What you told us - What we're doing

What you told us

We received 46 responses in respect of the consultation, the majority of which were received from the licensed trade (87.0%). The bulk of these felt that the proposed increases were too high and could negatively impact on the trade given the increased costs that they were already facing.

Respondents also felt that although the Board has a statutory duty to ensure the fees it charges covers their costs, they should look at cutting their own costs rather than passing higher fees onto applicants or as an alternative they should look at absorbing some of the costs involved to help support the trade.

The responses received can be found within Appendix 2 to the report which was considered by the Aberdeenshire Licensing Board at their meeting on the 17th of December 2025.

What we're doing

Officers considered the responses received as part of the consultation and provided answers to these within the report considered by the Board on the 17th of December 2025. The officers confirmed that some applications like applying to change an existing licence are optional for businesses. They also explained the work the Licensing Board carries out, why this work has increased costs, and how the Board is continuously trying to reduce expenses, for example by using online applications and holding meetings online.

The Board considered all the comments made on the 17th of December 2025, alongside their statutory duties to ensure that the fees charged covered their costs, deciding that the proposed fees should be adopted from the 1st of April 2026, with inflationary rises applied annually thereafter.

You can view the original consultation here: Aberdeenshire Licensing Board - Consultation on Liquor Licensing Fees | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

We received 171 responses across the different licence types included in the survey. Most people did not want fees to increase, and some preferred only small inflation‑level rises because of the impact on businesses. This is despite the Authority’s statutory duty to ensure fees cover the cost of providing the service.

General Themes:

• Affordability concerns about the proposed licence fee increases.
• Accountability and transparency about the council’s costs.
• Fairness and proportionality.

Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing:

• The significant financial pressures already faced by drivers.
• Impact on services for vulnerable groups and rural communities.
• Height of costs when compared to other authorities.

Public Entertainment Licensing:

• Impact of increased fees on community events and the local economy.
• Perceived disproportionate burden on small organisations and volunteers.
• Calls for greater differentiation between commercial and community events.
• Discounts to be applied to events by charities and voluntary organisations.

Other Civic Licensing:

• Impact that licences can have on already established businesses.
• Calls for higher fees for certain activities over others.

Miscellaneous Licensing:

• Policy concerns regarding the licensing of some activities.

The majority of the responses related to the licensing of public entertainment licences and the taxi trade within Aberdeenshire. The responses received can be found within Appendix 2 to the report which was considered by the Licensing Sub-Committee on the 12th of December 2025.

What we're doing

Officers considered the responses received and provided answers in respect of all the themes listed above and these were included within the public report considered by the Licensing Sub-Committee on the 12th of December 2025.

Officers reviewed all consultation responses and addressed each theme within the public report considered by the Licensing Sub Committee on the 12th of December 2025.

The Sub Committee evaluated these comments alongside its statutory duty to ensure fees cover the Authority’s costs. It agreed to implement the proposed fees, applying varying discounts for voluntary and charitable organisations applying for public entertainment licences. These will take effect from the 1st of April 2026, with inflationary increases thereafter.

Full details of the fees and discounts are available via the report and appendices considered by the Licensing Sub-Committee, these will also be published online prior to these taking effect.

The Sub Committee also instructed officers to produce a monitoring report on the impact of the new fees, scheduled for the 7th February 2027, before the end of the current Council term.

You can view the original consultation here: Aberdeenshire Licensing Authority - Consultation on Licensing Fees | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

We surveyed pitch users from August through to November 2025 alongside a series of Pitch User Group meetings. We received 33 responses to the survey, representing 31 individual teams

When asked for views on our current services (booking process, pitch maintenance, communication, and pitch location/commute), most people said things feel about the same as before. A small number felt things had improved, while less than a third felt things had gotten worse.

In response to being asked if teams would consider a commitment to support general maintenance (grass cutting, line marking, re-seeding), thee-quarters of teams were in favour of some level of contribution.

In response to being asked if teams would be willing to pay for additional services, a number of clubs indicated in favour.

In response to being asked how frequently teams would like to meet, the majority were in favour of pre and post season as required.

What we’re doing️

Based on the feedback received through the survey, we are currently scheduling a 2nd round of Pitch User Group meetings with the intention of setting future meetings with as much advance notice.

We will aim to formalise opportunities for clubs to participate in pitch maintenance.

The booking process has been reviewed resulting in some improvements for clubs booking for fixtures. Further improvements are also being reviewed.

You can view the original project here: Aberdeenshire Pitch Strategy 2025 | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

The overall impression from the survey was strongly positive. Many participants described Restaurant Week as 'excellent,' 'fantastic,' and 'a great idea,' and a large proportion indicated they had visited restaurants they had never tried before. Respondents stated that the event encouraged them to explore local businesses and that they would return to the venues they discovered.

However, despite the enthusiasm, participants raised some concerns. These issues represent areas where improvements could meaningfully enhance customer experience and support wider participation.

Key Strengths Identified

Survey respondents highlighted several aspects of Restaurant Week 2025 that worked particularly well:

• Encouraging discovery: Participants enjoyed visiting new or unfamiliar venues.
• Good value at some venues: Businesses offering exclusive Restaurant Week menus or discounts on total bills were praised.
• Two week duration: This format allowed flexibility for participants to visit multiple restaurants.
• Timing before Christmas: Many appreciated the event’s timing, noting it provided an affordable way to go out prior to the festive period.

Overall, the event was regarded as enjoyable, beneficial to local businesses, and worth continuing.

Key Challenges and Areas for Improvement

1. Menu

Across the 150 responses, the most common concern related to menus. Respondents reported:

• Restaurant Week menus were not always offered automatically.
• Some venues required all members of a booking to choose from the RW menu.
• Menus were published too late, with several listed as 'TBC.'
• Some menus had limited options or did not differ much in price from regular offerings.

Participants clearly expressed that earlier publication of menus and more transparent value would significantly enhance planning and satisfaction.

2. Pricing

While some venues offered excellent deals, others were viewed as less competitive. Respondents reported

• Prices appeared higher compared to previous years.
• A lack of low cost options such as £10 lunch deals, coffee specials, or afternoon teas.
• Seniors’ menus occasionally offered better value than the Restaurant Week deal.

A broader range of affordable choices would help increase engagement.

3. Advertising, Communication and Visibility

Survey responses repeatedly highlighted challenges around awareness:

• Some venues did not clearly display that they were taking part.
• Some respondents reported they had to ask for the RW menu.
• Improving communication, and signage was one of the most consistent themes.

4. Timing and Seasonality

Feedback on the November timing was mixed:

• Some enjoyed the timing for budgeting reasons.
• Others found the cold, dark weather discouraged travel across Aberdeenshire.
• A large proportion suggested running the event twice a year, with an additional event in a warmer month such as March/April.

5. Geographic Coverage

Several respondents - particularly from Peterhead and surrounding communities - expressed a desire for more venues in their area.

6. Dietary Needs

Participants reported:

• Insufficient vegan and vegetarian options.
• Repetitive dishes (e.g., risotto, stuffed peppers) rather than protein-based alternatives.
• Need for clearer dietary labels (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free).
• Interest in children’s menus to encourage family participation.
• Requests for clearer dog friendly signage.

What we're doing

Based on the 150 survey responses, Restaurant Week 2025 was viewed as a highly valuable and enjoyable event.

Key recommendations include:

• Improve advertising and venue visibility.
• Publish menus earlier and ensure they are offered automatically.
• Expand value and lower-cost options to improve affordability.
• Increase venue participation, especially in underrepresented areas.
• Consider running the event twice per year or including a warmer month.
• Improve dietary needs and family-friendly offerings.

We’re using this feedback to shape future Restaurant Week events across Aberdeenshire. The insights shared by participants have already been passed on to local businesses, helping them consider improvements around advertising, menu availability, affordability, venue participation, dietary options and family‑friendly choices. These recommendations will guide our planning as we explore ways to make future events even more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for residents. If Restaurant Week returns, your feedback will play a key role in making it even better.

