Councils score well on stewardship but could do better on scrutiny

9 Jun 05
Scotland's 32 councils are generally looking after their finances well but have been slow to develop systematic performance management arrangements, Audit Scotland has told MSPs.

10 June 2005

Scotland's 32 councils are generally looking after their finances well but have been slow to develop systematic performance management arrangements, Audit Scotland has told MSPs.

In a briefing paper for the Scottish Parliament's audit committee, the public sector watchdog says all the councils now have their own audit committee arrangements. However, it adds: 'More needs to be done to ensure that these are fully effective and comply with best-practice principles.'

Commenting on an overview report published recently, Audit Scotland says the financial stewardship of councils, police and fire boards remains generally sound, with accounts and audits completed on time.

It points out that, by the end of the year, Best Value reports, like last week's into Inverclyde Council, will have been published for about a third of councils.

But these also show that, while members are increasingly becoming involved in Best Value and community planning, they need more training and support to fulfil their scrutiny role and ensure that authorities have adequate performance management regimes in place.

PFjun2005

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