Aberdeen’s SNP group pledged to boost school spending, reduce homelessness and “investigate” bringing a new council-run community bank to the Granite City if voted into power next month.
And group leader Stephen Flynn said a nationalist administration would put forward a £4million business rates relief package on the first day of taking office during the party’s manifesto launch yesterday.
The group, which currently has 16 councillors, is the only party to have put forward enough candidates to potentially achieve the 23 councillors needed for a majority at the election on May 4.
Other eye-catching proposals in the 10-page document include a rent-relief scheme to tackle the city’s teacher recruitment crisis, building “at least” 2,500 houses and a new “masterplan” for the city’s harbour area.
The group also backs an investigation into bringing forward some form of publically run bus service for the city – a position expected to also be included in the Labour manifesto.
Speaking outside Marischal College yesterday Mr Flynn also reiterated commitments for a new multi-million pound bridge over the River Dee and to put the local authority back into the COSLA body.
He said that the set-up cost of the bank would be investigated and that it would offer an “alternative” for borrowing compared to high-interest pay day loans or other money lenders.
He said: “We are the only party standing enough candidates to win this election and our manifesto stands as a clear indication to the people of Aberdeen that it they put their faith in the SNP group on May 4 then we are ready to hit the ground running.
“Our exciting and ambitious plan for our city involves the delivery of a new bridge over the Dee, at least 2,500 new homes and a plan to increase the number of apprenticeships offered by the council.
“On top of this, we will reverse unnecessary decisions made by this administration by returning the council to COSLA, bringing the delivery of social care back in house and making Aberdeen City Council an organisation that actually listens to the views and aspirations of the public.
“There can be no doubt that our city has faced it’s fair share of challenges in recent years and we must grasp this opportunity to transform our city for the better- an SNP administration will deliver the change and prosperity Aberdeen deserves.”
