Mark Whitehead 02 February 2023

Council brands £500,000 vandalism bill ‘disappointing’

Council brands £500,000 vandalism bill ‘disappointing’ image
Image: Gts/Shutterstock.com.

A repair bill to deal with vandalism at schools and other public buildings totalling nearly £500,000 has been branded as ‘disappointing’ by Aberdeen City Council.

Figures obtained by Scottish Conservatives reveal it took 9,000 hours to repair the damage carried out over three years.

The combined figure for the city and Aberdeenshire councils totalled more than £1m over the last five years.

It means the two local authorities spent more on repairing vandalism repairs than on libraries and offices combined, at a time when they are facing financial pressures.

One school alone, Northfield Academy, accounted for £33,000 of the costs.

Tory MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Andrew Bowie said: ‘Our councils need every penny they can get to provide adequate public services.

‘These eye-watering sums should be spent on enhancing schools, parks and libraries instead of patching them up.’

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: ‘It’s disappointing that taxpayers’ money has to be spent repairing damage caused to our schools by vandals.

‘Schools continue to work with communities to foster a sense of civic pride in their area including looking after our school buildings and playgrounds.’

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner