Fife Council has reached a ‘turning point’ and will now have to save £46m, according to a new report by the Accounts Commission.
While in recent years the council could deliver services without having to make significant savings, it will now have to find millions by 2027/28.
Andrew Burns, deputy chair of the Accounts Commission, said the council had reached a ‘turning point’.
‘Significant change needs to happen now to ensure the sustainability of services and so the council can continue to balance its books. Tough decisions lie ahead,’ he said.
The Accounts Commission’s report also found the Scottish local authority’s performance was ‘mixed’.
It commended the council’s community engagement and workforce initiatives but warned of growing inequalities and unsustainable health and social care overspends.
The council’s chief executive Ken Gourlay said the council has approved a revised medium term financial strategy that will reduce the 2027/8 financial challenge from £46m to £16m.
‘The findings highlight a number of challenges that are not unique to Fife,’ said Gourlay.
‘We are operating in difficult financial times – difficult both for public services and the residents we serve.’
