A budget delivering more than £28 million of cuts to services has been agreed by Aberdeenshire Council.
The SNP laid out its plans to meet a shortfall in funding ahead of a meeting of the full council which backed a plan that also detailed £700 million of investment.
The 2016/17 budget, which was approved by a vote of 34 members to 23, included a £3.2 million cut in funding for education and an estimated £1.2 million in savings on early learning and childcare staffing.
Councillors were told that the savings had been identified for the year ahead by taking a more “business-focused approach” to running local services.
The full package of cuts will include increased charges for some services, the disposal of council buildings and a 6% cut in the budget for roads maintenance.
Spending on waste management will also be reduced, with £1.4 million less being spent than in 2015.
Aberdeenshire Council also hopes to save millions by introducing more efficient ways of delivering services, management and administrative reviews, together with shared services, better procurement and investment in technology.
The council tax freeze will also remain in place.
Aberdeenshire Council’s revenue funding has reduced by 1.45%, compared with a national average reduction of 3.90%.
Budgets for the year ahead were shaped, with £533 million for revenue, £100 million for capital programmes and £60 million for housing.
Councillors also agreed a range of reserves totalling £46 million, to support key priorities.
This will see £5 million set aside for regeneration, £4 million for affordable housing, £2 million on renewable energy, £5 million for the City Region Deal and £1 million for capital projects.
Council Co-Leader Councillor Martin Kitts-Hayes acknowledged the contribution of the Aberdeenshire Council workforce saying: “I have mentioned the importance, value and respect that we have for Aberdeenshire Council colleagues and therefore the 2016/17 revenue budget will have a minimal impact on jobs.
“While we operate in an area with relatively low unemployment and therefore have relative security of employment we can and should continue to be innovative and dynamic in our approach to service delivery.
“We will ensure employees are treated fairly and with respect.”
During the meeting, several councillors spoke out against the council tax freeze , while Mr Swinney’s funding award was described by opposition leader Councillor Jim Gifford as “a terrible settlement for local Government across Scotland”.