Publication: Local government in Scotland Overview 2021

by Accounts Commission

Publication cover: Local government in Scotland Overview 2021

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

Scotland’s councils reacted quickly, working alongside communities and partners, to address the unprecedented challenges created by Covid-19. Many challenges remain significant, made more urgent by the multiple impacts of Covid-19 on communities and services.

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Key messages

  1. The Covid-19 pandemic is having a profound impact on all aspects of society, including the economy, jobs, and the physical and mental health of the public
  2. Relationships with communities have been vital
  3. Levels of service disruption have varied
  4. Some services were delivered virtually
  5. The workforce demonstrated the versatility to take on new roles
  6. There were significant changes in council governance structures and processes
  1. Councils continue to face significant financial challenges, and these have been exacerbated by the pandemic
  2. The Scottish Government has provided substantial additional financial support, but the nature and timing of funding has created further challenges for councils
  3. Councils have started to plan for longer term recovery from the crisis
  4. There has been some ongoing learning resulting from the emergency response to the pandemic

 

Stephen Moore

Partnerships must be central in protecting and supporting people as we rebuild from Covid-19

Read Stephen Moore's blog

 

Videos

Commission member Tim McKay looks at the financial challenges faced by councils as part of the publication of our Local Government Overview 2021 report.

A transcript of this video is available to download with the other files on this page.

Commission member Sophie Flemig examines the impact of Covid-19 on communities and people as part of the publication of our Local Government Overview 2021 report.

A transcript of this video is available to download with the other files on this page.

Local Government

Visit our Local Government page for more information on our audit work, organisational publications and resources.