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

Digital Trainee Apprentice - IT Solutions Technician Level 3

Essex County Council
£15435.0000 - £24522.0000 per annum
Digital Trainee Apprentice - IT Solutions Technician Level 3Fixed Term, Full Time£15,435 increasing to £24,522 in the second yearLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of Revenue & Benefits

Stroud District Council
up to £66,952
Located in the heart of beautiful Gloucestershire, Stroud District Council is seeking a passionate, values-driven leader... Ebley Mill, Stroud / Hybrid
Recuriter: Stroud District Council

Strategic Director of Housing & Communities

Stroud District Council
up to £99,764 (includes a market supplement, based on experience)
Located in the heart of beautiful Gloucestershire, Stroud District Council is seeking a passionate, values-driven leader... Ebley Mill, Stroud / Hybrid
Recuriter: Stroud District Council

IT Support Officer - Rochford District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £15.9900 per hour
IT Support Officer - Rochford District Council Rochford, Essex Full-Time, Temporary - 37 hours per week 3-Month Contract £15.99 PAYE / £20.51 Umbrella England, Essex, Rochford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Environmental Health Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 per annum
Are you passionate about protecting the environment and promoting public health? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner