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We help Auditor General and Accounts Commission ensure public money's spent efficiently & effectively. bit.ly/Our_Social_Media_Policy

06/10/2026

Do you live in the West Dunbartonshire Council area? The Accounts Commission has just published a report looking at how your council is doing. It says the council's engagement with communities is impressive. There are significant opportunities for local people to have their voices heard, helping shape the future of their council and services.

The council also has a strong culture of continuous improvement and track record of delivering change.

However, it faces a £52 million funding gap, with increasing demand for services and higher costs. The council needs to be much clearer on how it will tackle this, including what can be achieved through changing how services are delivered or where services may need to be reduced. Continuing to rely on using money in reserves isn't sustainable.

You can find the full report here: https://bit.ly/West_Dunbartonshire_BV

COSLA Community Councils Scotland WDCVS Balloch and Haldane Community Council Faifley Community Council Old Kilpatrick Community Council WDCVS

05/10/2026

Are you thinking about applying to our graduate trainee auditor programme but want to know what it will be like when you get here?

To give you a flavour of life at Audit Scotland, hear from one of our recent graduates.

Applications are open until 7th December, and our website has a lot of handy hints to help you prepare: https://bit.ly/Audit_Scotland_Graduates

And if you know someone who might be interested, why not tag them or share?

01/10/2026

Tackling climate change is one of the greatest challenges we face – and public audit has a clear role to play. We report on how the Scottish public sector is responding to the climate emergency and how public money is being used to help achieve Scotland's climate change ambitions.

Our latest report focuses on renewable energy and the Scottish Government's plan to boost the offshore wind supply chain. Find the report, and our other climate change reports, here: https://bit.ly/Climate_Change_topic_page

10/09/2026

Today we’ve published a report on the challenges facing the college sector in Scotland. Financial pressure is increasing and without urgent and successful reform it’s not clear if colleges can continue to deliver for students and employers.

The sector has proven resilient. For example, the proportion of students successfully completing courses rose in 2024/25. But the situation for colleges remains extremely challenging.

Scotland’s 19 incorporated colleges reported a collective £5.6 million deficit in 2024/25. That year five colleges needed a cash advance from the Scottish Funding Council. And some colleges have needed advances to be rolled forward into the next financial year. Despite an increase in Scottish Government funding for colleges in 2026, overall funding remains seven per cent lower in real terms than in 2021. It’s also not clear if this year’s uplift will help colleges reform.

Find our full report here: https://bit.ly/Colleges_2026 You’ll also find an easy read summary of the report via the link.

03/09/2026

If you live or work in the Glasgow City Council area then you might be interested in the Accounts Commission’s latest report. It says the council is at a critical point as it tries to tackle financial pressures, rising homelessness, growing demand for services, persistent high poverty levels and unresolved equal pay claims. And it faces a budget gap of at least £110 million.

The Commission says each of these challenges are significant, but they must all be dealt with at the same time, while delivering services for local people. Communities need to understand what this means for local services.

Strong leadership from councillors and officers, together with local and national partners, will be required.

Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/BV_Glasgow_City_Council

Community Councils Scotland COSLA

26/08/2026

What were the biggest challenges facing Scotland's councils in 2025/26?

The Accounts Commission’s latest annual review reflects on the multiple pressures facing local government.

It showcases where the Commission has shared good practice.

It also highlights its reporting on issues of serious concern, and where it’s reported with the Auditor General on issues that need other partners to work with local government. This includes flooding, care experience and delayed discharges.

Read more about the Accounts Commission’s work and impact: bit.ly/Accounts_Commission_annual_review_2025_26

25/08/2026

Auditor General, Stephen Boyle has published a blog on the scale of the public service reform challenge facing the Scottish Government.

𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗮 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺

Is Scotland serious about public service reform?

There's no question that the Scottish Government has upped the ante.

Since well before May's election, the language of ministers has focused on putting reform "at the heart of government".

Actions have followed:

- we now have a Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Reform

- a Directorate in the Scottish Government to help deliver a public service reform strategy

- a Board to help steer the ship

- and a new public service reform parliamentary committee to hold ministers to account.

These are all very welcome developments - in tone and deed. But they are also essential.

The numbers are well rehearsed by now, but the scale of the fiscal challenge facing the Scottish Parliament is unprecedented.

Read the full blog on our website: bit.ly/Auditor_General_blog_August_2026_Public_Service_Reform

20/08/2026

There isn't long left to get your application in to become an Accounts Commission member - the closing date is Monday 24 August.

Our work continues to focus on the urgent need for significant service redesign across local government as funding is failing to keep pace with rising and more complex pressures and demands. That’s why we’re looking for candidates with the skills, knowledge and experience required to think strategically about the key issues facing local government.

The Accounts Commission seeks to represent all communities, and we encourage applicants from a diverse range of relevant backgrounds and from both urban and rural locations across Scotland.

If you think this is the role for you, then head to our website for more information: https://bit.ly/Accounts_Commission_Members_2026

20/07/2026

The Accounts Commission plays a significant role in Scottish public life, providing independent assurance to citizens about how their local council is using public money. It reports on how well councils and other local government bodies manage and report on their finances and performance, and on their arrangements to secure Best Value. It also reports on the issues that are important to people’s quality of life and the services they use and rely on every day.

Becoming a member of the Accounts Commission is an exciting and varied role, drawing on a wide range of skills and experience. New members are currently being recruited. If you're interested in applying but would like to know more, we're holding information sessions, both hybrid.

Event registration and application details can be found here: https://bit.ly/Accounts_Commission_Members_2026

13/07/2026

Do you want to help local government improve and make a difference across our communities?

Up to three new Accounts Commission members are being recruited. These appointments are being made by the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, but the Commission works independently of the Scottish Government.

The Commission has a significant role in Scottish public life. It provides independent assurance to communities and decision-makers about how councils and other local government bodies are using public money.

The Commission reports on a whole range of topics that impact you, your friends and family: Local government finances and performance, the future of council services, delayed discharges, health and social care, housing, and more.

Find out more about the Accounts Commission, its work, why current members value the role so much, and apply: bit.ly/Accounts_Commission_Members_2026

Community Councils Scotland Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland COSLA Equality Network SCVO Enable Age Scotland Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland Disability Equality Scotland

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