You can view the original project here: Aberdeenshire Restaurant Week 2025 | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

The Shrinkflation and Excess Packaging project ran from 17th of November to the 12th of December. During this time our officers visited premises across Aberdeenshire, and we were delighted to hear from Aberdeenshire residents directly. You told us your main concerns in the local area were:

• Smaller potions being sold in supermarkets; in particular, staple goods such as mince.
• Manufacturers reducing the size of sweet and confectionary products but charging higher costs for them. As expected, larger gift confectionary such as Celebrations and Quality Street was a common theme in the feedback!
• Supermarkets still using excess plastic packaging on fruit and vegetables. One individual also fed back concerns to us that the shelf life on such products now seems to be shorter.
• Some respondents highlighted cat food specifically; with complaints over small portion sizes, excessive packaging, dangerous choking hazards in said packaging.
• Online retailers such as Amazon shipping goods in excessively large boxes.

What we're doing

The survey responses will be combined with input from other such projects and enforcement initiatives to shape our plan of work for the 2025-2026 year. As such, some of this feedback may be used to expand upon and run initiatives to tackle issues which we can directly address or raise consumer awareness on problems we are unable to tackle.

In addition to the visits already completed by officers as part of the project, we also followed up on every premises highlighted to us as a concern. For any premises located outside Aberdeenshire, we passed the details to the relevant local authority’s Trading Standards team so they could make contact on our behalf.

What you told us

The Mental Health and Wellbeing (MHWB) Public survey went live from 8th October – 23rd November 2025 and received 164 responses. You told us that:

• Most of you were aware of national support (125) for MHWB and the local Community Mental Health Team (111)
• Most of you preferred your information channels to be face-to-face (104) and online platforms e.g. Google (77)
• The most common advertising method known for MHWB was social media and posters
• 42 of you had never used Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership (AHSCP) services
• There was low usage of employability services
• Moving in and out of services - most stayed with one service (53)
• Before going to GP visits, most of you said you would use online support (75) and apps (59)

You were clear on what you felt the problems were with getting access to services, you felt that there are:

• Long waiting times
• Lack of face-to-face services; and
• Costs can stop people from getting mental health help

You had strong views on what you felt works well with MHWB, you felt these are:

• GP referrals and personalised support
• Community resources are effective practices that improve mental health care outcomes
• Self-care strategies help people to maintain and improve their mental wellbeing independently

You had helpful suggestions on how we can make AHSCP MHWB services better, these were:

• Extending service hours
• Improving information dissemination
• Investing in community initiatives
• Integrating care models.

What we're doing

The survey responses will be combined with responses from the Lived Experience Forum, focus group and staff feedback to develop a Mental Health and Wellbeing (MHWB) Delivery Plan. This means we want to take all your feedback and look at your suggestions for improvement in detail. Our MHWB leads will have workshops to go through your feedback, and actions will be made from your suggestions on how to make services better. We hope to have this completed by April 2026.

What You Told Us

We consulted on our Draft Strategic Plan 2025-35 in September/October 2025. The draft plan was informed by an earlier phase of community and staff engagement that was undertaken in late 2024. The Plan sets out our vision, priorities, and ambitions for the next ten years.

In the consultation, we asked for views on two strategic priorities. Feedback showed that respondents strongly value prevention and early support for health and wellbeing as a priority. However, respondents are aware of the financial and staffing challenges facing the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership (AHSCP) and explained that they can have challenges in accessing timely help, particularly in rural areas.

Feedback also showed support for the priority focusing health and social care services on those with greatest need within the community. However, there was concern that those with emerging needs still require to access support to prevent their needs increasing.

What We’re Doing

The Strategic Plan 2025-35 was agreed at the Integration Joint Board meeting on 10^th December 2025.

A Strategic Delivery Plan has also been developed that sets out how the AHSCP intends to work towards the agreed priorities in the Strategic Plan by identifying specific projects, key actions, milestones and/or key performance indicators. The aim has been to ensure resources are prioritised to the activities directly aligned to the AHSCP’s strategic priorities. Progress on the delivering the Plan will be reported regularly to meetings of the Integration Joint Board.

