What you told us - What we're doing

What you told us

We asked parents and carers about the support that would help them and their young person during the move from P7 to S1.

Almost half of those who responded said they would be interested in parent/carer peer learning sessions, with a further quarter saying they might be interested.

The areas parents and carers were most interested in were:

• building confidence to support their young person starting secondary school – 64%
• communicating with their young person as they move into their teenage years – 47%
• understanding more about young people’s experiences at secondary school – 42%
• building connections within their community – 25%.

What we’re doing

We’ve used this feedback to help shape a new Family Learning Framework, focused on providing practical support that reflects the needs and priorities identified by parents and carers.

As a next step, the Youth and Communities team within Community Learning and Development has worked with staff across North, South and Central Aberdeenshire to develop a family learning pilot, starting in November 2026.

The pilot will help us test the approach in practice and learn more about how family learning can build parents’ and carers’ confidence and help them support young people through the transition from primary to secondary school.

What you told us

The Strategic Housing Investment Plan, or SHIP, outlines the potential affordable housing investment programme over the period 2027-2032 across Aberdeenshire. The main outcome of the plan is to enable the delivery of high quality, energy efficient affordable housing. In summer 2026 people were asked to provide their views and feedback on Aberdeenshire Council’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan for 2027 to 2032.

Survey participants were asked to rate the eight main aims of the plan in order of importance, if there were any further broad aims they felt should be included, and if they had any further comments regarding the plan.

There were 19 responses to the survey and the feedback has been collated.

The main aims of the SHIP which were deemed as the four most important by survey participants were:

• Provide social housing for rent
• Provide appropriate housing and support for older people
• Provide appropriate housing and support for people with a physical, mental health, or learning disability
• Prevent and alleviate homelessness

Survey participants commented on:

Affordable and Accessible Housing

Respondents consistently identified the provision of affordable housing as a key priority, particularly within rural communities where the availability of rental accommodation is perceived to be limited. There was strong support for housing that meets the needs of people who require additional assistance, including older people and those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, or mental health conditions. Preventing and alleviating homelessness was also highlighted as an important priority.

Some respondents called for an increased supply of bungalows and other accessible housing options to enable older residents to downsize. This was seen as a way to better match housing stock to local needs while releasing larger family homes back into the housing sector. In addition to new-build development, respondents expressed support for purchasing suitable properties on the open market as an alternative means of increasing affordable housing supply.

Place and Sustainability

The protection of greenspaces emerged as an important factor for future housing development. Respondents generally favoured the use of brownfield sites for new housing wherever possible, helping to minimise the impact on valued green spaces.

Survey responses also emphasised the importance of a strong place-based approach to housing and community development. Good access to transport links and local services was viewed as essential, alongside efforts to reduce carbon emissions through the delivery of energy-efficient homes and the incorporation of renewable energy technologies.

Some respondents highlighted the importance of ensuring that resources generated locally are reinvested in ways that provide visible and practical benefits for local communities. Concerns were also raised about antisocial behaviour and its impact on residents' safety, wellbeing, and quality of life. Some felt that measures to address antisocial behaviour should form part of wider housing, place-making, and community planning initiatives.

What We're Doing

We will take into consideration all feedback which will play a vital role in shaping and guiding future housing developments across Aberdeenshire.

The draft SHIP 2027-2032 was presented to the Communities Committee on the 5th November for consideration and approved.

You can view the report and plan here under item 9: Agenda for Communities Committee on Thursday, 5th November, 2026, 10.15 am - Aberdeenshire Council

What you told us

The Stonehaven Conservation Area Review was published for consultation on 25th May 2026 for a period of 8 weeks and closed on 16th August 2026.

There was a high volume of visits to the page and responses to the consultation were received from residents of Stonehaven as well as a range of internal and external consultees. Feedback was generally positive, and 82% of respondents were supportive of a separate conservation area for Stonehaven Old Town whilst the proposed conservation area for Stonehaven New Town received a more mixed response at 43%. Concerns were raised around the delineation of the proposed boundary and what should be included as well as a focusing on the buildings in and around Market Square. Furthermore, there was significant support for the retention of the southern part of Gurney Street to remain in the conservation area.

What we’re doing

The next stage of the process will be collating and examining survey responses, as well as using feedback from the community consultation event, and school engagement session, undertaken by Planning Aid Scotland in March 2025. The feedback is supportive of splitting the current conservation area into two and we will use this feedback to inform the final conservation area boundaries and supporting documentation. We expect this to take place towards the end of 2027.

What you told us

The Draft Housing Land Audit 2026 was published for consultation in July 2026 for a period of six weeks. This is an annual consultation to engage with stakeholders to update the status of all sites available for housebuilding across Aberdeenshire.

Responses to the consultation were received from a range of developers, agents and key agencies. This included comments on around 77 individual sites within the audit, covering issues such as expected programming, possible constraints, and queries relating to infrastructure provision, ownership and marketability.

We we’re doing

Amendments were made to sites across the area in response to comments received and a meeting was held with stakeholders in September 2026 to discuss outstanding issues. The final Housing Land Audit 2026 report will be published towards the end of 2026 on our website: Housing market statistics - Aberdeenshire Council

What you told us

The survey for the Stonehaven, Mearns and North Angus Connectivity Study ran from 13 July to 16 August 2026 and received 242 responses, mostly from people living in the study area. It asked how people travel for work, school and leisure, and what makes sustainable travel difficult. The findings will help identify ways to improve access to services and opportunities by sustainable transport.

The survey highlighted a strong reliance on the car, particularly for work and leisure journeys. Respondents consistently identified a lack of alternatives, journey times and reliability as key factors influencing how they travel for work, school and leisure. Almost half of respondents said they would like to travel to places more often but are currently unable to do so, indicating a desire for better connectivity both within the study area and to destinations further afield.

There was also a clear level of recognition of the different travel experiences represented through the study's personas, with the majority of respondents agreeing that these reflected people living in the area.

The study is progressing, and the findings and feedback received through the survey, including written comments, are helping to inform the next stages of the work and the development of potential interventions. A further update will be provided when the study is published.

What we're doing

The feedback received through the public consultation and wider stakeholder engagement is being used to inform the next stages of the Laurencekirk and Mearns Area Wider Connectivity Measures study.

The study is looking at how connectivity across the area could be improved, with a particular focus on opportunities that do not rely on car-based travel. A range of potential transport, access and service delivery interventions has been developed, drawing on the evidence gathered through the study as well as feedback from communities and stakeholders.

The suggested improvements are now being assessed against the study objectives, different user needs and practical considerations. This will help identify which measures could have the greatest impact on connectivity across the area.

The next stage will use this assessment to develop a prioritised Action Plan and Delivery Roadmap. These will provide an evidence base to help guide future investment decisions, business cases and funding applications for connectivity improvements across the study area.

What you told us

During July and August 2026, we consulted on the detailed policy framework for Council Tax long-term empty properties and second homes. We sought views on the proposed exemptions, deferments and discretionary arrangements that would apply when implementing the premium.

We would like to thank everyone who took part. We received 582 responses through the online survey, together with feedback submitted directly by Council Tax payers.

Responses showed strong support for the proposed exemptions and deferments, with support ranging from 74.8% to 89.7% across all proposals. However, free-text comments highlighted concerns about fairness, individual circumstances, impacts on rural and coastal communities, inherited properties, caring responsibilities, health issues, renovation projects, and potential unintended consequences.

The consultation demonstrated majority support for every proposal:

• 74.8% supported a deferment where owners are actively bringing long-term empty properties back into use.

• 85.9% supported a deferment for inherited second homes.

• 83.7% supported the use of discretion in exceptional circumstances.

• 89.7% supported an exemption for military personnel required to live elsewhere.

• 84.9% supported an exemption for healthcare professionals required to live elsewhere.

• 84.2% supported an exemption for work-related circumstances.

A recurring theme was that the circumstances surrounding second homes and empty properties vary considerably and cannot always be addressed through a standard approach. Many respondents called for greater flexibility and discretion to reflect individual situations.

Concerns were also raised about the impact on coastal and conservation communities, including Crovie, Pennan, Gardenstown, Sandend, Seatown, Collieston and Braemar. Respondents highlighted different local housing markets, the cost of maintaining older properties and the contribution that second-home owners make to local communities and businesses.

Inherited properties generated particularly strong feedback. Common concerns included probate and estate administration delays, repair costs, emotional attachment to family homes and financial pressures during bereavement. Many respondents requested longer deferment periods. Officers note that liability often remains with the deceased's estate until confirmation and administration processes have been completed, which may delay the point at which a premium becomes payable.

Responses also focused on renovation and restoration projects. Respondents expressed concern that increased Council Tax charges could limit funds available for repairs or discourage investment in properties requiring significant work before they become habitable. Planning delays, building warrant delays, contractor shortages and rising construction costs were frequently cited. Officers consider that most of these circumstances are already addressed through existing legislation and the proposed extension of deferment arrangements from 12 to 24 months where owners are actively bringing a property back into use.

Further responses highlighted caring responsibilities, health conditions, disability, hospital admissions, and wider vulnerability. Respondents described circumstances such as caring for elderly relatives, supporting family members with dementia, childcare responsibilities and assisting disabled family members. Officers note that many situations involving disability, long-term illness and vulnerability are already covered by separate statutory Council Tax exemptions and reductions.

Finally, respondents questioned whether the policy would achieve its intended aims. There were concerns that higher premiums may not increase the supply of permanent housing and could instead have unintended consequences for individuals, communities, and local economies.

What we're doing

The policy is expected to affect around 2,555 properties across Aberdeenshire, comprising around 995 second homes and 1,560 long-term empty properties. This represents around 2% of the approximately 125,000 properties liable for Council Tax.

Consultation feedback was shared with Elected Members and the Council’s Senior Leadership Team. Having considered all feedback received, the consultation did not identify any significant new category of exemption that is not already addressed through the policy, existing legislation or separate statutory Council Tax exemptions and reductions. However, respondents clearly emphasised the importance of ensuring that genuine hardship, exceptional circumstances, and unusual cases are treated fairly and consistently.

The policy was approved by the Business Services Committee on 17 September 2026, and the changes took effect from 1 September 2026.

We are contacting all affected customers to explain the changes, outline the discretionary arrangements available under the policy, and provide information on how to apply for a reduction in the 200% premium where appropriate.

What you told us

The Share Space project was introduced as a trial to make selected rural roads more welcoming for people walking, cycling, wheeling and horse riding, while encouraging all road users to share the space safely. The survey asked for feedback on the trial and its signage to help us understand its impact and inform what happens next.

Overall, you were very supportive of the Share Space project and its aim of making rural roads safer and more welcoming for everyone, while encouraging walking, cycling, wheeling and horse riding.

Most respondents felt the project was useful and supported making it permanent, as well as introducing similar schemes elsewhere in Aberdeenshire.

Feedback on the signs was also generally positive. Most respondents felt they clearly communicated the intended message, were an appropriate size and appeared often enough along the routes. Many drivers told us the signs had influenced how they drive. However, people using the routes in other ways had generally not noticed a significant change in driver behaviour.

You also told us that awareness of the project could be improved. Most respondents had not heard about the project or the new signs before taking part in the survey, and awareness of the individual routes was generally limited, with the Polinar Dam route in Inverurie being the best known. Respondents were also unsure whether the signs gave people walking, cycling, wheeling or horse riding greater confidence to use the road space.

What we’re doing

Your feedback suggests there is strong support for the Share Space approach, while also highlighting areas where more work could be done.

We’ll use the findings to consider how awareness of the project and its signage can be improved, including through communications and engagement with local communities. Further monitoring will also help us understand whether changes in driver behaviour become more noticeable to other road users.

The findings will help inform decisions about the future of the existing trial and whether similar approaches could be considered for other suitable rural routes across Aberdeenshire.

What you told us

The initial trade consultation ran from 2 March to 2 April 2026. Its purpose was to inform the fare scale proposed for public consultation.

Trade feedback

• Participation:

• 35 responses were received, representing 2.3% of the trade

• Support for Change:

• 48.6% wanted no change; 37.1% wanted change; and 14.3% were unclear.
• Support for change was highest for standard, late-night and festive rates, at 37.9% each
• Suggested increases ranged from 6.0% to 73.9%, mainly due to increased operating costs
• Of those seeking change, 58.4% said removing December weekends from the festive rate would have a critical impact, while 33.5% said it would have a positive impact

• Trading and Practicalities of the Scale:

• 51.4% described trade as poor; 42.0% described it as okay
• 51.4% stated that they always charged the full metered fare
• 88.6% stated that unrounded charges did not cause them an issue when it came to calibrating their meter
• 62.9% stated that unrounded charges caused them no issue when it came to the need to carry change

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered the trade feedback on 1 May 2026 and agreed to consult publicly on a proposed scale with no fare increase subject to further views being taken on the period to be covered by the festive season rate.

Public consultation

Public consultation ran from 22 May to 22 June 2026. Views were invited from the public and the trade to help fix the final fare scale, intended to take effect by the end of 2026.

