William Eichler 11 April 2019

Scottish councils lose over £120m due to ‘weak’ financial controls

Systems to prevent public money being lost to mistakes and fraud in local government ‘may be under strain’, Audit Scotland has warned.

A new report by the Accounts Commission has found ‘recurring weaknesses’ in the financial safeguards used by Scottish local authorities.

It said these weaknesses were apparent in information processing, reviews, and separating council employees' duties in order to prevent fraud.

The net revenue expenditure of Scottish councils totalled £12.4bn in 2017/18.

The auditors said that if financial controls were improved, then councils could save £124m of public money. They would also limit reputational damage.

‘Robust management and scrutiny of the finances at Scotland's councils is more important now than ever before,’ said Graham Sharp, chair of the Accounts Commission.

‘Councils face complex and challenging financial pressures, and rising demand for services. At the same time, budgets are tightening and there is significant uncertainty from factors such as the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

‘There are many examples that the systems for managing finances in Scotland's councils are working effectively.

‘However, councillors are ultimately responsible for scrutinising a council's use of public money, and they should seek assurances from council officers that rigorous systems and processes are in place to safeguard finances.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Interim Head of Waste Management

Essex County Council
Up to £650.0000 per day + Umbrella
Interim Head of Waste ManagementTemporary, Full TimePay Rate
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Planning Policy Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£44,355 - £53,120 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Planning Policy Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Occupational Therapist

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£35,676 - £42,811 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for an Occupational Therapist to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire / Multiple
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Personal Advisor

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£37,766- £47,830 per annum
Personal Advisor£37,766- £47,830 ... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Senior Social Worker (Hospital Team)

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£45,831 - £50,414 per annum, plus an annual retention bonus of £3,000 subject to eligibility.
We have exciting opportunities for Senior Social Workers to join the Hospital Discharge Team! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
Linkedin Banner