Accounts Commission
Accounts Commission
The Accounts Commission holds councils and other local government bodies in Scotland to account and helps them improve by reporting to the public on their performance.
We operate impartially and independently of councils and of the Scottish Government.
Read our Strategy 2021-26 which sets out our aims, the priorities we will use in fulfilling these aims, and the principles and approaches used to shape our reporting. Our Annual review reports on how we have delivered on our aims.
See our joint work programme with the Auditor General for Scotland to find out what we are planning to report on this year.
Our members
The Accounts Commission is made up of 12 members, recruited through the public appointments process to serve a 4-year term.
Our members bring a wide range of experience from a variety of backgrounds.
Our meetings
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The Accounts Commission meets in public. You are welcome to observe, either in person or online. We also record the meeting for you to watch later.
The next meeting is on 12 February 2026.
Our latest report
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North Lanarkshire Council is focused on improving its residents’ lives and has strong foundations to make the major changes it needs to tackle tightening finances.
Latest news
Andrew Burns' appointment as Deputy Chair of the Accounts Commission has been extended
Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, has agreed an extension to the appointment of Andrew Burns as Deputy Chair of the Accounts Commission. Andrew's…
North Lanarkshire Council has strong foundations for the future
North Lanarkshire Council is focused on improving its residents’ lives and has strong foundations to make the major changes it needs to tackle tightening finances.The Accounts Commission…
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Accounts Commission
What we do
Download the Commission's role, duties and powers (PDF | 47KB)
Find out more about each of the areas below:
Who we engage with
The public in general are our principal stakeholder but we engage with a wide range of others.
Who we engage with:
- Audit Scotland
- Auditor General
- Citizens
- Parliament and Government: Government ministers, MSPs, Parliament committees
- Local government: councils, joint boards, COSLA, SLGP, SOLACE, Improvement Service
- Councils' community planning partners: public, private and third sectors, local communities
- Other stakeholders: Equalities and Human Rights Commission, other UK audit and scrutiny bodies, professional bodies, trade unions
- Press and broadcasting media
- Scrutiny partners
- Private sector audit firms
