PUBLIC spending watchdogs have praised financial management at Inverclyde Council and hailed the authority as national trailblazers in tackling inequality in education.

Audit Scotland has given the council's annual accounts for 2018/19 a clean bill of health - and singled out its work on addressing the poverty-related attainment gap as as ‘sector leading and life changing’.

Leader Stephen McCabe says the independent recognition from external experts is welcome.

He said: “The public often has a negative view of local authorities but the reality is that councils are incredibly complex, multi-million pound organisations that deliver a huge range of services that touch every part of every citizen’s life.

“This report shows that Inverclyde Council is an effective, efficient organisation that performs very well in comparison with other Scottish local authorities.

"It is an organisation which works for local people and for its employees."

The council’s 2018/19 budget was £188 million and this included savings targets of £3m, all of which were achieved.

Audit Scotland's report recognised the difficult financial position the council faces in the future, with an estimated £19m of further savings required over the next three years.

It said: ‘The council is facing several challenges in maintaining a sustainable financial position over the medium to long term.

'Given the volume of savings [required] there will be an impact on the council workforce with some areas potentially seeing quite significant reductions if savings proposals are approved.’

Assessors say the council’s financial management and reporting systems are 'effective' although they noted weaknesses in payroll.

Municipal Buildings bosses say these shortcomings did not lead to any losses and 'have now been addressed'.

Mr McCabe said: “This report also shows that Inverclyde Council is a lean organisation.

"Between 2013/14 and 2019/20, Inverclyde has seen its funding drop by £13.9 million in real terms.

"There is no fat to trim and further cuts will take us down to the bone.

"This is clearly something that Audit Scotland recognises.

"The Scottish Government should take note so that Inverclyde Council can continue to be ‘sector leading’ and ‘life changing’.”