Aberdeen City Council has approved its 2025/26 budget, prioritising significant investment in schools, roads, and city centre regeneration, alongside increased support for vulnerable citizens. The budget outlines a substantial commitment to infrastructure projects, including a major roads scheme and extensive school upgrades.

A total of £247 million will be allocated to the city's school estate over the next five years. This includes £121 million for the construction of the new Hazlehead Academy. Further investments will see the expansion of facilities at Harlaw Academy, refurbishments at St Peter's Roman Catholic School and Ferryhill Primary, and the progression of an extension for Bucksburn Academy.

To address traffic congestion, £55 million has been earmarked for the Berryden Corridor Improvement Project, with work scheduled to commence next year. The city centre will also see significant improvements, with £13 million dedicated to enhancing the Castlegate as a public space.

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Beyond infrastructure, the budget includes substantial funding for social support. £1.534 million will be allocated to the Fairer Aberdeen Fund in 2025/26, and £1 million will be distributed through the Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee to assist those affected by the cost-of-living crisis. Additionally, an extra £9.5 million will be provided to deliver social care, bringing the Council's total contribution to the Integration Joint Board (IJB) to £140 million.

Councillor Alex McLellan, convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, stated: "Despite the Council operating in incredibly challenging circumstances, we remain focused on delivering essential public services and assisting people through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Aberdeen City Council is continuing to invest in the school estate, in roads, and other key infrastructure such as the regeneration of the city centre and beach area. These actions will ensure Aberdeen continues to be a place people want to live, want to work, want to raise a family, and want to start a business."

The budget allocates £668 million to deliver public services in 2025/26 and £709 million to capital projects over the next five years. Other key investments include nearly £1.5 million for 15 external organisations through the Common Good Fund, £4.1 million for Sport Aberdeen, and funding for a new Cruyff Court in Kincorth.

To address an £18.1 million budget shortfall and maintain service delivery, Council Tax will increase by 9.85% in 2025/26. The council has also set a carbon budget of 22,567 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, aligning with its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. Key environmental initiatives include completing a £19 million investment in a Hydrogen Hub and allocating £9 million to expand the electric vehicle charging network.