North-east councillors will next week consider a major shake-up of sport and leisure which could save the taxpayer £1million a year.
Proposals to hand responsibility for sport and cultural services in the area to a charitable trust are part of budget cut for Aberdeenshire Council.
The trust, which would mirror Sport Aberdeen in the city, could run facilities such as swimming pools, sports centres, libraries and museums.
A public consultation on the plans was held last month and a majority of respondents were in favour of the move.
About £1million would be saved each year because charities are exempt from rates and charges paid by the council.
An arm’s length organisation such as the trust could also apply for external funding.
More than 60% of the 1,073 response to the consultation were in favour of the proposal.
However, comments left on the survey raised concerns about upheaval for staff, increased charges and loss of democratic accountability.
When Aberdeenshire councillors meet at Woodhill House on Thursday they will be asked to approve £130,000 to pay external consultants to draw up a full business case.
Last night, John Harding, Aberdeenshire’s lifelong learning and leisure chief, said: “There has been a great deal of interest from the public in how the council can continue to deliver present levels of services during challenging financial times and I would like to thank everyone who made their views known during the consultation.
“We have taken on board the comments we have received and if the council does proceed to the next stage in this process, we will continue to keep staff and residents informed as we develop the full business case.”
