William Eichler 25 January 2018

Watchdog warns of 'serious concerns' over Clackmannanshire's finances

Scotland's smallest mainland council must take ‘decisive action’ to find nearly £30m in savings over the next three years, auditors say.

A report by the Accounts Commission published today complemented Clackmannanshire Council on demonstrating best value in the delivery of services.

However, the auditors warned the authority would run out of general fund reserves within three years if they continued to spend at the same rate they have in recent years.

The council must find savings of £29m over the next three years out of an annual budget of £118m, the auditors said.

The report recommended ‘strong leadership’ and ‘close working’ between councillors and officers to resolve Clackmannanshire problems. It also said the council should seek external support.

‘This report is a wake up call,’ said Graham Sharp, chair of the Accounts Commission.

‘Councillors and officers in Clackmannanshire urgently need to work together to make the fundamental changes required to address its financial position, so that it can continue to deliver the key services people depend on.

‘This means taking difficult decisions it has put off in the past. But not taking them now is not an option and will only make things worse in the longer term.’

Council leader Les Sharp said: ‘The council faces unprecedented financial challenges: members and officers will continue our focus on working together to ensure we deliver the best services we can for the community of Clackmannanshire.

‘We are confident that we can address the challenges highlighted in this report, many of which are common to all councils in Scotland.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Business Support Officer (Museums & Galleries NPO)

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£16,765 - £17,607
This is an exciting opportunity to support Kirklees Museums and Galleries in the development of its ambitious vision Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£30,024 - £33,699 pro rata
Higher Level Teaching Assistant Grade 7 £30,024 - £33,699 pro rata Full time, term time only + 2 weeks Permanent Required from 3rd November.  We wish Stanley
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader - Communication and Interaction

Durham County Council
Leadership 6 - 10 £58,569 - £64,691
We are looking for a Team Leader to join our highly valued and well-established Specialist SEND and Inclusion Support (SIS) Service. This is an addit Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Senior Business Analyst

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 per annum
Do you enjoy analysing problems, identifying opportunities, and delivering practical solutions? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Business Analyst

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 per annum
Do you enjoy analysing problems, identifying opportunities, and delivering practical solutions? Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner