27 February 2009
By David Scott
Councils are failing to give a high enough priority to shared services initiatives at a time when there is an even greater need for efficiency measures, Scotland’s local government spending watchdog has declared.
In a report published on February 26, the Accounts Commission said it was disappointed at the ‘slow progress’ of councils working together on shared services.
The report, which provides an overview of local government, concludes that while there is evidence of improving services, councils face serious problems from financial pressures produced by the current economic climate.
Commission chair John Baillie welcomed evidence showing that councils had improved services across a range of areas.
He added: ‘However, councils are facing significant challenges with the fast-changing economic circumstances and financial pressures, and the implementation of single-outcome agreements with community planning partners.
‘This requires effective partnership working and an even greater emphasis on improvement, efficiency and the effective use of resources.’
The commission pointed out: ‘Overall progress with shared services initiatives has been slow so far. It remains a key challenge for councils to demonstrate that they are securing efficiency gains and service improvements by working together across organisational boundaries.’
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