Council £30m funding gap

The council's in-year funding gap has been reduced from the previous figure of £56 million to just under £30 million.

According to the Head of

Finance, Hugh Dunn, this reduction has been achieved by the council's finance department managing the level of its savings, although it does not yet allow the council to balance its revenue budget. Mr Dunn confirmed that by August the Finance Department will come forward with additional solutions to those produced so far. He answered questions about a BBC report on English councils which may face bankruptcy, explaining that The City of Edinburgh Council had set a three year budget last year, putting it in a better position than some other councils elsewhere. He said that in the various departments of the council there is both the "means and will'" to achieve financial stability.

The council delayed furloughing staff until the middle of June in common with other Scottish local authorities. Mr Dunn also pointed out that there may still be some additional UK Government finance available for the council's homelessness services, but it is difficult for the council to confirm a clear financial position until that finance is made available.

Parking charges, which are a major income for the council, have been reintroduced but the council has not changed its financial projections in this area. So if people pay to park now, some of that may well help the council balance its books.