Publications

Radical change is needed across Scotland's councils

Scotland’s councils have had a pivotal role in supporting and working with communities as they responded to the impacts of Covid-19.

Scotland’s councils have increased reserves over the last year but must address the impacts of an overall reduction in funding and ongoing challenges c

Councils and communities worked well together, but impacts of Covid-19 are unequal.

Council finances increased in 2019/20, but Covid-19 will intensify pressures.

This report is the Accounts Commission’s annual summary of the key challenges and performance issues faced by councils.

Most of Scotland’s 32 councils are increasingly relying on money from reserves to keep up with demand for services and balance their budgets.

Scotland's 32 councils have managed budgets well over the last year but face a difficult time ahead, says the Accounts Commission.