Councils face 'mounting pressure'

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Councils face mounting pressure to show they are working more efficiently, spending watchdog Audit Scotland said.

It said there was an "urgent need" to improve the way the work of local authorities was monitored.

The recommendation followed the deal struck between ministers and councils, which has an emphasis on results.

Local authority umbrella group Cosla said a report by the watchdog reflected "real and meaningful improvement" within Scottish local government.

Audit Scotland pointed out that changes were taking place at a time when council budgets were coming under increasing pressure and when almost half of Scotland's councillors were new to the job.

READ THE REPORT <a class="" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/19_02_08_councilaudit.pdf">Overview of local authority audits, 2007 [28KB]</a> Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html">Download the reader here</a>

It also found councils were continuing to improve and highlighted increased recycling, higher council tax collection rates and sound financial reporting.

The deal between the Scottish Government and Cosla outlined funding of £34.8bn in local authorities over the next three years.

It will also give councils more freedom in how to spend the cash and in return will have to deliver specific outcomes agreed with ministers.