Mark Whitehead 29 November 2016

Scottish councils facing financial shortfalls warns watchdog

Councils in Scotland have managed their finances well but face big challenges ahead, spending watchdogs have warned.

In its annual review, the Accounts Commission, which oversees Scottish local authorities' financial management, said councils had remained within their overall budgets, increased their reserves slightly and reduced their debt in 2015/16.

But it said all councils face financial shortfalls requiring further savings or using reserves and they need to 'change the way they work' if they are to make the spending reductions required.

Income from the Scottish Government, which provides around 60% of councils' total funding had fallen by 8.4% in real terms over the past six years.

The commission warns that further reductions are expected while demand on key services, particularly social care, continues to rise. Councils also face increased cost pressures in areas such as pension provision.

The commission's deputy chair Ronnie Hinds said: 'Councils are generally doing a good job with their finances in difficult circumstances.

'But pressures continue to increase on a number of fronts at the same time as they face the prospect of further reductions in their funding.

'It's vital that councillors and officers set medium and long-term financial plans based on clear priorities for the services they provide to their communities.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Community Support Worker - Centralised Safeguarding Triage

Essex County Council
£25395.00 - £32131.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Community Support Worker - Centralised Safeguarding TriageFixed Term, Full Time£25,395 to £32,131 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Applications Developer

Essex County Council
Up to £500.0000 per day
Senior Applications Developer Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Project Manager (Major and Strategic Development) - WMF2479e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£45,091 - £46,142
This is an exciting opportunity to work within the Thriving Places Directorate within the Sustainable Transport Team. Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Residential Night Support Worker - WMF2480e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£34,434 - £35,412 pro rata
We’re looking for Waking Night Support Workers to join our dedicated team at 23 Hart Street. Ulverston, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Commissioning Officer - WMF2482e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£38,220 - £39,152
Have you ever considered working in Commissioning? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner