'Difficult decisions' loom as council faces £49m deficit

Councillor highlights future resourcing

- JACK THOMSON, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

A spotlight has been shone on Renfrewshire Council's financial position as the need to make difficult decisions "now" was discussed at a summit.

External auditor Azets presented a frank analysis of the local authority's 2024/25 accounts at a special meeting last Thursday.

The company handed it an amber rating the second most serious grade it can issue behind red for financial sustainability.

In its report, it said: “Medium-term financial sustainability remains challenging as the council is estimating a budget deficit of £49 million for the forecast period from 2025/26 and 2030/31 prior to any decisions on council tax.

“If the council tax increases between five and 6.5 per cent are approved within this period the gap reduces to £41m.

“Again, subject to council approval, half of it would be covered by savings and half by utilising financial sustainability reserve.”