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

Administrative Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
Are you organised, proactive, and great at building relationships? Do you enjoy keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes? This is your chance Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Positive Journeys Support

Durham County Council
Grade 5 - £26,403 - £28,598
We’re expanding our Positive Behavioural Support Team in County Durham and currently have one 26-hour over 4 days, 32.5 Hours at our Chester-le-street Barnard Castle
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher- SENCO

Durham County Council
£32,916- £45,352
Class Teacher- SENCO M1-M6 + TLR2b (£5,869) £32,916- £45,352 (+£5,869) Permanent, Full Time Required to start September 2026   Framwellgate Moor Prima Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£32,916
Classroom Teacher M1 (£32,916) Full time - Fixed Term contract until 31st August 2027 Required to start 1st September 2026 pending DBS clearance.   Th Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Building Repairs and Minor Works Technician

Durham County Council
£30,024 to £33,699 p.a. Grade 7
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an office based role, Building Repairs & Minor Works Technicians, to join our existing Repairs and Maintenance Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner