Supplementary Document Pack (Bookmarked)
West Dunbartonshire Council · 26 August 2026
Back to West Dunbartonshire Council — 26 August 2026 and its agenda
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Supplementary Agenda West Dunbartonshire Council Date: Wednesday, 26 August 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ Time: 16:00 ___________________________________________________________________ Format: Hybrid meeting ___________________________________________________________________ Contact: Carol-Ann Burns, Senior Democratic Services Officer Email: carol-ann.burns@west-dunbarton.gov.uk committee.admin@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Dear Member ITEM TO FOLLOW I refer to the agenda for the above meeting that was issued on 13 August 2026 and now enclose a copy of the undernoted report which was not available for issue at that time. Yours faithfully PETER HESSETT Chief Executive Note referred to:- 7 AUDITED 2024/25 WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL 297 – 414 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS Submit report by the Chief Officer – Resources providing Members with the opportunity to scrutinise and approve West Dunbartonshire Council’s 2024/25 Audited Financial Statements.
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Distribution:- Provost Karen Murray Conaghan Councillor June McKay Councillor James Bollan Councillor John Millar Councillor Kevin Crawford Councillor Lawrence O’Neill Councillor Ian Dickson Councillor Lauren Oxley Councillor Diane Docherty Councillor Chris Pollock Councillor Fiona Hennebry Councillor Martin Rooney Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal Councillor William Rooney Councillor Daniel Lennie Councillor Gordon Scanlan Councillor David McBride Councillor Hazel Sorrell Councillor Jonathan McColl Councillor Clare Steel Councillor Michelle McGinty Councillor Sophie Traynor Chief Executive Chief Officers Date of issue: 20 August 2026
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer - Resources Council: 26 August2026 Subject: Audited 2024/25 West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 1. PURPOSE 1.1 The purpose of this report is to ask Members to scrutinise and approve West Dunbartonshire Council’s (the Council) 2024/25 Audited Financial Statements. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 Members are requested to: a. Note the audit of the Council’s 2024/25 Audited Financial Statements is substantially complete and the external auditors have advised they expect to issue an unqualified opinion on them. b. Approve the information provided within the Audited Annual Accounts 2024/25 included as appendix 1 to this report. 3. BACKGROUND 3.1 Forvis Mazars (Mazars) have been appointed as the Council’s external auditors from financial year 2022/23 for a period of five years. 3.2 The Council’s unaudited 2024/25 Annual Accounts, including the Group Accounts, were reported to Council on 18 June 2025 and submitted to the Accounts Commission on 28 June 2025, in accordance with established deadlines. 3.3 The report submitted to the 18 June 2025 Council presented an unaudited position of an unearmarked General Service reserve of £3.642m and provided Members with information on variances for the year. The unaudited unearmarked position for the Housing Revenue Account reserve was £0.611m. 4. MAIN ISSUES 4.1 The audit of the accounts for 2024/25 is substantially complete, however, the External Audit Report (considered as a separate agenda item at this Council meeting) outlines that, at the time of preparing this report, some matters remain outstanding. In addition, Mazars have noted they expect to issue an unqualified opinion and the draft opinion has been inserted into the Annual Accounts included at Appendix 2. ITEM 7 Page 297
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West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 4.2 Assuming here are no further changes to the Accounts, there were three adjustments to the draft accounts which were below the audit mis-posting threshold and impacted the Council’s financial position as detailed in Appendix 1. This was to reverse a capital receipt accrual due to the sale not being completed as expected. This decreased the Council’s useable reserves by £0.241m offset by a credit to usable reserves of £0.050m as a result of other non-material adjustments. There was also a further adjustment that had no impact on the Council’s financial position (Appendix 2). The Council was initially advised by its treasury advisors that, following implementation of IFRS 16 - Leases, there was no requirement to remeasure the PPP liability. However, following audit review, it was concluded that remeasurement was required. An adjustment has therefore been made to the balance sheet and related disclosures to reflect the remeasurement of the PPP liability in line with IFRS 16 requirements. In addition there some presentational changes which are detailed within the annual audit report. 4.3 In 2024/25 the changes between unaudited accounts and audited accounts resulted in the balance sheet movement as noted below. These adjustments did not affect the usable reserves positions of the Council. Unaudited £,000 Audited £,000 Change £,000 Long Term Assets 1,284,680 1,284,685 5 Current Assets 78,025 77,682 (343) Current Liabilities (401,947) (402,729) (782) Long Term Liabilities (593,419) (614,569) (21,150) Total 367,339 345,069 (22,270) Usable Reserves (13,316) (13,125) 191 Unusable Reserves (354,023) (331,944) 22,079 Total Reserves (367,339) (345,069) 22,270 4.4 The changes were due to the remeasurement of the PPP liability (£21.984m), which is an accounting adjustment which only affects the Council’s unusable reserves and an adjustment to the short term debtors balance to reverse the capital receipt accrual and recognising the property within assets held for sale (£0.338m) offset by the reversal of two short term creditor balances (£0.050m). 4.5 The overall general fund reserves decreased by £0.191m from £12.463m to £12.272m due to the reversal of the capital receipt accrual detailed in 4.2. Page 298
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General Fund Housing Revenue Account Free Reserve £,000 Earmarked Reserve £,000 Total Reserve (£,000) Free Reserve £,000 Earmarked Reserve £,000 Total Reserve (£,000) Unaudited Accounts 3,642 8,821 12,463 611 0 611 Correction to capital receipts (191) 0 (191) 0 0 0 Audited Accounts 3,451 8,821 12,272 611 0 611 4.6 Mazars have issued a clean audit opinion in relation to the Council Accounts. 4.7 The management commentary on pages 1 to 17 of the Annual Accounts summarises the major matters contained within the document and provides an explanation of the Council’s financial position as at 31 March 2025. 4.8 The Annual Governance Statement on pages 19 to 23 of the accounts provides assurance that the Council has in place a sound system of governance control and identifies a number of areas where officers have identified improvements can be made. General 4.9 4.10 There has been improvement in the 2024/25 audit process; however, it has continued to present challenges. The audit work commenced in January 2026, a period when the finance team was under significant pressure to prepare the 2026/27 budget due to the late local government settlement announcement on 13 January 2026. Following this, the team needed to focus on the 2026/27 budget process and subsequently the 2025/26 year‑end. This overlap in priorities resulted in delays at times in providing information back to audit. In addition, there was a substantial volume of HSCP sample testing, despite the HSCP 2025/26 financial statements having already been signed off. Furthermore, recommendations for improvement set out in the annual audit report (considered as a separate agenda item) are of reduced value, as we have been unable to incorporate them into 2025/26 however management responses have been provided and, where appropriate, actions will be taken forward in 2026/27. 4.11 The timetable for the 2025/26 audit has not yet been confirmed, but following the signing of the 2024/25 financial statements, there will be scope to bring the audit cycle further back into alignment with a more traditional timetable. 5. PEOPLE IMPLICATIONS There are no people implications in relation to this report. 6. FINANCIAL AND PROCUREMENT IMPLICATIONS Page 299
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6.1 There are no financial and procurement implications in relation to this report. 7. RISK ANALYSIS 7.1 No risk analysis was required 8. EQUALITIES IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) 8.1 No equalities impact was required in relation to the production of this report. 9. CONSULTATION 9.1 The views of all Chief Officers have been requested on this report and feedback incorporated herein. 10. STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT 10.1 The report is in relation to a statutory function. As such, it does not directly affect any of the strategic priorities. 11. STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT 11.1 The report is in relation to a statutory function. As such, it does not directly affect any of the strategic priorities. Laurence Slavin Chief Officer - Resources Date: 26 August 2026 Person to Contact: Carol Alderson, Finance Manager Email: carol.alderson@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices 1. Adjustments to 2024/25 West Dunbartonshire Council financial statements 2. Audited Annual Accounts 2024/25 – West Dunbartonshire Council Background Papers Draft Annual Accounts 2024/25 to Council – 17 June 2025 Page 300
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CIES CIES Balance Sheet Balance Sheet Details of Adjustment Dr (£'000) Cr (£'000) Dr (£'000) Cr (£'000) Long Term Asset - Surplus Asset 5 Current Asset - Asset Held for Sale (102) Current Asset - Reverse Accrued Income (241) Usable Reserves - Reversal of Capital receipt 241 Unusable Reserves (Capital Adjustment Account) 233 (49) Unusable Reserves (Revaluation reserve (87) Usable Reserves - Reversal of IRB (35) Current Liability - Creditors 35 Usable reserves - reversal of Intercompany (15) Current Liability - Creditors 15 Short-Term PPP Liability (834) Long-Term PPP Liability (21,150) unusable Reserves (Capital Adjustment Account) 21,984 Aggregate effect of adjusted misstatements 241 0 22,272 (22,463) Appendix 1 Remeasurement of PPP liaility to reflect the implementation of IFRS 16 - Leases Reversal of Capital Receipt Accrual as sale was not completed as expected Other Adjustment below the Audit Misposting threshold Page 301
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Contents Official Table of Contents Page Page Management Commentary 1 Note 21 Financial Instruments 71 Explanatory and Assurance Statements Note 22 Defined Benefit Pension Scheme 76 Statement of Responsibilities 18 Note 23 Termination benefits 81 Annual Governance Statement 19 Note 24 Other Reserves 81 Remuneration Report 24 Note 25 Related Parties 84 Principal Financial Statements of Single Entity Note 26 Agency Services 85 Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement 32 Note 27 Financial Guarantees 85 Balance Sheet 33 Note 28 Contingent Assets and Liabilities 85 Movement in Reserves Statement 34 Note 29 Fees payable to External Audit 86 Cash Flow Statement 35 Note 30 Events After the Balance Sheet Date 86 Notes to the Principal Statements Housing Revenue Account 88 Note 1 Accounting Policies 36 Council Tax income Account 90 Note 2 Critical Judgement in Applying Accounting Policies 48 Non-Domestic Rate Income Account 91 Note 3 Assumptions Made About the Future and Other Major Sources of Estimation Uncertainty 49 Common Good Fund 92 Note 4 Accounting Standards that have been issued but have not yet been adopted 51 Trust Funds 94 Note 5 Expenditure and Funding Analysis 52 Group Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement 95 Note 6 Adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis under regulations 55 Group Balance Sheet 96 Note 7 Earmarked Reserves 57 Group Movement in Reserves Statement 97 Note 8 Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure 57 Group Cashflow Statement 98 Note 9 Taxation and Non-Specific Grant Income 58 Note 10 Grant Income 58 Note 31 Details of Combining Entities 99 Note 11 Property, Plant and Equipment 60 Note 32 Non-Material Interests in other Entities 101 Note 12 Intangible Assets 63 Note 33 Financial impact of Consolidation 101 Note 13 Heritage Assets 63 Note 14 Assets held for Sale 64 Note 34 Group Accounting Policies: Disclosure of differences with main Statement of Accounting Policies 102 Note 15 Service Concession Arrangements 65 Independent Auditor’s Report 103 Note 16 Operating Leases 66 Glossary of Terms 107 Note 17 Short Term Debtors 69 Note 18 Cash and Cash Equivalents 69 Note 19 Short Term Creditors 69 Note 20 Provisions 70 Page 304
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Page 1 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Management Commentary Introduction Welcome to the Financial Statements for West Dunbartonshire Council (the Council) and its group for the year ended 31 March 2025. The Statements have been compiled in accordance with the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom (the Code). This Management Commentary will demonstrate the stewardship of public funds entrusted to the Council and outlines the key messages regarding the performance of the Council over the 2024/25 financial year as well as providing an indication of risks and issues which may impact upon the Council in the future. Profile of West Dunbartonshire Council The Council is an average sized Council at around 71 square miles and has many strengths; including significant sites of natural beauty and heritage, good transport links and close proximity to Glasgow and its airport. The area has a rich past, shaped by its world-famous shipyards along the Clyde, and boasts many attractions ranging from the iconic Dumbarton Rock and the Titan Crane to the beauty of Loch Lomond. The Council is responsible for providing a wide range of local authority services (including education, housing, environmental health, environmental services, planning, economic development, employment, highways and transport) to residents within the West Dunbartonshire area. The Council is led by 22 councillors, elected every five years to represent the residents within the area. Following the Local Government elections in March 2022 the Council has had a Labour administration with Councillor Martin Rooney as the Council Leader. The political make-up of the Council is eight Scottish Labour Party, seven Scottish National Party, six Independent and one West Dunbartonshire Community Party. Page 305
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Page 2 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official The Council’s senior management structure consists of the Chief Executive, seven Chief Officers, with the Integration Joint Board (referred to as Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP)) managed at a senior level by a Chief Officer The Council also has: • West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust – an arm’s length organisation which operates certain services on the Council’s behalf • Clydebank Property Company - a regeneration company • West Dunbartonshire Energy Company - an energy generation company 99.9% owned by the Council. The Strategic Plan, Vision and Priorities The Strategic Plan 2022-27 sets out the Council’s direction, with an emphasis on improving the lives of residents and reducing inequality. Its vision is to ‘deliver services which build on the strengths and resilience of our neighbourhoods and support all residents to fulfil their individual potential, and that of their communities.’ This focuses on four key priorities: • Our Communities - Resilient and Thriving • Our Environment - A Greener Future • Our Economy - Strong and Flourishing • Our Council - Inclusive and Adaptable These priorities reflect those set out in wider partnership plans such as Community Planning West Dunbartonshire’s Local Outcomes and Improvement Plan and the West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership Strategic Plan. Specific objectives within each priority provide further detail, with progress measured through a suite of performance indicators (PIs) and targets. Delivery Plans Delivery plans set out how the Strategic Plan priorities and objectives will be met. Developed annually for each strategic area, they set out actions to deliver the Strategic Plan as well as actions to address the performance challenges and service priorities identified in the planning process. They also provide an overview of services and resources, set out the Performance Indicators (PIs) for monitoring progress, and consider the relevant risks. Performance Reporting Strategic Plan and Delivery Plans Performance against the PIs and Strategic Plan actions and associated Delivery Plans is reviewed and managed by Chief Officers throughout the year and reported to Council and Committees for scrutiny twice yearly, at mid-year and year-end. Page 306
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Page 3 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official The Strategic Plan progress report and Delivery Plan progress reports set out 2023/24 performance in detail while the infographic based 2023/24 Annual Report, provides an overview across a wide range of areas including the Strategic Plan, feedback from service users and residents, as well as budget and workforce information. The graph below summarises 2023/24 Strategic Plan performance, highlighting the outturn of the Plan’s 50 PIs against the targets set for that year. Local Government Benchmarking Framework All 32 Scottish councils measure a common set of PIs called the Local Government Benchmarking Framework (LGBF). This allows us to compare performance, identify best practice, learn from each other, and improve what we do. The framework comprises 105 cost, satisfaction and service indicators covering a wide range of council services. The table below provides a summary of our comparative performance in 2023/24, showing our performance against the previous year, the Scottish average and our family group comprised of similar councils. This is the most recent year for which comparative data is available. Number of LGBF PIs Improved on previous year Better than Scottish average Better than family group average (i.e. similar councils) Cost (21 PIs) 62% (13) 62% (13) 57% (12) Satisfaction (11 PIs) 9% (1) 64% (7) 64% (7) Service performance (76 PIs) 46% (35) 46% (35) 45% (34) The graph summarises our comparative performance over the last six years, showing the percentage of indicators in each of the four quartiles, with the first quartile representing the top eight performing councils and the fourth quartile the bottom eight. 66%20% 14% Strategic Plan 2023/24 Performance against Targets Target met or exceeded Target narrowly missed Target significantly missed 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 33 26 28 28 24 24 24 30 21 30 33 28 17 18 22 16 13 20 26 26 29 26 30 28 Local Government Benchmarking Framework Percentage of PIs by Quartile 1st Quartile 2nd Quartile 3rd Quartile 4th Quartile Page 307
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Page 4 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Key Achievements 2024/25 Some of our key achievements in 2024/25 are highlighted below in relation to our four strategic priorities: Priority 1 – Our Communities are Resilient and Thriving The Council: • Continued the Cost-of-Living Capital Fund providing £1m of support to 39 Community Groups • Further invested in school’s summer programme, sport and leisure activities for children during holiday periods and family fun days • Provided a Youth Success Fund to support activities which build the confidence, skills and resilience of young people. • Funded a range of community groups providing food aid services. • Reinstated swimming lessons for young people with additional support needs and provided water safety training lessons to over 1,100 children and young people • Progressed a 19-unit development of specialist Council homes for elderly residents in Old Kilpatrick. In relation to education: • Our Lady and St Patrick’s (OLSP) High School in Dumbarton was awarded Inclusive School of the Year in the prestigious 2024 TES awards. • The Council was in the top five performing councils in Scotland for narrowing the attainment gap in literacy and numeracy in primary schools. • The first sod was cut to mark the official start of the building work at the new multimillion-pound education and community campus at Faifley which is due to open in October 2025. • Received strong inspection reports for St Mary’s Primary School & ELCC, Kilbowie Primary School & ELCC, Bonhill Primary School and the Council was praised for its support for schools and their continued improvement. • School Leaver destinations improved to 96%, the best performance in a decade. • Beat the Street engaged 4000 participants including pupils and families; this reduced car travel and improved physical activity while strengthening school and community connections. Page 308