Public and trade feedback

• Participation:

• 6 public responses were received
• 17 trade responses were received, representing 1.1% of the trade

• Support for Change:

• 50.0% of public respondents wanted change, mainly reductions
• 58.8% of trade respondents wanted change, mainly increases
• Combined consultation responses showed greatest support for changing standard charges, late-night charges and festive rates
• Trade respondents suggested increases of 10% to 19%, citing increased operating costs
• 62.5% of respondents, including all public respondents, wanted the festive rate period to remain unchanged
• Combined trade responses showed 52.4% felt removing December weekends from the festive rate would negatively affect their business
• 66.7% of public respondents said removing December weekends from the festive rate would not affect their taxi use

• Trading and Practicalities of the Trade:

• 50.0% of the trade who responded to the public consultation felt that trade was neutral under the current scale
• 25.0% felt that trade was good under the current scale
• 12.5% felt that trade was poor under the current scale
• 62.5% stated that they always charged the full metered fee allowed
• 100.0% confirmed that they accepted card payments – with 81.2% facing further charges when doings so
• 87.5% stated that unrounded charges did not cause them an issue when it came to calibrating their meter
• 68.8% stated that unrounded charges caused them no issue when it came to the need to carry change

What we're doing

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered the consultation responses received at their meeting on 28 August 2026, alongside the views which were expressed by a member of the trade at their meeting.

The Licensing Sub-Committee determined that a new scale should be fixed, incorporating a 5% increase on the previous charges with this taking effect from 1 November 2026, this being subject to any appeal lodged by the trade.

What you told us

As part of the Aberdeenshire Council Place Strategy, we are working with you to create Place Plans for each academy town and the surrounding area. Portlethen is the second of these for Kincardine and Mearns focussing on the Portlethen Academy school catchment area.

The Portlethen Area Place Planning Survey was open from the start of March to the end of May 2026, and we received over 240 responses from across the catchment area. We also held in-person engagement events in our communities to engage with groups who may be less likely or able to access the online survey. Pupils at Portlethen Academy and two Portlethen primary schools provided valuable insight into what matters to them about where they live.

Through our recent engagement activities, you have shared what’s important to help you live well in this area. The feedback highlighted both strengths and concerns which we have grouped into main themes. These can be found in Portlethen & District Partnership Place Plan: Place Plan at a Glance | Portlethen and District Partnership Place Plan | Engage Aberdeenshire

What we’re doing

We will examine each of the emerging themes in detail and ask you if we are missing anything. This will involve local groups, the existing community plans, and individuals, ensuring that the Partnership Place Plan for the Portlethen Academy catchment area is shaped by the community’s views and needs. We’ll continue to work closely with our partners in the NHS, Fire Service, Police Scotland, and community groups. If you’d like to be involved in the next stages, please contact us using the email address under ‘Who’s listening’ on the project page linked below. Thank you to everyone who has already expressed an interest.

Once the Place Plan is ready it will be shared with the Community and on the Council website.

You can view the original project here: Portlethen and District Partnership Place Plan | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Council is exploring a new walking and cycling path between Kennethmont and Ardmore, including a connection near Kennethmont School, to provide the local community with options for active travel. We asked for opinions from local families and residents about whether this could be helpful for everyday journeys, getting to school, or enjoying time outdoors safely.

Summary of the key findings

• 54 people responded to the survey
• 85.2% of respondents stated that the car is one of their main modes of transport
• 61.1% of people responded that if a route were provided here, they would travel more actively, other respondents were unsure (16.7%)
• 46.3% responded they would use the route at least 2-3 times a week, mostly by walking (68.5%) instead of cycling or other wheeling modes
• When asked what the main barriers people felt existed to active travel, 74.1% of responded stated the lack of safe routes was the reason. Weather, and lack of time were also stated as reasons
• 70.4% of people stated they felt investment into active travel links will help limit the impacts of climate change
• 81.5% of people agreed a link between Kennethmont and Ardmore would improve health
• 75.9% stated such a path would be appealing to use and 87% stated that a 3m width path would suit their needs. 53.7% agreed a drybound path finish was suitable, 35.2% supported a fully bound / overlain path, 11.1% were unsure
• 53.7% of people felt the proposed crossing was in a suitable place, with others (20.4%) stated it wasn’t or (25.9%) stating they were not sure.

What we're doing

The results from this survey will be taken into consideration within the proposed design for this route. The proposed crossing location is supported by Council safety policies and standards. The path finish will depend upon further maintenance discussions.

A traffic regulation order has been sent through committee to request a speed reduction for a small section of road west of Ardmore Cottages. This would allow the path to tie into the pavement along Ardmore Cottages. If this is successful, design and landownership discussions will continue to progress the path project.