Independent businesses trading in Aberdeen city centre could have their rates waived – as part of ambitious plans to revitalise Union Street.
The Press & Journal says this morning that Conservative councillors are to unveil their proposals for a business rates exemption zone as part of their budget plans.
Councillors meet at the Town House this morning to decide how best to balance the city’s books for the coming year. Around £46.6million will have to be found.
School, arts and sports budgets are thought to be at risk.
The local business community has already voiced concern about the negative impact of spending cuts on the north-east economy - particularly on the tourism front.
Councillors will also decide on a council-tax rise of potentially 10% at the meeting.
Pledge
But the Tories are to reveal a multi-million-pound pledge which they hope will attract more businesses to the Granite Mile and its surroundings.
The levy paid on non-domestic property has long been argued to be “killing” Aberdeen’s economic recovery, with around 90 shops thought to be empty in the city in January.
They are especially controversial in the north-east, with valuations still based on 2017 calculations failing to take into account the continuing damage of the oil downturn.
It is understood independent firms would benefit from the Tory plans, while big chains would still be expected to pay. Along Union Street alone, the scheme would likely cost £10million a year.
Meanwhile, as regards today’s budget meeting, more than £1.5million worth of funding to tackle poverty in Aberdeen is thought to be safe.
Concerns had been raised for the Fairer Aberdeen Fund, which lets communities have a say in how public money is spent.
Ruled out
But the P&J has revealed that SNP and Liberal Democrats in charge have ruled out any change on the cash targeted at tackling poverty and deprivation.
Over the last week, community groups have voiced anger at the proposals brought forward to save money.
Far-reaching cuts to the schooling budget have also been suggested.
Top brass suggested cutting the length of the school week, from 25 hours to 22.5 hours - which would have saved £495,000.
But Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville told the P&J she was “committed to protecting” the statutory 25 hours.
Now, the SNP and Liberal Democrats has ruled out going down that route – and confirmed there will be no cuts to teacher numbers either.
Music service
Equally unpopular has been the suggestion to remove the city’s music service, with running costs of £1.28million a year.
Last night, senior councillors confirmed the music tuition would be protected.
But other options, such as upping the cost of school meals and changing cleanliness standards at schools, remain on the table.
Eight more of Scotland's 32 councils are today making final budget decisions for the financial year ahead.