Council’s financial performance described as “strong” despite ongoing pressures

North Lanarkshire Council’s financial performance has been deemed “strong” despite facing ongoing pressures, as outlined in an internal report presented to councillors. The council continues to experience a rise in demand for services such as the Scottish Welfare Fund and other benefits. However, there have been positive developments, including an increase in the collection of non-domestic rates for the third consecutive year. This rise comes after a significant fall due to the economic impact of the pandemic. Additionally, more residents are now opting to pay their council tax via direct debit, leading to improved collection rates and reduced administrative costs.

Although there have been challenges, such as the processing of invoices within 30 days falling below target levels, there have been notable improvements. Changes to services have resulted in an increase in performance from 76% in 2022-2023 to 92% in 2023-2024. Efforts are also being made to address dips in performance related to the management of benefit and Scottish Welfare Fund applications. The council is working on building additional resilience in the teams and increasing the automation of certain processes to ensure that the volume and complexity of applications can be efficiently managed with the current resources available.

Overall, North Lanarkshire Council’s financial performance demonstrates resilience and adaptability in the face of ongoing challenges. The council’s proactive approach to improving processes and increasing efficiency shows a commitment to providing essential services to residents despite external pressures.

In conclusion, North Lanarkshire Council’s ability to maintain a strong financial performance amidst ongoing pressures highlights its dedication to serving the community effectively. By addressing challenges and implementing positive changes, the council is ensuring the continued delivery of vital services to residents. The commitment to innovation and improvement bodes well for the council’s ability to navigate future uncertainties and continue to support the needs of the community effectively.