Inverclyde Now Logo AUDITORS Give Thumbs-Up To Council Accounts

29 October, 2020 | Local

INVERCLYDE Council’s annual accounts have been given a clean bill of health as they are presented to councillors this week.

The accounts are checked by Audit Scotland and their report to councillors highlights the impact the pandemic has had and the continued uncertainty it is expected to have on public finances going forward.

Inverclyde council leader, Councillor Stephen McCabe, said: “Sound financial management is always important in running public services. During the ongoing covid-19 pandemic it will become even more important as governments, councils, NHS services and all other public services do what they can to combat the pandemic and support the community and businesses to cope with the long-term effects.”

It is a statutory requirement for the council to consider the annual report from its external auditors for the financial year ended 31 March.

The report from auditors highlights the increased performance of council services in comparison to other councils across Scotland and issues around the delivery of key City Deal projects because of covid-related construction issues.

The report also highlights that the council has “good financial plans and is planning to present a two-year budget next year” and it noted that reserves had increased.

Councillor McCabe added: “The issue of council reserves is one that has been highlighted in previous years, so it was welcome to hear the auditors recognise that this year in particular is the one where councils use of reserves will be hugely important in support of essential services.”

Pin It on Pinterest