William Eichler 08 January 2024

Half of workers unsure their council can avoid bankruptcy

Half of workers unsure their council can avoid bankruptcy  image
Image: Number1411 / Shutterstock.com.

Around 50% of local government workers are ‘unsure’ or ‘unconfident’ that their organisation is financially sustainable, a new study has revealed.

A report by the audit, tax, and advisory firm Mazars found that council workers are either unsure (15%), not very confident (26%) or not at all confident (9%) that their organisation is financially sustainable.

Only 14% said they were very confident that their organisation was in a financially sustainable position.

Drawing on responses from almost 100 individuals, the firm’s study, Beyond efficiency: what’s left for local government?, found that 86% believe economic challenges present the biggest risk to their organisation, followed by workforce challenges (58%).

Mazars also urged local authorities to shift focus from short-term efficiencies to digital transformation. Only 12% of the workers who took part in the research described their organisation as a digital transformer, while 37% regard themselves as digital beginners.

Peter Cudlip, head of UK Public & Social Sector at Mazars, commented: ‘With local authorities worried about their financial stability, further immediate action is essential. However, to enable lasting improvement and allow real change to happen, a radical rethink in approach is needed.

‘Local authorities should turn their attention to transformation instead of short-term efficiency gains and prioritise digital skills and capabilities.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner