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

Combatting Drugs Partnership Coordinator

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£46,206 - £ 55,992
Combatting Drugs Partnership Coordinato... Twickenham, Greater London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Data Architect

Essex County Council
£62461.0000 - £73483.0000 per annum
Data ArchitectPermanent, Full Time£62,461 to £73,483 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Care Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E, SCP 18-25 (£31,537 – £36,363 per annum)
Make a Real Difference Every Day! Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Housing Hub Officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band D, SCP 9 -17 (£27,254 - £31,022) per annum
Have you got a passion for giving excellent customer service? Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Substance Use Practice Advisor

Durham County Council
Grade 11 - £40,777 - £45,091
Are you a practitioner with experience of working with families affected by drug and/or alcohol use, delivering substance misuse interventions, and of Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner