Martin Ford 10 March 2022

Uncertain future for Scottish councils' finances

Uncertain future for Scottish councils finances image
Image: Becky Stares / Shutterstock.com

Councils in Scotland face an uncertain future, according to a financial watchdog.

A report by the Accounts Commission found that while local authorities have bolstered their reserves over the past year overall funding has fallen in the longer-term as the sector prepares to address challenges.

Accounts Commission chair, William Moyes, said: ‘Councils face serious challenges, driven by financial constraints, increasing demands on service and resource.’

The commission’s overview of local government finances in Scotland during 2020-21 found total funding and income increased by 10% to reach £1.8bn.

However, excluding Scottish Government funding to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, councils have had their funding reduced in real terms by 4.2% since 2013-14.

The Accounts Commission highlighted issues around ring-fencing restricting local authorities’ ability to respond to emerging pressures.

The report highlighted challenges on the horizon beyond COVID-19, including pre-existing cost and demand pressures, delivering net-zero ambitions, improving economic growth, and tackling child poverty.

Mr Moyes said uncertainty around funding needed to be resolved to allow councils to revise long-term financial plans.

He added: ‘While councils must address longer-term financial planning, having in place funding certainty, beyond a one-year settlement from the Scottish Government, remains a critical issue.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Environmental Services Support Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£25,183 - £25,584
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Environmental Services Support Officer to join our Environment Directorate. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner