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The establishment of Aberdeenshire Council in 1996 was legislatively mandated by the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 provided the legal framework and mandate for the creation of Aberdeenshire Council, which was established in 1996.
The current boundaries of the Aberdeenshire Council area precisely mirror those of the historic county of Aberdeenshire.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Aberdeenshire Council area's boundaries encompass more than just the historic county of Aberdeenshire, including parts of historic Kincardineshire and Banffshire.
The number of seats on Aberdeenshire Council increased from 47 in 1995 to 68 in 1999, attributed to alterations in ward boundaries.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following changes in ward boundaries, the number of seats on Aberdeenshire Council rose from 47 in 1995 to 68 in 1999.
The Aberdeenshire (Electoral Arrangements) Order 1998 was enacted with the purpose of establishing the council's initial administrative boundaries.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Aberdeenshire (Electoral Arrangements) Order 1998 was enacted to adjust electoral boundaries, not to establish the initial administrative boundaries, which were set by earlier legislation.
What is the primary responsibility of Aberdeenshire Council?
Answer: Serving as the local authority for the Aberdeenshire area in Scotland.
Explanation: Aberdeenshire Council functions as the local authority responsible for the administration and governance of the Aberdeenshire council area.
The creation of Aberdeenshire Council in 1996 was mandated by which legislative act?
Answer: The Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994
Explanation: The Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 provided the legislative basis for the establishment of Aberdeenshire Council in 1996.
Prior to the establishment of Aberdeenshire Council, which administrative divisions were abolished?
Answer: The regions and districts established in 1975.
Explanation: The establishment of Aberdeenshire Council followed the abolition of the regions and districts that had been instituted in 1975.
Which former districts were amalgamated to form the Aberdeenshire Council area?
Answer: Banff and Buchan, Gordon, and Kincardine and Deeside.
Explanation: The Aberdeenshire Council area was formed by incorporating the former districts of Banff and Buchan, Gordon, and Kincardine and Deeside.
What alteration in the number of seats occurred between the 1995 and 1999 Aberdeenshire Council elections?
Answer: The number of seats increased from 47 to 68 due to boundary changes.
Explanation: Between the 1995 and 1999 elections, the number of seats on Aberdeenshire Council increased from 47 to 68, following adjustments to ward boundaries.
Which of the following was NOT one of the districts abolished and subsequently incorporated into the Aberdeenshire Council area?
Answer: Aberdeen City
Explanation: Aberdeen City was not among the districts abolished and incorporated into the Aberdeenshire Council area; the incorporated districts were Banff and Buchan, Gordon, and Kincardine and Deeside.
The creation of Aberdeenshire Council was preceded by the abolition of which administrative structures?
Answer: Regions and districts established in 1975
Explanation: The administrative structures abolished prior to the creation of Aberdeenshire Council were the regions and districts established in 1975.
Aberdeenshire Council is composed of precisely 60 elected councillors.
Answer: False
Explanation: Aberdeenshire Council comprises 70 councillors, not 60.
Power is devolved to seven distinct area committees within Aberdeenshire Council to facilitate local decision-making.
Answer: False
Explanation: Aberdeenshire Council has devolved power to six area committees, not seven.
The electoral system employed for Aberdeenshire Council elections is the first-past-the-post method.
Answer: False
Explanation: Aberdeenshire Council elections utilize the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, not first-past-the-post.
The most recent election for Aberdeenshire Council took place on May 6, 2027.
Answer: False
Explanation: The last election for Aberdeenshire Council was held on May 5, 2022.
Aberdeenshire Council is structured into 20 multi-member wards.
Answer: False
Explanation: Aberdeenshire Council is divided into 19 multi-member wards.
During the 1995 Aberdeenshire Council election, the Labour party secured a total of 15 seats.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Labour party won zero seats in the 1995 Aberdeenshire Council election; 15 seats were won by Independent/Other candidates.
During the 2017 Aberdeenshire Council election, the Liberal Democrats secured a total of 14 seats.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Liberal Democrats won 14 seats in the 2017 Aberdeenshire Council election.
The 2022 Aberdeenshire Council election concluded with the Labour party securing one seat.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Labour party did not win any seats in the 2022 Aberdeenshire Council election.
Ward 18, designated as Stonehaven and Lower Deeside, elects 3 members to Aberdeenshire Council.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ward 18, Stonehaven and Lower Deeside, elects 4 members to Aberdeenshire Council, not 3.
The area committees within Aberdeenshire Council bear primary responsibility for formulating the council's overarching strategic financial policies.
Answer: False
Explanation: Area committees are primarily tasked with local decision-making, such as processing planning applications, rather than setting strategic financial policies.
The 1995 Aberdeenshire Council election involved a total of 68 seats.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1995 Aberdeenshire Council election featured 47 seats, not 68.
During the 1999 Aberdeenshire Council election, the Liberal Democrats achieved a significant electoral success, winning a total of 28 seats.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Liberal Democrats secured 28 seats in the 1999 Aberdeenshire Council election.
What is the total number of councillors serving on Aberdeenshire Council?
Answer: 70
Explanation: Aberdeenshire Council is composed of 70 councillors.
What is the primary function of the six area committees within Aberdeenshire Council?
Answer: To make decisions on local matters, such as planning applications, for specific areas.
Explanation: The six area committees are established to handle local decision-making, including planning applications, within their respective geographical areas.
What electoral system is employed for the election of councillors to Aberdeenshire Council?
Answer: Single transferable vote (STV)
Explanation: Aberdeenshire Council elections utilize the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.
At what date was the most recent election for Aberdeenshire Council conducted?
Answer: May 5, 2022
Explanation: The most recent election for Aberdeenshire Council occurred on May 5, 2022.
Into how many multi-member wards is Aberdeenshire Council divided?
Answer: 19
Explanation: Aberdeenshire Council is divided into 19 multi-member wards.
What was the seat count for the Liberal Democrats in the 1999 Aberdeenshire Council election?
Answer: 28
Explanation: The Liberal Democrats secured 28 seats in the 1999 Aberdeenshire Council election.
In the 2017 Aberdeenshire Council election, how many seats were won by the Scottish National Party (SNP)?
Answer: 21
Explanation: The Scottish National Party (SNP) secured 21 seats in the 2017 Aberdeenshire Council election.
Which ward encompasses the geographical area of Huntly, Strathbogie, and the Howe of Alford?
Answer: Ward 14
Explanation: Ward 14 covers the area comprising Huntly, Strathbogie, and Howe of Alford.
How many members are elected from the Banff and District ward (Ward 1)?
Answer: 3
Explanation: The Banff and District ward (Ward 1) elects 3 members to Aberdeenshire Council.
What was the total number of seats contested during the 1995 Aberdeenshire Council election?
Answer: 47
Explanation: The 1995 Aberdeenshire Council election featured a total of 47 seats.
Which specific ward elects 4 members to Aberdeenshire Council?
Answer: Ward 18 (Stonehaven and Lower Deeside)
Explanation: Ward 18, covering Stonehaven and Lower Deeside, is one of the wards that elects 4 members to Aberdeenshire Council.
Aberdeenshire Council functions as the sole administrative body responsible for governing the entirety of Scotland.
Answer: False
Explanation: The assertion that Aberdeenshire Council governs all of Scotland is inaccurate; it is one of 32 Scottish council areas, each with specific territorial responsibilities.
Since its establishment in 1996, Aberdeenshire Council has consistently maintained majority political control.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, Aberdeenshire Council has operated under a 'no overall control' status since its inception in 1996, necessitating coalition or minority administrations.
Subsequent to the 2017 Aberdeenshire Council election, a governing coalition was established, comprising representatives from the Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Liberal Democrats, and independent councillors.
Answer: True
Explanation: The administration formed after the 2017 election was indeed a coalition of the Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Liberal Democrats, and independent councillors.
The political coalition governing Aberdeenshire Council experienced substantial alterations immediately subsequent to the 2022 election.
Answer: False
Explanation: The same coalition parties that governed prior to the 2022 election continued to form the administration following that election.
As of June 2025, following the 2022 election, the Scottish National Party (SNP) holds the largest single bloc of seats on Aberdeenshire Council.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of June 2025, the Conservative councillors constitute the largest single group on Aberdeenshire Council, not the SNP.
The current administration coalition governing Aberdeenshire Council comprises councillors affiliated with the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Answer: False
Explanation: The current administration coalition is formed by Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and the 'Administration Independents' group, not the SNP.
Reform UK secured its initial representatives in Scotland via Aberdeenshire Council in October 2024.
Answer: True
Explanation: In October 2024, two Conservative councillors defected to Reform UK, marking the party's first representatives in Scotland through Aberdeenshire Council.
Since the 2007 election cycle, the Scottish National Party (SNP) has consistently secured the highest number of seats in Aberdeenshire Council elections, yet has not attained an overall majority.
Answer: True
Explanation: The SNP has been the largest single party in Aberdeenshire Council since 2007, but has not achieved a majority to govern alone.
The designation of 'no overall control' for Aberdeenshire Council signifies that the council is compelled to form coalitions or minority administrations to govern effectively.
Answer: True
Explanation: A 'no overall control' status implies that no single party holds a majority, necessitating collaborative governance through coalitions or minority administrations.
Which political parties constituted the administration of Aberdeenshire Council subsequent to the 2017 election?
Answer: Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Liberal Democrats, and independent councillors.
Explanation: The administration formed after the 2017 election comprised the Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Liberal Democrats, and independent councillors.
Regarding overall majority control, what has been the political status of Aberdeenshire Council since its inception?
Answer: It has operated under no overall control.
Explanation: Aberdeenshire Council has consistently operated under a 'no overall control' status since its creation in 1996.
According to composition data effective up to June 2025, which political party holds the largest number of seats on Aberdeenshire Council?
Answer: Conservative councillors
Explanation: As of June 2025, Conservative councillors hold the largest number of seats on Aberdeenshire Council.
As of June 2025, which group is excluded from the current administration coalition on Aberdeenshire Council?
Answer: Scottish National Party (SNP)
Explanation: The Scottish National Party (SNP) is not part of the current administration coalition on Aberdeenshire Council as of June 2025.
In which month and year did Reform UK achieve its first representation in Scotland via Aberdeenshire Council?
Answer: October 2024
Explanation: Reform UK gained its first representatives in Scotland in October 2024, via Aberdeenshire Council.
Since 2007, which party has consistently held the largest number of seats in Aberdeenshire Council elections, without securing an overall majority?
Answer: Scottish National Party (SNP)
Explanation: The Scottish National Party (SNP) has consistently held the largest number of seats in Aberdeenshire Council elections since 2007, though without achieving a majority.
What are the implications of Aberdeenshire Council's 'no overall control' status for its governance?
Answer: No single political party has a majority, requiring cooperation to govern.
Explanation: A 'no overall control' status signifies that no single political party commands a majority, necessitating cooperation and coalition-building for effective governance.
Woodhill House, the administrative headquarters of Aberdeenshire Council, is situated within the geographical boundaries of the Aberdeenshire council area.
Answer: False
Explanation: Woodhill House, the administrative headquarters of Aberdeenshire Council, is located in Aberdeen City, external to the Aberdeenshire council area.
The Provost of Aberdeenshire Council holds responsibility for the council's executive decision-making and overall political leadership.
Answer: False
Explanation: The role of Provost is primarily ceremonial; executive decision-making and political leadership are vested in the Leader of the Council.
As of May 2022, Judy Whyte held the position of Provost of Aberdeenshire Council and was affiliated with the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Judy Whyte served as Provost as of May 2022, her political affiliation is Independent, not Scottish Liberal Democrat.
The political leadership of Aberdeenshire Council is vested in a role that is distinct from the ceremonial position of the Provost.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Leader of the Council, not the Provost, is responsible for the political leadership and executive decision-making.
As of June 26, 2025, Aberdeenshire Council operates with a single political leader.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of June 26, 2025, Aberdeenshire Council has two Co-leaders, Stewart Adams and Anne Stirling.
Jim Savege has occupied the position of Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council commencing in February 2025.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jim Savege has served as Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council since February 2015, not February 2025.
Woodhill House, which currently serves as Aberdeenshire Council's headquarters, was originally constructed for the Grampian Regional Council.
Answer: True
Explanation: Woodhill House was originally built to serve as the headquarters for the Grampian Regional Council before becoming the headquarters for Aberdeenshire Council.
Richard Thomson and Alison Evison jointly served as co-leaders of Aberdeenshire Council during the period of September 2016 to May 2017.
Answer: True
Explanation: Richard Thomson (SNP) and Alison Evison (Labour) were the co-leaders of Aberdeenshire Council between September 2016 and May 2017.
Jim Gifford transitioned from leading the council as an Independent to assume a Conservative role in November 2020.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jim Gifford transitioned from leading the council as a Conservative to an Independent role in June 2020, continuing as leader until November 2020.
The official web address for Aberdeenshire Council is www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
Answer: True
Explanation: The official website for Aberdeenshire Council is indeed www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
Precisely where is Woodhill House, the administrative headquarters of Aberdeenshire Council, situated?
Answer: In Aberdeen City, outside the Aberdeenshire council area.
Explanation: Woodhill House, Aberdeenshire Council's administrative headquarters, is located in Aberdeen City, not within the Aberdeenshire council area itself.
Who fulfills the primary ceremonial role within Aberdeenshire Council?
Answer: The Provost
Explanation: The Provost holds the principal ceremonial role within Aberdeenshire Council.
As of May 2022, who served as the Provost of Aberdeenshire Council, and what was their political affiliation?
Answer: Judy Whyte, Independent.
Explanation: As of May 2022, Judy Whyte was the Provost of Aberdeenshire Council; she is an Independent politician.
Which specific role is responsible for providing the political leadership of Aberdeenshire Council?
Answer: The Leader of the Council
Explanation: The Leader of the Council is the role designated for providing political leadership to Aberdeenshire Council.
As per the information dated June 26, 2025, who are identified as the Co-leaders of Aberdeenshire Council?
Answer: Stewart Adams (Scottish Conservative) and Anne Stirling (Scottish Liberal Democrats).
Explanation: As of June 26, 2025, Stewart Adams (Scottish Conservative) and Anne Stirling (Scottish Liberal Democrats) serve as the Co-leaders of Aberdeenshire Council.
Since what date has Jim Savege held the position of Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council?
Answer: February 2015
Explanation: Jim Savege has been the Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council since February 2015.
What is the principal purpose of the 'Authority control databases' as referenced in the source material?
Answer: To link to external databases that uniquely identify Aberdeenshire Council.
Explanation: The 'Authority control databases' section serves to link to external systems that provide unique identification for Aberdeenshire Council, aiding in data consistency.
For which former administrative body was Woodhill House originally constructed as its headquarters?
Answer: Grampian Regional Council
Explanation: Woodhill House was originally built to serve as the headquarters for the Grampian Regional Council.
Which statement accurately characterizes the political leadership of Aberdeenshire Council as of June 2025?
Answer: There are two co-leaders: Stewart Adams (Conservative) and Anne Stirling (Liberal Democrats).
Explanation: As of June 2025, Aberdeenshire Council's political leadership is provided by Co-leaders Stewart Adams (Conservative) and Anne Stirling (Liberal Democrats).