The reports that went before Community Planning Aberdeen Board members, also detailed future ambitions and further improvements that need to be made.

The Board heard that it has been a challenging year due to the rising cost of living which is impacting all households. Most acutely affected have been those on the lowest incomes who are struggling to cover the essentials such as energy and food.

Aberdeen City Council co-leader Councillor Christian Allard, chair of the Community Planning Board said: “Over the last year Community Planning Aberdeen has worked together with communities, businesses and stakeholders to support people in immediate need and mitigate the impacts of the cost of living crisis. Working in partnership to deliver the Local Outcome Improvement Plan and Locality Plans has led to some real achievements.

“Tackling poverty and reducing inequality is core to our purpose and achieving our shared vision for Aberdeen as a place where all people can prosper, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

Key achievements during 2022/23 include:

• Supporting people and families across Aberdeen during the cost of living crisis with 696 households helped with fuel bills to achieve £134,464.52 in fuel bill savings.
• Helping 3,578 people to access unclaimed benefits, supporting 23 unemployed people to start a business and helping 595 people to upskill and reskill to access employment opportunities.
• Encouraging uptake of parenting support by 52% to help improved outcomes for children and young people.
• Helping more young people reach their potential, 13% increase in care experienced young people achieving a positive destination, 40% reduction in under 18s offending.
• Enabling more people involved in the justice system to access mental health support, 59% in Police Custody and 55% in HMP Grampian.
• Reducing the harm caused by alcohol and drugs through targeted interventions, helping 226 individuals.
• Working with communities toachieve a 122% increase in community-run green space.

Areas for improvement during 2023/24 are:

• Raise awareness of support available to reduce energy bills and other ways to increase income so no one experiences extreme fuel poverty.
• Continue to support young people to get into employment and nurture care experienced young people to help them thrive.
• Earlier interventions for people most vulnerable to harm caused by poverty, homelessness, mental health and drugs and alcohol.
• Support low income families to have access to and make healthy food choices.

The Board approved the report and agreed it should be presented to the meeting of Aberdeen City Council on 11 October 2023.