Former SIC convener says councils need to take ‘determined decisions’

THE FORMER convener of Shetland Islands Council (SIC) has warned that those in charge of local authorities need to take “determined decisions” in the face of “escalating challenges”.

Malcolm Bell was speaking in his current role as a member of the Accounts Commission, the public watchdog organisation for Scotland.

Writing in a blog for the commission, the former Lerwick councillor said as financial pressures tighten across Scotland it is increasingly important for local authorities to align strategies with priorities.

“It’s clear that councils need to drive transformation in how they deliver services,” Bell said.

“Financial pressures and increasing demand mean continuing as we are is not sustainable, and therefore not an option. Given how vital this is, over the next two years we will be reporting on workforce innovation, followed by transformation and change across Scotland’s councils.

“In this context, the need for members and officers to work collaboratively is critical. As budgets tighten and ever harder decisions are needed about where to allocate resources, working relationships need to be constructive and productive to ensure difficult decisions are made.”

Bell also said the Accounts Commission has encouraged councils to be open with communities about the financial pressures they face.

Locally Shetland Islands Council has in recent years released information about its budget pressures.

Highlighting a need for effective workforce planning, Bell added that “ongoing training and support for councillors is vital”.

“This is needed now more than ever, given the often-challenging decisions needing to be made,” he said.

“Councillors need to take personal responsibility for their development, taking full advantage of training opportunities available to ensure they have the skills required for effective scrutiny and decision making.”

Bell was convener of the SIC for a decade before not seeking re-election in 2022. He joined the Accounts Commission as a member later that year.