Over the summer, we consulted on proposals for our rolling programme of national performance audits. The proposals included a mix of different sizes of projects ranging from smaller audits focusing on single issues, to larger cross-cutting audits, focusing on the delivery of major services by partners in different parts of the public sector.

Over 60 organisations from central and local government, the health sector and other audit agencies responded, and we would like to thank everyone who contributed.

The Accounts Commission has considered an update report on an audit investigation of travel expenses and other matters at Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT). In findings published today it says SPT has taken action to improve its processes.

Commenting on today’s findings, John Baillie, Chair of the Accounts Commission, said:

Community planning partnerships need to build on their economic development activity to help meet local needs. Partnerships should also make better use of available information and improve their understanding of the costs involved in delivering local economic priorities.

Stirling Council has strong leadership with a clear vision, and has made good progress in improving the performance of its services, its management of resources and partnership working, according to the Accounts Commission.

In a report published today, the Accounts Commission says while Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has put some of the basic building blocks in place for providing Best Value, there remain significant aspects requiring better progress.

Lothian & Borders Police force and the Lothian & Borders Police board have an effective working relationship and work well together and with partner organisations to provide policing services to communities. They are building on the progress they have achieved to make further improvements.

Scotland has made good progress in cutting its greenhouse gas emissions, with a fall of more than a quarter since 1990. However, the country has very ambitious targets for further emissions reductions, which could cost about £10-11 billion to achieve.

The overall performance of the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland was good in 2010/11, but there are significant financial pressures building.

An Audit Scotland report published today, Overview of the NHS in Scotland’s performance 2010/11, looks at the service’s performance and financial position, and highlights current and future pressures and risks.

Shetland Islands Council has made good progress in implementing its improvement plan. It now has many of the building blocks needed to provide Best Value. New political management arrangements and management structures are in place and the council is developing a culture of continuous improvement. However, aspects of financial management continue to be of significant concern.

Central Scotland Fire & Rescue provides an effective, low cost service. But it would be better placed to provide Best Value if it had stronger performance arrangements. Many of the basic building blocks are not yet in place. It needs to develop a culture of continuous improvement, with the board being more proactive in its scrutiny role.