Councillor Alex McLellan, convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, said the General Fund Revenue Budget 2026/2027 reflects priorities highlighted through the annual public consultation.

“Aberdeen City Council will continue to deliver the services people expect, whilst also investing in our city’s infrastructure and our schools’ estate, ensuring Aberdeen continues to be a place people want to live, work, raise a family or do business,” he said.

“The Budget also recognises that many residents are still struggling with the cost‑of‑living crisis, so the council has prioritised help for those most in need while addressing its own inflationary cost pressures and increasing demand.”

The agreed Budget includes £22m for waste services and £7m for roads maintenance including gritting.

Other key Budget announcements include:

• £200m for adult social care services – including an extra £6.1m for the Integration Joint Board and £2m for any financial risks;
• Another £500,000 over the next two years for the Union Street Empty Shops Grant Scheme;
• Continuing support for the Fairer Aberdeen Fund and Financial Inclusion Team;
• Nearly £1m for Aberdeen Performing Arts, £3.8m for Sport Aberdeen, and £600,000 for Aberdeen Sports Village;
• £100,000 underwriting for the Festival of the Sea in 2026;
• An extra £1m to develop the Beach Masterplan;
• A refreshed Natural Environment Strategy in 2026/27.

Council co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “In challenging financial times, this Budget protects vital frontline services. It focuses on the key services people depend upon. It invests in education and new and refurbished school buildings. It again invests extra in resurfacing and properly repairing roads and pavements, after years of neglect. It allocates more for gritting and clearing snow. It invests in helping tackle poverty in our city. It is a prudent budget that will deliver for Aberdeen and its residents.”

A total of more than £300m is to be invested in the city’s schools’ estate over the next five years — including a new Northfield Academy campus in the longer term. The Northfield Academy project, planned for 2033, will be shaped with the residents and include new community facilities.

More than £50m will also go towards Victorian school refurbishments — £33.5m for Aberdeen Grammar, £10m for Broomhill Primary and £8m for Ashley Road Primary — alongside ongoing upgrades across the wider estate.

The budget also allocated £13.8m for “smart” classroom and more than 20,000 computers, ensuring young people have the tools and skills needed for future industries.

The council was facing a £11m budget shortfall in 2026/27.

Council Tax will rise by 6.8%. Under a new council tax based scheme, the council is setting aside setting aside £1m to support residents who meet a financial hardship criteria.