Malcolm Bell

A bit of Ukraine in ⁦⁦@Aberdeenshire⁩ ⁦⁦@visitabdn⁩ ⁦⁦@Ukraine⁩ ⁦@UkraineInEurope⁩

Urgent action is needed by @ShetIslandsCll as it faces a significant budget gap. Council services are strong and there have been improvements in how the council is run. But it can't rely on reserves to balance its budget. Change is needed: bit.ly/Shetland_Islan…

Difficult decisions are urgently needed about how health and social care services are delivered, and where to redesign, reduce or discontinue services. The cost of delivering these services, and demand for them, are rising faster than available funding: bit.ly/IJBs_2024-25

It's a busy start to 2026 for the Accounts Commission. Malcolm Bell tells you more about what we have coming up in the video below. This Thursday at 10am our January meeting takes place. If you'd like to attend you can register here: bit.ly/AC_meetings_20…

In yesterday's May meeting, members discussed an upcoming report on Renfrewshire Council. Nichola Brown summarises this and other topics covered. A recording of the public session will be made available in the next few days on the @AuditScotland website: bit.ly/Accounts_Commi…

Our May meeting takes place on Thursday, where we’ll be discussing an upcoming report on Renfrewshire Council. Attendance at the public session is warmly welcomed. Read the meeting papers and register to watch online on the Audit Scotland website: bit.ly/Accounts_Commi…

New blog by the Chair of the Accounts Commission. Jo Armstrong sets the context for council tax rises in Scotland, with local expectations, increasing demand and financial challenge all intensifying. Read it here: bit.ly/Council_Tax_ri…

In our March meeting, Accounts Commission members discussed the upcoming report on Argyll and Bute Council. There’s more about this and the other topics covered in Jennifer Henderson’s summary video.

Our March meeting will take place on Thursday, where we’ll be discussing the performance and services of @ArgyllandBute. You’re welcome to join us in person or online by emailing: acsupport@audit-scotland.gov.uk Agenda and papers are available here: bit.ly/Accounts_Commi…

Accounts Commission members, Malcolm Bell and Angela Leitch summarise the findings of our publication on the finances of Integration Joint Boards. In their blog, they highlight ongoing and deepening concerns about risks across health and social care. bit.ly/Integration_Jo…

Integration Joint Boards plan and commission vital community-based health and social care services. Funding for IJBs has increased. Despite this, there is overspending, running down of reserves and reliance on one-off savings. Our new report: bit.ly/Integration_Jo… 1/2

The projected funding gap increased from £357 million in 2023/24 to £457 million in 2024/25. And high turnover of chief executive and chief financial officers is worrying at a time when strong and stable collaborative leadership is crucial. More at: bit.ly/Integration_Jo… 2/2

Tomorrow, we’ll report on the finances of Integration Joint Boards in Scotland. And there's a new blog on the topic - it will be out soon. Before then, take a look at our past publications: bit.ly/Integration_Jo…

Reviewing how mainstream and special education is provided to meet current and future additional support needs and demands is urgent. Councils and @scotgov must work with pupils, parents, and carers and staff on this. Joint report with @AuditorGenScot: bit.ly/Additional_Sup…

In 2023/24 councils borrowed more to invest in buildings and infrastructure. This was an increase of over £400 million, but the investment is vital. Almost all councils now face higher levels of debt and interest costs. Read our report: bit.ly/Local_governme… 2/2

New report out now: Local government in Scotland - Financial bulletin. Scotland’s councils closed a budget gap of £759 million during 2023/24. But this required them to make further and deeper savings. Using reserves to routinely balance budgets isn’t sustainable. 1/2

New blog: 'Transparency, transformation and the sustainability of council services'. Commission members Derek Yule and Mike Neilson explore the intensifying challenges all councils in Scotland are facing. You can read the blog at: bit.ly/Council_Financ…

Councils need clearer guidance from @scotgov on their role in reducing car use. They have a key part to play - but some have prioritised the 20% reduction target more than others. And rural councils face bigger obstacles to delivering change. Report: bit.ly/Sustainable_Tr…

Our December meeting takes place this Thursday, where we’ll be discussing a report on Aberdeen City Council. If you would like to observe the meeting, please email acsupport@audit-scotland.gov.uk. You can view the agenda and papers here: bit.ly/Accounts_Commi…

Commission Chair, Jo Armstrong and Vice Chair, Andrew Burns met with @ClacksCouncil yesterday to discuss the findings in September's report. At the meeting, the council provided an update on its transformation programme. You can read the report at: bit.ly/Clackmannanshi…

Our October meeting takes place this Thursday, when we’ll be discussing Best Value at @scotborders. If you would like to observe the meeting, please email acsupport@audit-scotland.gov.uk. You can view the agenda and papers here: bit.ly/Accounts_Commi…