Scotland's councils need to significantly increase the pace and scale of their service transformation or risk facing harder decisions and greater costs in future years, according to a new report by the Accounts Commission.
The watchdog's analysis of 22 Scottish councils found a mixed picture, with half yet to clearly set out how transformation activity will support their long-term financial sustainability.
Over a third have not sufficiently determined the financial impacts of their transformation plans, and most need to improve how they identify, monitor and report on wider benefits.
The report highlights particular concerns around community engagement, with limited evidence that consultation has influenced project design and delivery.
Around a quarter of councils also need to develop a more consistent approach to Equality Impact Assessments for vulnerable and protected groups.
Accounts Commission member Jennifer Henderson said a ‘shift in pace, scale and ambition is needed’ and warned that failing to engage communities risked councils having to withdraw plans or face legal challenges.
The Commission is calling on councils to ensure transformation plans are sufficiently ambitious, clearly linked to strategic priorities, and transparent about planned savings.
