee considered a referral from the Audit Committee regarding Internal Audit Report 2617 concerning Commercial and Industrial Lets. Elaine McCarron, Estates Manager, presented the report, which identified significant weaknesses in procedures, tenancy management, income recovery, and reporting. The Audit Committee had expressed concern and requested a Committee Review Process. The committee agreed to conduct this review, with the Head of Property and Facilities to report back with a Stage 1 report on 12 November 2026, and to instruct the Head of Property and Facilities to report the Business Services Committee's decision to the Audit Committee on 10 December 2026.

Consultation Response - Revised National Performance Framework

The committee noted the council's response to the Scottish Government's consultation on the National Performance Framework revisions. Kate Bond, Head of Customer and Digital Services, explained that the response supported a greater focus on long-term wellbeing and addressing inequalities, and suggested potential names for the framework. The council's response highlighted the importance of clear statutory expectations, improved alignment between national funding and outcomes, and consistent guidance and resources for public bodies.

Consultation Response - Code of Audit - Audit Scotland

The committee noted the council's response to Audit Scotland's consultation on the Code of Audit Practice 2026. Kate Bond presented the response, which welcomed the direction of the new code, striking a balance between proportionality, transparency, and audit quality. The council recommended clearer guidance to ensure consistency across auditors and councils and to avoid duplication with Best Value work.

Commissioning Strategy

The committee received an update on the development of a council-wide Commissioning Strategy. Craig Innes, Head of Commercial and Procurement, explained that the strategy aims to establish a consistent approach to commissioning, supporting evidence-based decision-making and improving outcomes. The strategy adopts a four-stage commissioning cycle: Analyse, Plan, Do, and Review. Initial work has focused on expenditure mapping and stakeholder engagement, with priority areas identified including Fleet, Waste, Energy Management, and Property and Facilities Management. The committee noted the progress to date and approved the continued development of the Commissioning Strategy framework.

Minutes of the Licensing Sub-Committee

The committee noted the minutes of the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting held on 20 February 2026.