Annual Review sets out highlights and achievements of Council’s Delivery Plan

12 November 2020

Aberdeen City Council’s Strategic Commissioning Committee today (Thursday 12 November) noted the milestones and highlights of the authority’s Council Delivery Plan as set in its Annual Review.

The document presented the achievements against a range of commitments and requirements set out by the Council for 2019/20 as a strategic planning thread bringing together the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP), the Council’s Policy Statement, National, Regional and City Strategies and legislative and statutory delivery duties.

The report highlighted that, despite, the unprecedented and unforeseeable impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic key commitments had been delivered under the LOIP headings of Economy, People (Children and Young People), People (Adults) and Place.

In terms of the Economy, highlights included a 2.3% increase in people earning a living wage, 45 new enterprises and 4.8% more people working in growth sectors as the economy diversifies, an 8% increase in digital participation, 76 more young people completing a Foundation Apprenticeship or currently training for one and, despite its enforced closure during lockdown, 140,000 visitors to the revamped Art Gallery since its opening in November 2019.

Children and young people benefitted from over 5000 devices being allocated to them to support home learning during lockdown resulting in 93% engagement across the city. 29.2% more care experienced young people achieved SQCF Award Level 3 in Numeracy and Literacy with 16.2% more young people leaving school and heading to an initial positive destination and 18% additional care leavers receiving throughcare and aftercare support.

The Review also highlighted that there had been a 40% reduction in council house evictions, a 24% reduction in repeated homelessness presentations and an average reduction of homeless journeys of 20.2 days. Instances of antisocial behaviour had also reduced by 11% over the 12-month period.

Food poverty and environmental issues have also been tackled through a new food distribution pick up point in Cummings Park, over 4000 children taking part in food growing initiatives, a 2.6% increase in household recycling and 16,500 voluntary participation in Parks and Bloom Groups.

The Council’s investment in Hydrogen transport also captured the imagination with over 600 participants in the UK’s first weeklong Hydrogen Festival.

Co Leader and Committee Convener, Councillor Jenny Laing, said:”This report clearly shows that Aberdeen City Council has made great strides over the last year in delivering positive change for the people of Aberdeen and the achievements highlighted are all the more remarkable given the current challenges we face as a result of Covid-19”

“What is particularly heartening is the way in which we have been able to address inequalities in our communities and ensure better outcomes for our young people and adult population alike.”

“We have been able to achieve all this without taking our eyes off the ball in terms of successfully diversifying the economy and meeting our environmental responsibilities.

“The Review underlines that our staff and the people of Aberdeen have really come together as one to make the city a better place to live and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication.”