Issued: 01 July 2002

Angus Annual Accounts Show Savings

ANGUS Council’s annual accounts show the authority has spent £3 million less than its approved budget of over £151 million for 2001/2002.

The Annual Accounts were approved by a special meeting of the Financial and Information Technology meeting on Friday 28 June, and they will now be submitted to Audit Scotland.

Finance Convener Alex King said that the accounts demonstrated that council services had once again worked within the cash limits set by the authority.

"In a climate where tight budgetary control is essential these results are encouraging," added Councillor King.

"They are a testimony to the good work being done within the council in setting and monitoring budgets throughout the year. Financial discipline is an extremely important element of overall control and it is encouraging to see general and widespread commitment to this. The general financial outlook is one of continuing restraint, and effective financial discipline will be maintained within the council."

The committee heard that the £3 million saving were the result of:

Increased tax collection in respect of council tax and community charge of £1m.
Savings in debt charges as a result of lower interest rates of £600,00.
Increased surpluses from Tayside Contracts and Angus Contracts of £125,000.
Departmental savings of £1.275 million.