Scottish local government financial statistics 2017-2018

Annual publication providing a comprehensive overview of financial activity of Scottish local authorities based on authorities audited accounts.


4. Reserves

Revenue reserves reflect an accumulation of surplus income. These are used to finance future spending on services. The surplus or deficit on the provision of service is laid out in Table 1.1. Movements into a reserve are shown in brackets and movements out are shown without brackets in the following table.

On 1 April 2017 local authorities had total revenue reserves of £1.95 billion. Over the course of the year, total reserves decreased by £18 million (-0.9%) to £1.93 billion on 31 March 2018. Capital reserves increased by £73 million (+13%), from £565 million to £638 million.

Table 4.1 – Movements in Reserves by Account, 2017-18

£thousands

Level of Reserves held 1 April 2017

(Surplus) or Deficit on provision of services

Movement between Revenue Reserves

(Increase) or Decrease

Level of Reserves held 31 March 2018

Revenue Reserves

General Fund

(1,194,514)

54,742

(13,527)

41,215

(1,153,299)

Housing Revenue Account

(169,438)

4,228

(12,230)

(8,002)

(177,440)

Harbour Account

(299,593)

(20,020)

7,877

(12,143)

(311,736)

Renewal and Repairs

(185,104)

0

12,923

12,923

(172,181)

Insurance Fund

(85,822)

0

(2,103)

(2,103)

(87,925)

Other Statutory Funds

(18,333)

0

(13,856)

(13,856)

(32,189)

Total Revenue Reserves

(1,952,804)

38,950

(20,916)

18,034

(1,934,770)

Capital Reserves

Capital Fund

(456,156)

8,846

19,365

28,211

(427,945)

Capital Receipts

(64,274)

(772)

1,551

779

(63,495)

Capital Grants Unapplied

(44,584)

(102,303)

0

(102,303)

(146,887)

Total Capital Reserves

(565,014)

(94,229)

20,916

(73,313)

(638,327)

Total Usable Reserves

(2,517,818)

(55,279)

0

(55,279)

(2,573,097)

Source: Local Financial Returns (LFR23)

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