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Page 5 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Priority 2 – Our Environment Promotes a Greener Future The Council: • Established a Net Zero cooperation agreement with Glasgow City Council, including a project board, with working groups progressing a range of initiatives. • Furthered the collaborative approach with the City Region to increase resilience, share best practice and identify opportunities in the delivery of the Electric Vehicle Strategy and Waste Management • Commenced work on energy efficient homes in Pappert, Bonhill • Been recognised for its work tackling damp and mould in Council properties by being shortlisted in the excellence in health and wellbeing category at the Chartered Institute of Housing (Scotland) Scottish Housing Awards. Priority 3 – Our Economy is Strong and Flourishing The Council: • Settled the purchase of land from Esso at Bowling along with five additional areas and concluded the construction delivery contract for the infrastructure at the Exxon site • Rolled out a scheme to support traders in all three West Dunbartonshire towns to deliver shopfront improvements. • Concluded the sale of the Playdrome site in Clydebank to facilitate the construction of new private housing. • Contributed to numerous strands of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund including providing support to 180 new business start-ups and delivering a range of business growth interventions • Secured planning permission for Phase 1 of the Artizan redevelopment works in Dumbarton and appointed the main contractor, with works starting on site in Spring 2025. • Supported Alexandria traders to establish the Business Improvement District. • Established the multi-agency Clydebank Town Board and produced the Long-Term Plan and 3 Year Investment Plan to secure £20m funding from UK Government • Opened Posties Park, a flagship development to deliver a state-of-the-art sports hub. Page 309
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Page 6 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Priority 4 – Our Council is Inclusive and Adaptable The Council: • Won the Service Innovation and Improvement COSLA Excellence Award for an online missed bin Chatbot • Secured external funding to address digital exclusion by delivering a programme targeting young people • Secured funding from Museums Galleries Scotland to deliver a dedicated programme of free heritage activity within the new Clydebank Museum • Furthered digital improvements including further automation of processes, implementing new online forms and enabling cross organisation collaboration for Council and NHS employees to access both networks. • Achieved the Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, maintained Disability Confident status and reaffirmed its commitment to the Race @ Work Charter. • Secured Raynet communications coverage, the first of its kind in Scotland, and provided resilience in the event of an emergency/incident resulting in power outage. • Further enhanced Cyber Security through Phishing awareness campaigns, development of cyber response plan and investment in security measures. Council’s 2024/25 Budgets Revenue The Council approved the 2024/25 revenue budget on 6 March 2024 based on band D Council tax at £1,398.98. The budget was set at £283.820m (as detailed in the table below) to be funded by Scottish Government Grant (£233.527m); Council tax (£40.920m), with a net contribution from reserves for the remaining (£9.373m). Service Budget (£m) % Budget Resources 3.729 1.31% Regulatory and Regeneration 3.569 1.26% People and Technology 10.024 3.53% Citizens, Culture and Faciliaties 14.153 4.99% Education, Learning & Attainment 125.120 44.08% Roads & Neighbourhoods 14.917 5.26% Housing & Employability 2.371 0.84% Health and Social Care Partnership 86.726 30.56% Miscellaneous Services 3.443 1.21% Loan charges 17.398 6.13% Requisitions 2.37 0.84% Total 283.820 100.00% The budget was updated during the year for a number of variables, resulting in a final planned net expenditure of £295.468m. The year-end revenue budgetary position is detailed on page 8 of this commentary. Page 310
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Page 7 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Capital On 6th March 2024, the Council also approved the revised capital plan with a planned General Services spend in 2024/25 of £76.757m. In-year additional projects increased the planned spend by £5.429m to £82.186m and reprofiled budgets for 2024/25 of £23.668m resulted in an overall 2024/25 capital programme of £58.518m. This investment is funded from a range of sources including government grants, borrowing and ongoing council revenue. Major areas of investment are economic regeneration, school modernisation, roads and infrastructure and a range of other council assets. Housing Revenue Account On 6th March 2024, the Council agreed an increase in Council house rents of 6.7% and approved the Housing Revenue Account budget and approved planned capital investment of £73.385m for 2024/25. The year-end revenue and capital budgetary position is detailed on page 9 of this commentary. Overview of Core Financial Statements The Statement of Accounts contains the Financial Statements of the Council and its group for the year ended 31 March 2025. The Council operates two main Funds: 1. General Fund - expenditure and income associated with running council services (except the provision of council houses). Predominantly funded by Scottish Government grant and council tax. 2. Housing Revenue Account - expenditure and income associated with the provision of council housing. Predominantly funded primarily through rental income from tenants. Two major categories of expenditure are included in the financial statements: 1. Revenue expenditure - day to day running costs incurred to provide services. 2. Capital expenditure - cost of buying, constructing, and improving Council assets. Expenditure is recorded in a number of the main statements in these accounts with the purposes of these main statements being as follows: Page Statement Statement Details 32 Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement (CIES) Income and expenditure for all Council services. 33 Balance Sheet A summary of the Council’s assets and liabilities. It is a statement of the resources of the Council and the means by which they have been financed. It is also a snapshot of the Council’s financial affairs at the close of the year expressed in accounting terms. 34 Movement in Reserves Statement How the surplus/deficit on the Income and Expenditure Account for the year reconciles to the movement on the General Fund. Also highlights movement on all other reserves held on the Council’s Balance Sheet. Further information on each of the reserves held and how they may be used is detailed within notes 24. 35 Cash Flow Statement Inflows and outflows of cash arising from transactions with third parties on revenue transactions and capital activities. Cash is defined for the purpose of the statement as cash-in-hand and deposits repayable on demand less overdrafts repayable on demand. 36- 87 Notes to the Financial Statements Further information and analysis of each statement, including the main accounting policies. 88 Housing Revenue Account Income and expenditure for Council housing services for the year and includes the Statement of Movement on the Housing Revenue Account Balance Page 311
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Page 8 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official 2024/25 Financial Performance This account covers the day-to-day operational income and expenditure for each service of the Council and is reported in line with the Council’s Chief Officers. Income from council tax, non-domestic rates, capital, and revenue support grants was £312.167m with a net expenditure on services for the year of £313.648m (shown on page 32 – Net Cost of Services). The Council’s financial performance is presented in the CIES on page 32 which shows a deficit on the provision of service of £47.833m (represented by a £49.552m deficit on the General Fund and a £1.719m surplus in the HRA). This statement is prepared using International Financial Reporting Standards as interpreted by the Code. However, it does not reflect the true cost or the amount to be funded from taxation and government grant income. Note six details the accounting adjustments required to reflect performance against the use of reserves and statutory funds. The adjustments remove the impact of non-cash items such as depreciation, revaluation and replace these with the actual cost of debt repayment. Consequently, the general fund balance has decreased by £3.100m, against a planned use of reserves during 2024/25 budget setting of £9.373m. The table below shows a summary of the movements that contributed to the final position. Revised Budget £'000 Actual £'000 Variance £'000 £'000 Total General Services Reserves Held at 1 April 2024 (15,372) Resources 4,167 5,676 1,509 Regulatory and Regeneration 4,281 3,814 (467) People & Technology 9,974 9,975 1 Citizens, Culture and Facilities 13,602 13,684 82 Education, Learning and Attainment 137,874 137,254 (620) Roads and Neighbourhood 15,348 17,393 2,045 Housing and Employability 2,408 3,049 641 Miscellaneous Services 7,759 5,336 (2,423) Health and Social Care Partnership 89,342 89,830 488 Loan charges 20,282 21,132 850 Capital Receipts to fund loan charges (2,884) (1,465) 1,419 Requisitions 2,370 2,369 (1) Non GAE Allocation (9,055) (8,555) 500 Net Expenditure 295,468 299,492 4,024 Council Tax (40,920) (41,701) (781) Revenue Support Grant/NDR (249,217) (249,217) 0 Revenue Budget Outturn Position 3,243 3,243 Budgeted use of Reserves 9,373 Top up Bad Debt Provision 172 Transfer SPFP saving to EMR (9,688) Closing Useable Reserves Balance (12,272) As a result of the overall deficit, the General Fund reserves reduced from £15.372m to £12.272m. The graph below shows how the useable reserves of the Council are made up, including the £8.821m earmarked to support future budget strategy which are detailed in Note 7. 0 5 10 15 20 As at 31 March 2024 As at 31 March 2025 Reserve Balances Earmarked Unearmarked £(m) Page 312
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Page 9 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official The Council has a policy of holding a minimum of £6.012m uncommitted balance (3% of the Council’s budgeted net annual running costs). As at 31 March 2025 the Council had £3.452m of free reserves (1.82% of actual running costs) which is below the prudential target. In June 2024 the Council agreed a recovery plan to rebuild the reserves to the required position through the release of matched funding and additional revenue support grant received in year. The use of reserves is reviewed as part of the budget setting each year. Provisions The Council has provisions totalling £0.650m on the Balance Sheet as detailed in Note 20 to the Accounts. Cash Flow Statement The Council’s cash flow statement shows a decrease of cash and cash equivalents of £16.170m during 2024/25 (see Note 18) mainly as a result of timing differences for repayment of debt. Housing Revenue Account (HRA) By law the Council maintains a separate account for the running and management of its housing stock and had 10,547 housing units at 31 March 2025 (2024: 10,444). The movement in year is as follows: Opening House Number 10,444 Disposals (19) buy Backs 46 New Builds 76 Closing House Number 10,547 The account reported a deficit for the year of £0.359m. In line with the prudential reserves policy (2% of expenditure), the target reserves level for the HRA for 2024/25 was £1.064m. Taking account of the £0.359m in-year deficit and the brought forward balance from the previous year of £0.970m, the reserves balance available to the HRA for future use is £0.611m. The reserves balance is therefore £0.453m below the prudential target. The Council aims to increase HRA reserves over the medium term so that reserves are maintained at or above target. The HRA’s budget performance for the year is summarised in the following table. The table also highlights how the in- year deficit affects the overall reserves balance held for future use. Further information is noted on page 88. Budget Spend against Budget Variance £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Total HRA Reserves Held at 1st April 2024 (970) Total Expenditure 53,218 53,354 136 Total Income (53,218) (52,995) 223 Net Budgetary Control Position 0 0 0 Use of Reserves 359 Total HRA Reserves Held at 31 March 2025 (611) The net budgetary position on the HRA Statement noted compares to the surplus noted within the HRA Income and Expenditure Statement (page 88) as detailed below: £'000 £'000 (Surplus)/Deficit for the year on HRA services (1,719) HRA Movement in Reserves Adjustment to the revenue resource (7,686) Adjustment between Revenue and Capital resources 9,764 transfer (to)/from other Statutory reserves 0 Movement in HRA revenue 2,078 Adjust for earmarked funds: Use of reserves (359) Net HRA budgetary control position 2024-25 0 HRA Reserves as at 1 April 2024 (970) Use of reserves 359 HRA reserve as at 31 March 2025 (611) 2024-25 Page 313
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Page 10 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Balance Sheet The Balance Sheet on page 33 summarises the Council’s assets and liabilities as at 31 March 2025 and explanatory notes are provided. The net worth of the Council has decreased by £18.571m from £363.640m as at 31 March 2024 to £345.069m as at 31 March 2025. The major changes are set out in the table below. 31 March 2024 £’000 31 March 2025 £’000 Movement £’000 Main Reason Long-term Assets 1,191,633 1,284,685 93,052 Movement as a result of the revaluation and indexation of non-current assets and capital expenditure offset by in year depreciation. Current Assets 102,415 77,682 (24,733) Decrease in cash and cash equivalents due to timing of repayment of debt and a decrease in short term debtors due to timing differences and an increased rate of collection of council debt. Current Liabilities (384,925) (402,729) (17,804) Increase in short-term borrowing to fund in year to support the GS and HRA capital programme. Long-term Liabilities (545,483) (614,569) (69,086) Increase in long-term borrowing to support HRA and GS capital programme. Increase in long term liabilities as a result of transition to IFRS 16 which has resulted in an increase in the lease liability. Offset by a decrease in the unfunded pension liability. Total 363,640 345,069 (18,571) Pension Assets and Liabilities The net asset arising from the Council’s involvement in the defined benefit scheme totals £463.737m as at 31 March 2025. However, this has been limited to nil in line with the accounting requirements of IFRIC 14 to limit the recognition of a pension asset to the extent to which the Council can recover the benefits through either refunds or reduced contributions. As the Council cannot withdraw from the scheme or recover funds directly, the asset is therefore limited to the forecast reductions in contributions as compared to the forecast future service costs. This has limited the recognition of the pension asset to nil. The Council has continued to recognise the unfunded element of its pension liabilities as there are no scheme assets to cover the future costs of these liabilities as they are due going forward. The increase in the pension asset is mainly as a result of strong investment returns and an increase in discount rate resulting in lowering the value placed on the obligations as at 31 March 2025, partially offset by future pension, and salary decrease assumptions. The appointed actuaries remain of the view that the asset holdings of Strathclyde Pension Scheme and the contributions from employees and employers provide sufficient security and future income to meet future pension liabilities. Non-Current Assets The Council owns a number of different types of assets, as listed in the Balance Sheet. These assets are used for ongoing and future service delivery provided by the Council to its residents. The remit for the Council’s Strategic Asset Management Group is to ensure the most efficient use of these assets in pursuit of the Council’s strategic priorities. The Group manages this through ongoing review of the overarching Strategic Asset Management Plan, which is then supported by a number of individual Asset Management Plans (including properties, infrastructure, vehicles and equipment, etc.). The Council requires to assess the value of assets held based on current market conditions. During 2024/25 particular assets have increased in value by £14.117m however, at the same time, impairment and downward revaluations have reduced the value of other Council assets by £12.275m, resulting in a net increase in value of £1.869m. These Page 314
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Page 11 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official movements adjust either the revaluation reserve in the Balance Sheet or are included within the Net Cost of Service within the Income and Expenditure Statement, depending on the history of the asset. Non-Current Liabilities The Council adopted International Financial Reporting Standard 16 IIFRS 16) (Leases) with effect from 1 April 2024. The main impact of the requirements of IFRS 16 is that, for arrangements previously accounted for as operating leases (i.e. without recognising the leased vehicles, plant, equipment, property and land as an asset, and future rents as a liability), a right-of-use asset and a lease liability are now included on the balance sheet from 1 April 2024. With effect from 1 April 2024, IFRS 16 also applied to service concession arrangements i.e. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and similar schemes. Under IFRS16, where indexation (or other changes in a rate) affects future service concession payments, the lease liability requires to be remeasured. Instead of expensing the increased payment, the net present value of future payments that comprise the liability is recalculated based on the revised level of payments. The effect of this has been to increase balance sheet current and non-current liabilities by £21.984m for PPP/DBFM lease liabilities and £2.436m as a result of inclusion of right of use assets as at 31 March 2025. Further details of the transition impact are provided in Note 16. Borrowing The Council’s 2024/25 Treasury Strategy was agreed by the Council on 27 March 2024. The Council raised new long- term loans of £115.000m (2023/24 £174.00m) and short-term loans of £336.600m (2023/24 £244.591m) and repaid naturally maturing debt of £380.452m (2023/24 £315.000m). The total outstanding long-term debt (excluding PPP debt and ROU asset liability) as at 31 March 2025 was £467.240m (2023/24 £414.301m) including £216.581m (2023/24 £204.613m) for the Council’s housing stock. The total outstanding short-term debt was £334.350m (2023/24 £314.331m), including £154.463m (2023/24 £118.813m) for the housing stock. The interest and expenses rate charged by the Council’s loans fund was 4.64% (4.05% in 2023/24). Capital Finance The Council is able to regulate its own capital spending limits within the framework recommended by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy and endorsed by the Scottish Government. The necessary treasury indicators and safeguards have been approved by Council. The Council’s Treasury Management Strategy and Capital Strategy are approved at Council. Details of the capital expenditure and financing are shown in note 11 on page 60. Total gross capital expenditure amounted to £120.141m with the split between £55.736m for General Services and £64.405m for the HRA. The main capital projects progressed during 2024/25 were: General Services HRA Dumbarton Town Centre - Levelling Up Fund Void House Strategy Programme Exxon City Deal Window/door renewals Faifley Campus Kitchen/Bathroom/shower upgrades Heating Improvement works During 2024/25, the Council had budgeted capital expenditure of £122.178m with an actual in year spend of £120.141m. The unspent amount (£2.037m) includes overspends, underspends and reprofiling, as noted within the table below. The total reprofiling on planned spend was £7.358m – 6.02% (2023/24 31.78%) of the overall capital. Budget Actual Spend Variance Overspend Underspend Reprofiling Service £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Corporate Services 4,164 5,958 (1,794) 2,544 (262) (488) Education 24,233 23,555 678 1,385 0 (2,063) Infrastructure, Regeneration & Development 28,930 25,005 3,925 859 0 (4,784) Miscellaneous Services 1,190 1,218 (28) 51 0 (23) General Services Total 58,517 55,736 2,781 4,839 (262) (7,358) HRA 63,661 64,405 (744) 744 0 0 Total 122,178 120,141 2,037 5,583 (262) (7,358) Page 315
