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Councillors pass £24m budget cuts Councillors pass £24m budget cuts
(about 1 hour later)
Aberdeen councillors have approved plans to cut more than £24m off the authority's budget.Aberdeen councillors have approved plans to cut more than £24m off the authority's budget.
The decision will see social services lose £8.6m, a £1.2m cut in the housing budget and £5.9m less for education.The decision will see social services lose £8.6m, a £1.2m cut in the housing budget and £5.9m less for education.
In total about 400 jobs will go - including more than 200 classroom assistant posts.In total about 400 jobs will go - including more than 200 classroom assistant posts.
The latest cuts come on top of £35m in savings already agreed by the Liberal Democrat-SNP led administration earlier this year.The latest cuts come on top of £35m in savings already agreed by the Liberal Democrat-SNP led administration earlier this year.
The package of cuts was passed by 20 votes to five.The package of cuts was passed by 20 votes to five.
Aberdeen's depute leader, Kevin Stewart, described the budget as "tough".Aberdeen's depute leader, Kevin Stewart, described the budget as "tough".
He added: "It is something we need to do to ensure this city is back on a firm financial footing."He added: "It is something we need to do to ensure this city is back on a firm financial footing."
No schools, libraries, museums or pools are to close as a result of the budget package.No schools, libraries, museums or pools are to close as a result of the budget package.
But the Scottish Government is to allow the council to borrow money to pay off staff. 'Positive news'
The council will be allowed to use its capital budget to pay almost £12m in staff severance costs. Finance secretary John Swinney said: "It is for the council to manage its ongoing budget process and ensure they balance their books.
Hundreds are expected to take early retirement or redundancy payments. "Obviously, due to problems that have built up over a long period of time, the council faces a number of challenges.
The arrangement has been allowed because of the council's financial difficulties. "As we have consistently made clear, it is up to all involved now to come together and ensure the people of Aberdeen get the high quality services they deserve."
He added that the Scottish Government had taken the "exceptional steps" of working with HM Treasury to allow Aberdeen City Council to borrow a limited amount to meet certain revenue costs.
Mr Swinney added: "As a result, we have informed the council today that ministers intend to give initial consent to the council to borrow £11.7m.
"This means the council will be able to spread these costs over a number of years. This is obviously positive news for the city."