“Today’s budget comes at a key time in the city’s history – a key time in the world’s history – as cities around the globe take the first tentative steps out of the devastating global pandemic that has engulfed us over the last 12 months.
“As well as dealing with the pressures of Covid, our Council has kept a firm focus on securing long-term prosperity, which is why we are able to commit to an unpresented investment of £150million in the city centre linking it the beach area.
“We have ensured over recent years that we have maintained a strong financial position, as recognised by our external auditors and our credit rating assessment, and delivered a balanced budget for the last 3 years which when we look at the next 5 years it can be clearly seen that we have headroom to provide the city and its businesses with an assurance that the Council will invest in the areas that will make a real impact to them as they seek to come out of this lockdown.
“This coupled with the major investment already seen including Aberdeen Art Gallery, Union Terrace Gardens and Provost Skene’s House will continue to see the hugely significant development of Aberdeen as a tourist destination and desirable location to live and work.
“Covid has shown us that our most valuable currency is our humanity, and we go forward with a sense of ambition and excitement but also with a better appreciation of what our priorities must be. These priorities have been captured in this budget which is why it is such an exciting time as we look forward as the city continues to build on its reputation as a city that is vibrant, creative and ambitious.”
Council Co-Leader Councillor Douglas Lumsden
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