Council rejects plan to privatise repairs

COUNCILLORS have rejected controversial proposals to privatise maintenance and repair of essential public buildings such as schools, museums and care homes.

The council has shot down plans to privatise repairs. Picture: PA

They have instead asked for new proposals to be developed which would retain building management in-house but bring in outside specialist support.

The four-year budget framework that was agreed will now form the basis of the council’s annual public engagement exercise, which will start next Monday.

Councillor Alasdair Rankin, finance leader, said: “This is the start of a long process.

“There were some important decisions made today and we have agreed the framework for achieving the savings needed over the next four years.”