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

Assistant Service Manager

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£48,873 - £59,220
Assistant Service Manager<... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Educational Psychologist - Main Grade

Essex County Council
£43483.0000 - £63394.0000 per annum
Essex County Council is seeking passionate and dedicated Main Grade Educational Psychologists to join our quadrant-led teams. England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Product Support Analyst

Essex County Council
£33512.0000 - £39425.0000 per annum
Senior Product Support AnalystPermanent, Full Time£33,512 to £39,425 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Cycle Fleet Operator

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum
Cycle Fleet OperatorFixed Term, Full Time£25,959 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Cycle Fleet Operator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
Cycle Fleet OperatorFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner