Question mark over Fife’s future finances branded ‘scandalous’

Funding settlement will be released a month late

A question mark hanging over Fife Council’s finances has been described as “scandalous”.

Labour councillor Neil Crooks spoke out after it was revealed the local government funding settlement for the next financial year would be released in January, a month late.

“This actually affects people’s It’s scandalous,” said Mr Crooks.

“I don’t know what we can do about it at local government level, but what a way to run a country. It’s unbelievable.”

Fife Council’s policy and co-ordination committee heard that the delay created uncertainty, with the council expected to set its budget in February.

Projections for the council’s revenue budget gap vary widely and have been calculated at anything between £2.2 million and £28.8m.

Eileen Rowand, executive director of finance and corporate services, said: lives. “The council won’t get a settlement until January.

“Obviously there are limitations on what the Scottish Government can do before they get the UK figures.

“If we do get our settlement in January, it’s going to be a challenge for us.”

In keeping with other authorities across Scotland, Fife holds reserves to mitigate against unforeseen outlays.

The third largest local authority in Scotland, Fife has reserves of £21.9m.

Ms Rowand said the council could be forced to dip into its reserves if its funding allocation was less than expected.

“What it means is we have to work with estimates just now,” she said.

“If the settlement was significantly different, then we would have to respond to that.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The UK Government is usually expected to give the Scottish Government 10 weeks’ notice of when its autumn budget will be announced.

“The Scottish Government is committed to publishing its own 201920 budget within three weeks of this. This will include the settlement for local authorities.”

The UK Government was contacted for comment but did not respond.

I don’t know what we can do about it at local government level, but what a way to run a country