SNP MSPs WELCOMES POSITIVE REPORTS INTO ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL

SNP MSPs WELCOMES POSITIVE REPORTS INTO ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL

Aberdeen North MSP Brian Adam and North East Scotland MSP Maureen Watt have welcomed the latest findings of Audit Scotland’s Best Value report into Aberdeen City Council which recognises the improvements the Council has made in its finances. The report acknowledges the “prompt and decisive action” taken in response to its previous report and highlights the improvements that have been made to budget setting in Aberdeen.

Commenting Mr Adam said:

"These reports show that significant progress has been made in addressing Aberdeen City Councils historic difficulties.

“They give encouragement that a corner has been turned and that the Council has started out on the road to full recovery.

“I am glad that Commission has praised the work done in the restructuring of the Council. Lead by Sue Bruce along with the Councils political leaders, a foundation has now been laid to build on."

Ms Watt said:

“Aberdeen Council has had to make some very difficult decisions to address the problems created by many years of mismanagement prior to 2007.

"The SNP group on the council have stepped up to address these problems and I commend them on not shying away from the issues Aberdeen City Council.

“There have been clear improvements as a result of more stable leadership on the council and things are demonstrably moving in the right direction despite the continued challenges being faced.

"That said, the report does express concern about the tension caused by leadership changes in other party groups. This kind of internal warfare cannot be allowed to hinder the efforts being made to improve the performance of Aberdeen Council.

“Audit Scotland’s report rightly points out that there is still a lot for the Council to do to sustain its progress, but a good start has been made and I am confident that things will continue to improve. These have been difficult years for the Council but progress is being made, as Audit Scotland have acknowledged in their report."