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

Air Quality Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £44937 per annum
Help drive cleaner air, protect public health and create a greener future for everyone in our borough.Help drive cleaner air, protect public health an England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

EDT Adults & Social Work Manager

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£57072 - £58072 per annum
Take charge of a fast-moving, high-impact service and lead by example.Take charge of a fast-moving, high-impact service and lead by example.As a Socia England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

EDT Service Manager

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£57072 - £58072 per annum
Take charge of a fast-moving, high-impact service and lead by example.Take charge of a fast-moving, high-impact service and lead by example.As a Socia England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Business Change Analyst

West Northamptonshire Council
£42,861 - £46.304
We’re looking for a dynamic and data-savvy Business Analyst to join our Transformation Team within the Communities and Opportunities Directorate. This is a pivotal role, supporting service redesign, digital innovation and improved outcomes for residents Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Legal Practice Manager

East Midlands Combined County Authority
Up to £44,075
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is the first mayoral combined county authority in the country. Chesterfield, Derbyshire / (with flexible/hybrid working)
Recuriter: East Midlands Combined County Authority
Linkedin Banner