Dundee City Council has revealed plans to cut a number of major projects over the next five years after a 30% hike in construction costs.
The local authority says it will use the £23.6 million saved for important building work.
This includes the building of a new super-school in the east end of the city — the cost of which has risen from £60 million to £85 million.
One opposition member has said the sudden dumping of information “is no way to run a council” and claimed there is not enough time for scrutiny.
Despite being asked for more detail, the council has only provided a list of the areas that could be cut, but what are they?
1. Coastal protection works
This area of funding would be cut by £4.1 million.
It relates to the management of the coastal zone within the Tay estuary.
It’s understood the specific project to be affected by the cuts would be the riverside around Dundee Airport.
An recent example of this type of work was the shoring up of sand dunes along Broughty Ferry Esplanade.
2. Sustainability and low carbon projects
These programmes would be cut by £3.5 million.
They centre on reducing carbon emissions and using sustainable forms of energy and materials to tackle climate change.
A recent example is the external wall insulation (EWI) programme which has made hundreds of council homes more energy efficient.
3. Hydrogen bus project
This project would see cuts of £2.9 million.
It centres on the delivery of 12 hydrogen double-decker fuel cell electric buses and a Hydrogen refuelling station.
It is not clear if the project will still go ahead after it was delayed last year.
4. Depot rationalisation programme
This area is facing cuts of £2.6 million.
It involves improving the council’s vehicle fleet depot in the city.
5. Sustainable transport and infrastructure
This area would be cut by £2.3 million.
It focuses on local active travel, bus services, mobility as a service and low carbon vehicle infrastructure.
A recent example is the roll out of secure “hangars” for bicycles to try to increase cycling rates.
6. Leisure & Culture Dundee projects
These projects would be cut by £2 million.
This centres on funding for the maintenance and improvement of buildings such as libraries and leisure facilities.
The council says the cut has no effect on ongoing work at the Olympia Leisure Centre and its reopening date of October 2023 remains on track.
7. Social care
Funding for social care would be cut by £1.5 million.
This centres on accommodation for adults with learning disabilities and funding for areas dealing with older people and adults.
8. Parks and open spaces
Spending on this area would reduce by £1.2 million.
Cash funnelled into this department is used to improve and maintain Dundee’s parks such as Dawson, Balgay, Camperdown and Magdalen Green.
It is also used to look after popular zones such as Templeton Woods, The Law, and Grassy Beach.
9. Sports facilities
Spending on Dundee’s sports facilities would reduce by £806,000.
This includes maintaining and improving the city’s many football pitches.
10. City investment fund
Cash put aside for this area would reduce by £827,000.
It’s understood this area centres on general plans to improve the city’s offering and economy.
A recent example is the launch of Dundee 2050: Our Vision for the Future which sets out ideas on how to improve the city centre.
What else would be cut?
Other areas facing cuts include:
- City improvement fund – £500,000
- Unadopted footpaths – £500,000
- Community regeneration funding – £400,000
- Participatory budgeting – £200,000
Conversation