Aberdeen libraries and arts funding under threat

A proposal to close most of Aberdeen's libraries has been scrapped but arts funding is likely to be cut out of the city's budget.

Councillors will be asked to plug a £37.9m funding gap when the 2020/21 budget is presented to them on Tuesday. Major changes have been mooted including closing public toilets, ending school breakfasts, dimming streetlights and increasing council tax by at least 3%.

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Last year the council considered closing all libraries except Aberdeen Central. Officers now recommend closing four community libraries, relocating libraries to occupy other community buildings and a £100,000 cut to overall library funding.

Aberdeen Performing Arts could have its funding cut by £98,000. Councillors will also consider whether to end music tuition in city schools.