People are waiting longer for housing benefit claims while Scotland’s councils face soaring workloads, fewer staff and high sickness absence levels, auditors have warned.
A report by the Accounts Commission, published today, revealed many council benefits teams in Scotland have been forced to manage staffing ‘deficits’ of 10% or more, with sickness absence ‘persistently higher than the national average’.
Auditors urged town halls to put in place contingency plans, including wider use of automation.
Chair of the Accounts Commission, William Moyes, said: ‘It is vital that councils have sufficient resources, alongside experienced staff, to manage increased workloads and staff absences.
'This will help ensure services are delivered more efficiently and effectively.’
This article was originally published by The MJ (£).
