The feedback will be shared with all Elected Members to help them decide how to allocate funds for running services and set council tax and fees and charges, whilst ensuring the council continues to meet its many statutory duties.

Phase 1 – which will run until the end of July – invites people to identify what they think should be the council’s spending priorities.

Phase 2 will give them the chance to explore detailed options for producing a balanced budget, including finding necessary savings against an annual spend of more than £560 million.

Key city stakeholders and organisations are also being contacted to take part and feedback from both consultation phases which will inform the Budget setting early next year.

Aberdeen City Council co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill, said: “The consultation gives people an opportunity to have their say in the budget-setting process. It is important that as many people as possible get involved.

“The council wants to hear people’s views. By working with residents, the council can ensure it is delivering the services people really want as well as achieving value for money for the use of public funds.”

Councillor Alex McLellan, convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, added: “I would encourage citizens to engage with the consultation, to allow us to understand what services are important to you, how spending should be prioritised, and where investment is needed, to ensure the council’s services meet the needs of our citizens.

“The feedback will be incredibly helpful in informing the decisions we take moving forward, so I would encourage as many people as possible to take part.”

A budget protocol outlining the consultation’s aims, including inclusive engagement, was agreed by the council earlier this month.

The results of Phase 1 will be reported to Full Council in August as part of the council’s Medium Term Financial Plan. This will set out the estimated position for the years 2024/25 to 2027/28 and be the basis for Phase 2 of the consultation, which will be held in autumn.

To take part click here.