Aberdeenshire Council’s new approach to local decision-making will take effect from January 27, following approval of a new ‘Scheme of Governance’ by the full council.
Councillors approved the document, incorporating additions and amendments drawn up since the scheme was last discussed by the council in September, at a recent meeting of the full council.
Co-Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, Cllr Richard Thomson said: “The new governance structure that will give committees the power to agree funding to support policy decisions – such as building new schools, for instance.
“That’s just an example of the changes that will empower councillors, committees, and the officers that support them, and potentially speed up the decision-making process.”
Co-Leader Cllr Alison Evison said: “The development of this new scheme is the result of much thorough work by council officers and by the cross-party Future Governance working group of councillors. It provides a structure which will enable councillors to serve their communities more effectively.”