Key facts from our report
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Challenges ahead for Scotland's councils to balance the books
Scotland's councils are facing a significant gap in the money needed to deliver local services and the money they have available.
Together, all 32 councils have a gap of £585 million. This is estimated to increase to £780 million by 2026/27.
This means councils will have to make increasingly difficult decisions about how councils are run, how they can deliver services and what services can continue.
Errors were identified in paragraphs 35, 40 and 43 of the report and the data was last corrected on 05 June 2024.
Councils have to deliver significant savings
As they do this, they must fully engage with local people and be clear about the different and difficult budget choices. Councils must understand the impacts on the most vulnerable people in our communities.
There has been significant public opposition in some council areas to cuts to services, with new and increased charges also affecting people.
It's getting harder for councils to do more with less.
They have to find and then deliver significant levels of savings to address budget gaps.
Derek Yule Member of the Accounts Commission
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