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

Town Clerk

Biggleswade Town Council
£74,454 - £89,081
Biggleswade Town Council is looking to appoint a highly motivated and forward-thinking Town Clerk, to drive its services forward. Biggleswade
Recuriter: Biggleswade Town Council

Part Time Enforcement Officer Trading Standards

Essex County Council
£26601.00 - £31295.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Part Time Enforcement Officer Trading Standards (Tobacco and Vapes)Fixed Term - 2.5 years duration, Part Time - 20 to 30 Hours Per Week, Monday to Fri England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Administration Officer (Finance) - Braintree District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £13.7900 per hour
Administration Officer (Finance) £13.79 PAYE / £17.69 Umbrella Braintree, EssexFull-Time, Temporary 3 Months Contract 37 Hours per Week Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Enforcement Officer Trading Standards (Tobacco and Vapes)

Essex County Council
£26601.00 - £31295.00 per annum + +26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Enforcement Officer Trading Standards (Tobacco and Vapes)Fixed Term - 2.5 years duration, Full Time - 37 Hours Per Week, Monday to FridayUp to £31,295 England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Community Support Worker - Young People with Disabilities Team

Essex County Council
£25395.00 - £32131.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Community Support Worker - Young People with Disabilities Team - Colchester (North Quadrant)Permanent, Full Time£25,395 to £32,131 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner