£27 million cuts might not solve Aberdeen council’s crisis

A LACK of leadership, low morale and rocky finances – these are some of the criticisms aimed at Aberdeen City Council.

Public spending watchdog Audit Scotland has flagged up the problems in a report that will be considered next week.

But today a council leader said the administration was dealing with years of “complacency” under previous leadership.

The report said there was a “significant gap” between the council’s goals and the service provided. And it questioned whether the council’s £27 million savings plan – which includes axing the Bon Accord Baths and Doonies Farm – would restore financial security.

The report said: “The council’s financial position is precarious and it faces significant financial pressures.

“The council’s budget for 2008/09 anticipates savings of almost £27 million being achieved given the difficulties encountered in realising savings over recent years.”

The report also criticised services. It said: “Despite some good areas of service performance, there is evidence of significant weaknesses in major services, with particular concerns in social work and criminal justice and patchy education performance

“Overall its performance is slightly below the average for Scotland. There is still a significant gap between its aspiration to be a leading council in northern Europe and the reality on the ground in a number of key areas.”

Councillor John Stewart, convener of the continuous improvement committee, pledged that the Lib-Dem/SNP administration was on the right track after taking charge four years ago.

He said: “It takes time for the culture change to work through.”

dewen@ajl.co.uk