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Page 12 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official The majority of the reprofiling has occurred within a number of larger capital projects and is mainly due to the timing of starting individual projects, for various reasons, not all within Council control, and the delayed spend on these projects moved into capital budgets for 2024/25 onwards. The most significant reprofiling was experienced against the following projects: General Services Schools Estate Improvement Plan Works Progressing. Projects anticipated to complete in 2024/25. Vehicle Replacement Delay due to the vehicle build time associated with the specialist vehicles and the delivery lead time from the date of supply order placement. Levelling Up Fund Artizan masterplan approved in November 2023. Designs are progressing as planned but some delays due to enabling works and commencement of the design phase Service Concession Arrangements and other Long-Term Liabilities The Council entered into a PPP for the provision of three community learning centres and a primary school providing the Council with replacement buildings for three secondary schools which were handed over in 2009/10 with the primary school handed over during 2011/12. In accordance with statutory accounting guidance, full detail is provided within note 15 on pages 65 to 66. On 31 March 2016, the Council entered into a 25 year ‘Design, Build, Finance and Maintain’ (DBFM) arrangement with the Scottish Government via the Scottish Futures Trust, for the provision of a further new secondary school. The school was handed over for use by the Council during 2017/18. The detail is also included within note 15. Group Accounts Local authorities are required to prepare group accounts in addition to their own Financial Statements where they have material interest in other organisations. The group accounts on pages 95 to 102 consolidate the Council’s Financial Statements, the Common Good and Trust Funds and four other entities (including two further subsidiaries – West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust and Clydebank Property Company). The effect of combining these entities on the Group Balances Sheet is to increase reserves and net assets by £17.443m creating an overall net asset of 362.512m. As there is no reason to suggest the future funding to these organisations will not continue, the accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Financial Outlook, Key Risks and the Future In setting the 2025/26 budget on 5 March 2025, the Council faced a number of significant financial pressures resulting from historic real term reductions in government funding, inflationary pressures, in particular the impact of bank interest rates, service demand increases and local government pay awards not being fully funded. The 5 March 2025 Council meeting also approved the updated General Fund capital plan, the 2025/26 HRA revenue budget and the updated 5-year HRA capital plan. The capital plans include funding for several projects over the next five years and the revenue impact of these investments is built into future revenue plans. Following the setting of the budget in March 2025, budget projections identified expected budget gaps in the mid-range scenario of £9.264m in 2026/27 rising cumulatively to £42.823m in 2029/30. At a Council meeting on 18 June 2025 a further Financial Update was presented which adjusted these gaps to reflect changes to budget assumptions and cost pressures. This resulted in amended estimated mid-range scenario budget gaps of £8.274m in 2026/27 rising cumulatively to £41.337m in 2029/30. The Council received a cash increase as part of the 2025/26 settlement which was significant in comparison to previous years however, it was largely funded through significant increases in revenue being raised through taxation and increased investment in UK public spending. It is not considered realistic to assume similar increases in future years. If the Council continues to receive real term funding cuts, there will continue to be a need to review the manner in which services are delivered and the level they are delivered at. Page 316
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Page 13 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Management of Risk The main financial risks identified by the Council over the medium and long term include: • the unknown position from government on future funding levels particularly given the ongoing decline in Council population, and historic real term reductions in local government funding • changing demands and needs for Council services (particularly in relation to older people) • continued inflationary pressures and interest rates which impact on the cost of service delivery and the delivery of capital programmes • ongoing ring fencing of funds made available to local government which restrict the options to the council in relation to service delivery • ongoing discussions with the Scottish Government about the provision of funding in relation to maintaining teacher numbers • the impact of pay award negotiations and the extent to which responsibility for funding these is shared by the Scottish Government. The Annual Governance Statement, shown on pages 19 to 23, details the arrangements the Council has put in place for the proper governance of the Council’s affairs and for the management of risk. This Statement explains the system of internal control in place and sets out improvement actions to the governance framework identified from the Council’s ongoing review of these arrangements. Risks are identified with actions to minimise and/or mitigate those risks (where possible) through the Council’s performance monitoring system (Pentana), which is reported to Members on a regular basis. The Future In recognition of the scale of the current financial challenge the Council will continue to identify service redesign and business transformation options, and these will be reported to appropriate committees during 2025/26. A number of major projects continue to be progressed as follows: Glasgow City Region City Deal – the Council, together with a number of other Scottish local authorities, is participating in the Glasgow Region City Deal which will see over £1.1 billion invested in the area. The City Deal consists of a number of significant capital projects across the area together with employability projects – to generate economic regeneration and additional jobs. The project within the City Deal specific to the Council is an infrastructure project at the Exxon site at Bowling to regenerate the site and to create a relief road along the A82 at Milton. Council and Glasgow City Region Cabinet approved a reduced project scope in October 2024 and February 2025 respectively, in response to increasing costs. The detailed design and land remediation completed during 2024 allowing the land transfer of the site to the Council in early January 2025. The enabling infrastructure works began on site 27 January 2025 and works continue to progress well. In