Ellie Ames 08 April 2024

Scottish councils’ debt is one-and-a-half times funding

Scottish councils’ debt is one-and-a-half times funding image
Image: Vitalii Stock / Shutterstock.com

The debt of councils in Scotland is more than one-and-a-half times the latest local government funding settlement, the Scottish Conservatives have found.

Local authority debt in the devolved nation has reached £21.8bn, compared to around £14bn allocated to councils for 2024-25.

Scottish Conservative shadow finance secretary Liz Smith said the situation was ‘eye-watering’ and ‘unsustainable’, and ‘the direct consequence of years of SNP neglect and underfunding’.

She also said Holyrood's recent council tax freeze means debt is likely to grow.

Ms Smith said: ‘It’s only a matter of time before a Scottish council goes bust unless the SNP Government finally agree to a fair funding deal.’

A Scottish Government spokesperson noted that the debt figures include the costs of private finance initiatives and public-private partnership contracts.

The spokesperson added: ‘Ministers are aware that many councils are under financial pressure, which is why the 2024-25 Scottish Budget provides record funding for local government of over £14bn.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner