Secondary school pupils have been making their views known about Phase 2 of Aberdeen City Council’s budget consultation 2025/26 thanks to engagement sessions delivered by the Aberdeen Youth Movement (AYM).
Phase 2 provides additional proposed savings options and invites people to have their say on these, and comment on how changes might affect them if taken forward.
The Council asked the AYM to help it gather the views of the city’s young people. The AYM’s mission is to encourage active engagement of young people aged 12-25 years old across the city, to seek views on council services, and how to develop a wider range of opportunities for young people’s involvement in the city.
Councillor Alex McLellan, Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, said: “Phase 2 of the consultation offers the public an opportunity to express their views on proposed savings being put forward by council officers ahead of the Council setting the 2025/26 budget.
“It is essential that people participate in the budget consultation process as this will help us understand what services are important to individuals and their families, and the potential impact any change or removal of a service may have on them.
“This is why the Council is particularly keen to actively engage with our young people – because they are the future of our city.”
Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “It is vital to listen to the views of young people. They represent the future so we have a special responsibility to involve them in the decisions that we make today. The work of Aberdeen Youth Movement is really valued because they actively engage with the younger generation in the city. The Youth Movement is appreciated because they ensure that young voices are heard.”
The young person’s engagement sessions have taken place this week (Monday 4 November – Friday 8 November) at Aberdeen Grammar School, Bridge of Don Academy, Dyce Academy, Lochside Academy, and Oldmachar Academy.
The AYM has also used its social media channels (X – @aym_aberdeen; Instagram – @aym.aberdeen) to raise awareness of phase 2 and to encourage young people to have their say.
Below are some of the comments from Aberdeen Youth Movement members involved in delivering the sessions.
Lily said: “It is crucial that young people have an equal opportunity to let the council know how these proposals impact them. I am so proud that AYM can help facilitate that opportunity in an engaging and authentic way. Young people engage better with other young people – there is more trust.”
Sam added: “The engagement within the schools has been amazing and it’s been so rewarding to see young people feel valued for their opinion on decisions that impact them.”
Rebecca said: “Young people are the future of this city. They need to be involved in the decisions that are made now, to ensure that their future is secured. AYM hope that we can continue to amplify the voices of young people in Aberdeen.”
Marianna commented: “The engagement within the school has been incredible and it’s been a lovely surprise to see how passionate the students are about their future and their idea of how things could be better.”
Aberdeen Grammar School pupils explained why taking part in the Council’s budget consultation was significant to them.
Annabel, a fifth year pupil at Aberdeen Grammar School, said: “I think it’s important because it affects all of us. We’re the people that the budget decisions could impact so I think it is important to be involved in something that might change what the future looks like for you.”
John, a sixth year pupil at Aberdeen Grammar School, added: “If we really want to create a city that is thriving and one where young people want to stay in then it’s important that we are involved in the budget consultation. We need to be involved in how the city is going to look and what kind of city we’re are going to grow up in and hopefully want to stay in.”
Soleimen, who is also in sixth year at Aberdeen Grammar School, commented: “I think it’s important that us young people get asked for our views because it is us that will help shape the future, and it directly affects our generation. It’s good that we get to actively contribute to what the budget choices should be.”
Comments from young people at other engagement sessions included:
- “Counselling services are very important. Poor mental health is amongst young people and should be treated like an epidemic.”
- “Don’t cut sports. Lots of people enjoy sports.”
- "I think we need toilets in parks in case of an emergency.”
Anyone who has access to the internet at home or on their mobile phone can access the consultation here.
For anyone who does not have internet access at home, digital assistance is available at local libraries including the Central Library, and at the Customer Service Centre, Marischal College during opening hours.
General information on the budget consultation and details of the remaining virtual and pop-up public engagement sessions can be found here.
For anyone who needs information provided in a different format, such as accessible PDF, large print, easy to read, audio recording or braille, or have any accessibility requirements, please email equality_and_diversity@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Phase 2, the final phase of the budget consultation for 2025/26 closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 17 November 2024. The results will be presented to Full Council on Wednesday 11 December 2024.
Photo caption: Councillor Alex McLellan (L), Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee; and Councillor Martin Greig (R), Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee; are pictured with pupils from Aberdeen Grammar School and members of Aberdeen Youth Movement at the young people’s engagement session on Phase 2 of Aberdeen City Council’s budget consultation 2025/26.
The mini flipchart in the photograph shows budget 2024/25 however it is the 2025/26 budget consultation that the young people discussed and provided feedback on.