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

Head of Operations & Business Development - Amphora Colchester

Essex County Council
Up to £60000.0000 per annum
Head of Operations & Business Development - Amphora Colchester Colchester AmphoraSalary
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Technical Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.0000 per annum
Technical AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,959 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Director of Culture, Growth and Infrastructure

City of York Council
£86,537 – £95,898 plus benefits and relocation support
This is a new, pivotal and exciting opportunity for an inspiring leader to help shape York's future prosperity... West Offices York (minimum 3 days per week) / Hybrid working
Recuriter: City of York Council

Adults Social Worker - Early Help & Wellbeing (South Essex)

Essex County Council
£36124 - £51834 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
This advert is open to Experienced and Newly Qualified Social Worker's (NQSW) with relevant experience in Mental Health. The starting salary for a NQ England, Essex, Basildon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Part-Time Business Support Administrator

Essex County Council
£25959.00 - £28786.00 per annum + Full Time Equivalent
Part-Time Business Support AdministratorFixed Term, Part Time£25,959 - £28,786 Per Annum (Full Time Equivalent) Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner