Watchdog 'concerned' about East Dunbartonshire Council

East Dunbartonshire Council has made some improvements but needs to do a lot more to meet the challenges it faces, says the Accounts Commission.

In a report published today, the local authority watchdog says it remains concerned that significant issues identified in two previous reports had not been adequately addressed.

East Dunbartonshire has agreed a transformation programme outlining projects to deliver savings and changes in the way it provides services. But much of this programme remains behind schedule and this has to be rectified if the council is to achieve £27.6 million in savings over the next three years.

The report says improvements have been made in financial management but there are concerns about the range of skills and experience in the financial team to sustain them. East Dunbartonshire is now looking at sharing services with neighbouring councils but it is not yet clear what savings will result.

In its findings, the Commission says it remains "concerned" that the council does not demonstrate adequate capability to deliver its transformation programme and meet the budget shortfall.  It had failed to meet targets and there is a lack of clarity about savings to be achieved.

Accounts Commission chair Douglas Sinclair said:

"All councils face future funding gaps and are having to make radical changes in how services are provided. East Dunbartonshire needs to significantly up its game to deliver on its ambitions."