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

Vocational Trainer - Early Years - South Essex

Essex County Council
£29468 - £34668 per annum
Vocational Trainer - Early Years - South EssexPermanent, Full Time£29,468 to £34,668 per annum (full time equivalent) Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Vocational Trainer - Business and Management - Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£29468 - £34668 per annum
Vocational Trainer - Business and Management - Mid EssexPermanent, Part Time£29,468 to £34,668 per annum (full time equivalent) Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Vocational Trainer - Health and Social Care - North Essex

Essex County Council
£29468 - £34668 per annum
Vocational Trainer - Health and Social Care - North EssexPermanent, Part Time£29,468 to £34,668 per annum (full time equivalent) Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Vocational Trainer - Health and Social Care - South Essex

Essex County Council
£29468 - £34668 per annum
Vocational Trainer - Health and Social Care - South EssexPermanent, Part Time£29,468 to £34,668 per annum (full time equivalent) Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Enterprise Architect

Essex County Council
£68635.0000 - £80746.0000 per annum
Enterprise ArchitectFixed Term, Full TimeUp to £80,746 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner