The Business Services Committee of Aberdeenshire Council met on Thursday, 9 January 2025, to discuss a range of financial and operational updates. The committee reviewed financial performance and outstanding business.

Business Services Financial Performance Update

The committee received an update on the financial performance of Business Services. The committee noted plans for business centres and the impact of vacancy management on council operations. The committee also discussed the decision-making process behind the centralisation of income from solar panels and the budget for non-income generating assets and repair obligations.

Statement of Outstanding Business

The committee reviewed the statement of outstanding business. Updates were requested on the status of Woodhill House and wider estates.

Provision of Celebratory Gifts

The committee considered the provision of celebratory gifts. The committee agreed that members and officers would reconsider the provision of celebratory gifts in the next financial year and explore alternative recognition options. This report was accompanied by the document Provision of celebratory gifts.pdf.

Annual Report of Activity under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 Policy

The committee considered the annual report on the use of surveillance by Aberdeenshire Council under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 (RIPSA). It was noted that there had been no changes in legislation or significant cases related to RIPSA during the past twelve months. The policy for the coming year was discussed, with an amendment to change the address in Inverurie to as specified on the website. This report was supported by the document ANNUAL REPORT OF ACTIVITY UNDER THE REGULATION OF INVESTIGATORY POWERS SCOTLAND ACT 2000 POLICY.pdf.

Asset Management Update

The committee was provided with an update on asset management, as requested by the committee on 18 April 2024. This item was discussed in a part of the meeting where the public and media were excluded.

Estates Development and Investment Strategy Update

An update was presented on the Estates Development and Investment Strategy, as requested by the committee on 11 January 2024. This item was also considered in a part of the meeting where the public and media were excluded.

Consultation Response: Equality and Human Rights Mainstreaming Strategy

The committee considered a consultation response regarding the Equality and Human Rights Mainstreaming Strategy. This discussion was accompanied by the document CONSULTATION RESPONSE EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS MAINSTREAMING STRATEGY.pdf.

Consultation Response: Statutory Performance Information (SPI) Direction 2024 - Accounts Commission

A consultation response concerning the Statutory Performance Information (SPI) Direction 2024 from the Accounts Commission was reviewed. Supporting documents for this item included CONSULTATION RESPONSE STATUTORY PERFORMANCE INFORMATION SPI DIRECTION 2024 ACCOUNTS COMMISSION.pdf and Appendix 1 Statutory Performance Information SPI New Direction Consultation Response.pdf.

Exempt Information

The committee noted the exclusion of the public and media from the meeting for specific items (Items 10 and 11) on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information.

Sederunt and Declaration of Members' Interests

Apologies were noted from Councillor Catherine Victor, with Councillor Dawn Black attending as a substitute. No declarations of interest were made by members.