Aberdeen Sports Village is staring down a potential 10% budget cut as the council concludes the second and final phase of its 2025/26 budget consultation.
Aberdonians have been invited throughout the consultation process to provide feedback on proposed cuts to public services, with the council facing a reported black hole of £34 million.
Cuts are being considered across a multitude of services, including sport, education, culture and other community resources, with Aberdeen Sports Village a prime target.
ASV is the eminent provider of sports facilities and services to students at the University of Aberdeen, with many clubs and societies operating within it.
ASV is funded as a joint venture between ACC and the University, with both organisations contributing equally. In the current financial year (2024-25), ASV’s funding has already been reduced by 25%, equating to a £400,000 cut. Following this, ACC is proposing an additional cut of £62,400 in the 2025-26 financial year. Due to the joint venture structure, this cut would be matched by UoA, resulting in a total funding cut of £124,800.
ASV have warned patrons in an email that such cuts could result in price increases, reductions in operating hours, restricted access to the Aquatics Centre, and the withdrawal of free or heavily subsidised activities for children, including swimming lessons for nursery-aged children, children with disabilities, and weekly sport and fitness sessions for local school children.
ASV strongly encouraged members and the wider community to participate in the budget consultation to voice their concerns, specifically by selecting the “high impact” option in regard to funding cuts to sports organisations.
Councillor Alex McLellan, Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, said: “Aberdeen City Council will be faced with difficult decisions to balance the budget next year, so it is important that we consider the impact that changes to services may have on citizens.
“This consultation is about us understanding the impact proposed savings options may have so I would encourage as many people to take part as possible.”
Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The Council wants to know which services matter most to people, how they think services should be paid for and delivered – and the impact any changes may have on them as individuals.
“I hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to have their say and help to guide the Council’s spending plans next year and beyond.”
One Seaton resident told The Gaudie “We’ve already lost low income and disability concessions at the village, with yet more cuts and price rises even more people will be shut out from sport. What’s the point of having these amenities if the people they were built for can’t afford to use them?”
The budget consultation, launched online by the council, was open for submissions until November 17th 2024. For more information on how to get involved, visit https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/
