William Eichler 27 November 2024

Scottish councils face ‘catastrophic’ funding issues

Scottish councils face ‘catastrophic’ funding issues image
Image: lennystan / Shutterstock.com.

Seven in 10 local authorities in Scotland have warned they will be unable to pass a balanced budget within the next five years without widespread reform.

New research from Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland found satisfaction with the Scottish Government is ‘alarmingly poor’ across the sector.

State of Local Government Finance in Scotland, which draws on responses from 84% of Scottish councils, said not one of the respondents were happy with Holyrood’s performance on delivering a sustainable funding system.

Around 70% of all councils believe they will be unable to pass a balanced budget within the next five years without widespread reform, including multi-year financial settlements, ending ring-fencing, and reform of council tax.

Jonathan Carr-West, chief executive of LGIU Scotland, said the report makes for ‘grim reading’ and ‘paints a picture of a system under continual and significant strain’.

He continued: ‘Today’s report delivers a stark warning that councils are in a precarious financial position and there is not much time until the sector starts to see potentially catastrophic consequences.

‘Change is urgently needed. Councils will soon be unable to balance their budgets, meet their statutory duties, or provide for their communities. We need to change course now before it is too late.’

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner