Aberdeen City Council to consider budget cuts of £37.9m

Councillors will consider the budget next week

Aberdeen councillors are being asked to make almost £38m of budget cuts for the coming year.

The budget report - to be considered next week - highlights areas including school crossing patrollers, libraries and grass cutting in a bid to find £37.9m of possible savings.

It also suggests a council tax rise of 3%.

The local authority's full financial position will be set out at a meeting next Tuesday.

• Councils need £300m 'just to stand still'

• Aberdeen council backs 4.5% tax increase

A council tax rise of 3% would equate to a Band D house paying an extra £40 a year.

Four community libraries could be at risk, and instrumental music tuition in schools could also be hit.

'List of options'

Dimming street lights will also be considered, alongside removing non-statutory creche provision.

Council co-leader Douglas Lumsden said nothing was certain at this stage.

He said: "We have been given a list of options from council officers.

"Over the next week myself and other administration leaders will be looking at what we can cut. We will also be looking at income, where we can actually raise income."

Local government body Cosla warned last week that Scottish councils need an extra £300m of funding just to "stand still".