Councils need to act urgently to stay ahead of the game in the current economic climate, claims public service watchdog, the Accounts Commission for Scotland. In its annual overview report on Scottish local government, the commission concluded that councils performed well in 2008 but faced 'significant challenges' in an economic downturn. Accounts Commission chairman, John Baillie, said: 'Local authorities are facing significant challenges, with 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.'
展开▼