You can view the original project here: Health and Social Care in Aberdeenshire | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

Portlethen & District Men’s Shed submitted an Asset Transfer request for ownership of the former Social Work Offices on Rowankbank Road, Portlethen. The group currently operate out of the former public toilet building on Cookston Road and felt that their current premises were hampering the types of projects they could undertake and they wished to move to larger premises that would allow them to expand. The proposed use of the Rowanbank site would mainly be to provide space for the Men’s Shed operations but with potential to offer some space to other community groups along with a meeting space.

The request was published on the Council’s website and a survey was posted on Engage Aberdeenshire with the public being given at least 20 working days in which to make representation. Notice was sent to the Community Council and notices were placed on the site and on community noticeboards throughout Portlethen. A total of 4 representations were received with no objections. The Men’s Shed had also undertaken community engagement via an online survey and engaged with neighbouring property owners. The results of this engagement was included in their Business Plan.

All of the documents relating to the Asset Transfer request and public comments can be viewed on the Council’s website - Asset Transfer - Social Work Office, Portlethen - Aberdeenshire Council

What we're doing

The Asset Transfer request was considered by the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee on 2 September 2025. Officers recommended approval of the transfer at a purchase price of £92,500 which represented a 50% discount on the valuation price. However, Councillors agreed to accept the Men’s Shed’s offer of £100.00. When a Committee decision is contrary to Officer recommendation there is a requirement for the matter to be reviewed by a Policy Committee who then makes the final determination - this is in line with the Council’s Governance procedures.

A report was subsequently presented to the Business Services Committee on 13 November 2025 where the Asset Transfer request was approved by Committee at the purchase price of £100.00. The Council will now conclude the transfer of the site to Portlethen & District Men’s Shed.

What you told us

Residents shared views on the proposed playpark equipment and features for the following sites:

• Letter Road Playpark, Lyne of Skene
• Lairds Playpark, Hatton of Fintry
• Marcus Place Playpark, Blackburn
• Westhill Playparks
• Inverurie Playparks

Thank you to everyone who took part.

What we’re doing

We’ve used your feedback to create a specification for new equipment for each park based on the survey results. A tender is currently live, inviting suppliers to submit designs that reflect what you told us. These designs will be evaluated and scored against requirements drawn from your feedback, so the proposals align with local priorities.

We’ll publish the selected design(s) and next steps once the tender evaluation concludes.

What you told us

We were seeking views in respect of our proposed gambling policy for 2025 to 2028. The consultation on the policy was extremely wide with views sought from licence holders, community councils, relevant bodies, statutory partners and members of the public.

No comments were received in respect of Parts A, B and C of the policy. The following general feedback was received:

• “It is a good document and sets out clearly how the Board will implement the policies.”
• “I think the draft is well written and uses language which is easy to absorb and understand. It also uses very few acronyms which helps immensely.”
• “The short list of changes helps navigate the document.”

In terms of the local area profile(s) which sit alongside the policy the following feedback was received:

• “I think it describes the area in general terms well and could guide any researcher to specific areas for investigation and consideration in regard to any assessments needed to furnish an application.”
• “Contains a useful summation of data despite not being overly wordy”.

What we are doing

Based on the feedback received, no fundamental changes were made to the policy as a result of the engagement exercise, thereafter, the proposed policy was considered and approved by the Aberdeenshire Licensing Board at their meeting on the 29th of October 2025.

In line with the legislation, officers arranged for the relevant notice to be published in the Press and Journal on the 7th of November 2025, confirming that the Board intend to publish the approved policy on the 5th of December and that this would take effect from that date.

Members of the public were informed through this notice and the others put up by officers within our offices and libraries of their entitlement to inspect the policy prior to its adoption.

In line with the legislation and notice the policy was published and took effect on the 5th of December 2025.

Although positive comments were received in respect of the local area profile that sits alongside the policy, we are continuing to work on this with a view to improving these further so that licence holders and communities are well informed when it comes to the licensing position within their area and Aberdeenshire more generally.

As always the Board is happy to receive feedback in respect of its policies.

You can view the original project here: Aberdeenshire Licensing Board's Gambling Policy | Engage Aberdeenshire