Aberdeen councillors have voted on who will lead the authority’s all-important committees.
During Thursday’s meeting, some changes to the structure of the council were agreed to help deal with the “very considerable challenges” the city will face.
The committees are headed up by a convener who oversees each meeting.
Why are conveners important?
Conveners ensure each member has the chance to ask questions, make comments and attempt to sway crucial decisions in the chambers.
And the role is especially pivotal as they hold the casting vote in debates – meaning they alone can be responsible for whether projects sink or swim.
They can also act as the “public face” of their department, speaking on various issues under that committee’s remit.
All committee conveners are to be paid an annual salary of £33,795.
So what are the new committees, and what do conveners do to earn their pay?
Education and Children’s Services Committee
Convener: Councillor Martin Greig (Liberal Democrat)
Previously named the Education Operational Delivery Committee.
This committee will look at educational services such as primary and secondary schools as well as community learning and development.
It will also deal with matters relating to community centres, sports and leisure facilities, and social work services.
Finance and Resources Committee
Convener: Councillor Alex McLellan (SNP)
Formerly the City Growth and Resources Committee.
It oversees the council’s financial strategies and budgets.
The convener holds the council’s purse strings and is responsible for overseeing various high-profile spending decisions.
Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee
Convener: Councillor Miranda Radley (SNP)
This committee aims to promote the health and wellbeing of the city’s residents and its communities.
It will look at issues such as council housing and social care services.
Net Zero, Environment and Transport Committee
Convener: Councillor Ian Yuill (Liberal Democrat)
This committee will oversee the delivery of all services relating to net zero, the environment and transport.
The committee will aim to ensure the council progresses towards its 2045 target for zero carbon.
Decisions will also be made on various transport and roads projects across Aberdeen.
Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee
Convener: Councillor Christian Allard (SNP)
This new committee has been set up to look at how the council can help to alleviate all forms of poverty and inequality in Aberdeen.
Councillor Greig said the new committee would have a “key role to play” in dealing with issues including the cost of living crisis.
While councillor Fairfull added: “Poverty and inequalities are still very much present in our city.
“We will do everything that we can to face this head-on.”
Licensing Committee
Convener: Councillor Gill Al-Samarai (SNP)
This committee has the power to approve or refuse licensing applications for taxis and private hire cars, public events and even food trucks.
The committee can also set taxi fares and designate taxi stances.
Pensions Committee and Board
Convener: Councillor John Cooke (SNP)
This committee is responsible for dealing with the North East Scotland Pension Fund.
It ensures key decisions are made relating to the fund such as its budget and payments.
Planning Development Management Committee
Convener: Dell Henrickson (SNP)
This committee considers planning applications in the Aberdeen area.
Members have the power to approve or refuse new building developments across the city.
Applications may also be delayed to allow councillors to carry out a site visit before making a final decision.
Staff Governance Committee
Convener: Councillor Neil Copland (SNP)
The committee allows debate between management, elected members and trade unions.
It works to support the council in its aim to promote positive values, behaviours, training, recruitment and ways of working.
Committee members also review the steps taken to ensure the health and safety of council employees.
Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Committee
Convener: Councillor Sandra Macdonald (Labour)
This committee will assess potential risks to the council and ensure steps are taken to manage them.
It is responsible for overseeing the council’s financial reports and accounts.
The powerful committee can also have a say on the council’s policies.
Check out the new committee structures for yourself here.
Conversation