Local government national reports 2008/09

26 March 2009 for the Auditor General / Accounts Commission

Given Scotland’s problem with drugs and alcohol, a coordinated effort is needed to ensure services meet local needs and are delivered to consistent standards nationally.

26 February 2009 for the Accounts Commission

There is evidence of improving services, but councils face significant challenges from the recession and financial pressures, and in making partnership working achieve its full potential.

11 December 2008 for the Auditor General / Accounts Commission

An Audit Scotland report, Improving energy efficiency, looks at how councils, the NHS and central government bodies are improving energy efficiency in their buildings and transport use.

25 November 2008 for the Accounts Commission

The Priorities and Risks Framework (PRF) is a tool for auditors to use when planning the audits of local government bodies in Scotland. It's a document which summarises the key national priorities and risks which face councils in the coming year. The PRF provides auditors with a resource to develop their understanding of current national issues as they relate to their client. Auditors will use it in conjunction with an evaluation of any other local risk areas to establish the key issues facing an individual client.

13 November 2008 for the Accounts Commission

All councils have developed policies and processes on race equality. They now need to ensure these have a positive impact on services.

17 July 2008 for the Accounts Commission

Fire and rescue authorities have made progress in reforming services, according to an Audit Scotland report published today on behalf of the Accounts Commission. However, they still need to do much more to ensure they are working as effectively and efficiently as possible and delivering best value services.

15 May 2008 for the Auditor General / Accounts Commission

Almost £10 million worth of fraud and errors have been identified following a national detection exercise by Audit Scotland working together with other public bodies.

The 2008/09 handbook for Scotland, published 5 June 2008, includes important guidance and instructions for participating bodies, including data requirements, data specifications, the 2008/09 NFI timetable and new guidance about fair processing notices for individuals whose information is provided for NFI purposes.