11th June 2026

Cllr Ricky Bell, COSLA Resources Spokesperson said,

"The Accounts Commission bulletin highlights the perilous position of Council budgets, with over half a billion identified gap for 2026/27. Of notable concern, the "critical financial pressures" facing our Health and Social Care Partnerships, and real terms reductions in the capital settlement justify and strengthen support for the resourcing COSLA called for through our budget lobbying this year.

"The report quite rightly expresses grave concern for local government finance over the medium term, spanning from the Scottish Spending Review. Whilst Councils are being forced into damaging cuts, we are also expediting service transformation, which must be recognised as we begin to consider our role and expectations in Public Service Reform.

"We will continue to advocate for fair and flexible funding for our Councils moving forward."