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Council budget

Each year the council must set a balanced budget that reflects the funding available, the essential services we provide, and financial pressures such as inflation.

On 26 February 2026, Full Council approved the 2026/27 budget, which outlines how we will invest in local services, communities and infrastructure.

The budget responds to rising demand for services, increasing costs and a growing population, while focusing on protecting the services residents rely on most.

For more details on the factors which influence council budget setting, service delivery and strategic direction view council budget position white paper.

Budget highlights and key facts

  • £860 million for day-to-day services
  • £103 million capital investment in infrastructure
  • £6.5 million additional support for health and social care to meet rising costs and demand plus £8 million to cover the Real Living Wage
  • £1.88 million extra investment for roads repairs
  • Investment in digital services and IT security
  • Over £9 million in savings identified
  • Council Tax increase of 10%

Where your money goes

The budget funds council services:

  • Education: schools, early learning and childcare, additional support needs, and lifelong learning
  • Health and Social Care: support for older adults, vulnerable residents, care services, and community wellbeing
  • Roads and infrastructure: maintaining roads, bridges, transport links, and winter services
  • Communities and environment: waste collection, recycling, parks, libraries, and leisure services
  • Economic development: supporting businesses, jobs, and the local economy

Investment in Health and Social Care

Aberdeenshire has one of Scotland’s fastest-growing older populations. As demand for care services increases, the council is investing further to support residents.

Additional funding includes:

  • £6.5 million for the Integration Joint Board
  • £8 million to support Real Living Wage and National Care Home contracts

These investments help to make sure care services remain available to those who need them most.

Capital investment 2026 to 2031

The council has approved a long-term capital plan focused on improving key infrastructure and community assets.

Investment priorities include:

  • School and learning estate improvements
  • Roads, bridges and transport
  • Digital connectivity
  • Community and leisure facilities
  • Energy and sustainability projects
  • Housing modernisation

The council will maintain responsible borrowing through an 8.5% borrowing cap.

Council Tax

Council Tax charges will increase by 10% for 2026/27. For an average Band D household, this represents £12.77 extra per month when spread over 12 monthly payments.

Existing support schemes remain in place to help residents on lower incomes.

Delivering savings

To balance the budget, the council has identified over £9 million in savings. These include:

  • School administration changes
  • Grounds maintenance and cleaning efficiencies
  • Reduced grants to some organisations
  • Vacancy management and staffing efficiencies
  • Procurement savings
  • Income generation and fee reviews
  • Review of concessions at Live Life Aberdeenshire facilities

Where savings impact services or staff, consultation will take place.

Revenue and capital budgets

View our revenue and capital budgets:

Budget savings

View budget reports and budget savings Equality Impact Assessments.