addition, the proposed Scottish Marine Technology Park at a former oil storage site in Old Kilpatrick was shortlisted for up to £20m of Investment Zone funding through Glasgow City Region in February 2025. This funding award has the potential to accelerate the regeneration of this second strategic site on the banks of the River Clyde and contribute to the sustainable economic growth of the area. The Council has also secured £1.8m from the Glasgow City Region’s Enabling Commercial Spaces Project. This will support the development of two projects, one being an up-grade of existing industrial units integrating low-carbon heating systems and other sustainable solutions where feasible, and the other being new build commercial units. Both projects will create spaces that are energy-efficient and environmentally responsible while contributing to the economic regeneration of West Dunbartonshire. Levelling Up Fund – The Levelling Up Fund is a capital fund to address systemic weaknesses in the economies of the UK’s towns and cities. The first round of the Levelling Up Fund was announced at the 2020 Spending Review with an aim to support communities in realising this vision. The Council were successful, as part of round 1, in securing £19.9m for three interlinked regeneration projects in Dumbarton town centre. These include the re-use of the listed Glencairn Page 317
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Page 14 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official House (construction underway) as a town centre library and museum, the redevelopment of the largely vacant and run- down Artizan Centre (underway) and Connecting Dumbarton (complete) which will improve walking and cycling routes in the town centre. The funding programme runs to March 2026, with a possibility of extension to March 2027, but many of the positive regeneration outcomes will be longer term. Plan for Neighbourhoods Fund – Clydebank was selected by the UK Government as part of the Government’s broader Levelling Up programme to receive £20m of Plan for Neighbourhoods Fund (formerly known as Long-Term Plan for Towns); one of ten towns in Scotland to receive this funding. The guidance and timescales of the Fund were amended following the general election in July 2024. Delivery funding will be released from 2026 over a 10-year period and split into 75% capital funding and 25% revenue funding. In line with the UK Government’s guidance, a Clydebank Neighbourhood Board (formerly known as Town Board) has been established with an independent Chair to direct the use of the Fund in partnership with the Council. The funding will be spent on locally identified priorities, with the aim to achieve strategic objectives of thriving places, stronger communities, and taking back control. The Council is the accountable body for the funding. Shared Prosperity Fund – The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) was established, in part, to replace funds available through the European Structural Funds. West Dunbartonshire was allocated up to £3.9m and our priorities centred on community and place, supporting business, people and skills and multiply. The planned activities progressed well, and we achieved our stated aims and expenditure as anticipated by March 2025. The programme has been extended for a further year with West Dunbartonshire allocated a further £1.694m. During the forthcoming year we will use these additional funds to consolidate the ‘Support for Business’ projects and incorporate ‘Multiply’ into our successful ‘People and Skills’ activity. The programme guidelines require approximately 23% of this to be allocated to capital projects. With this in mind, we will invest in ‘Community and Place’ priorities by focusing on projects within the Strategic Framework for Physical Activity, Wellbeing, Sport, Play and Active Travel. Net Zero Collaboration - Council and Glasgow City Council (GCC) have agreed to work collaboratively on their shared Net Zero objectives and toward meeting targets, set by the Scottish Government, related to the ‘Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009’ and ‘Climate Change (Emissions Reductions Targets)(Scotland) Act 2019’. A WDC/GCC Collaboration Board has been formed to oversee progress. The stated mission is: ‘To bring together officers from both West Dunbartonshire Council and Glasgow City Council to collaborate on projects to support both Council’s collective ambition of becoming net-zero and supporting the national ambition of being net zero emissions by 2045’. To achieve the mission we will consider opportunities to collaborate on land-use, securing climate investment and share lessons learned on exemplar projects to inform future projects. By acting on areas of common interest and opportunity within the net zero agenda we will elevate and add value to benefits for both councils. Other Information Asset Management The Council has a significant investment embedded in assets, comprising offices, schools, vehicles, houses, ICT infrastructure and equipment. It is important these are managed in an efficient and effective manner. The Council has an overarching Corporate Asset Framework and Property Asset Plan 2023-2028 which was approved by Committee in February 2023. In addition, there are service specific Asset Plans covering Open Spaces, Roads Structures, Housing and Vehicle, Fleet and Plant which were all approved at the relevant service committees and will undergo refreshes in future years. We continue to identify any areas of over provision or inefficient value within the Council’s assets in line with the Property and Land Disposal Strategy 2021-2026. Equality and Diversity The Council is firmly committed to the principle of equality of opportunity. The Council recognises its responsibility as a community leader, service provider and employer to encourage the fair treatment of all individuals and to tackle social exclusion. The Council is also committed to eradicate all forms of discrimination, direct or indirect and aims to eliminate discriminatory practices and promote measures to combat its effects. Page 318
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Page 15 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Information on the Council’s Equality Outcomes and Mainstreaming Plan 2025-2029 can be found on the Council website at Equality Scheme Consultation and Communication with Workforce The Council has employee governance arrangements to ensure its employees are well informed, involved in decisions, appropriately trained, treated fairly and consistently and provided with a safe environment. The Council carries out regular employee engagement and seeks the views of the workforce through regular consultations with staff and trade unions. Carbon Emissions and Energy Consumption The Council approved a Climate Change Strategy in November 2020 which has set an overall target to reduce carbon emissions to 'net zero' by 2045 which will align with Scottish Government targets. This includes two interim targets of a 61% reduction by 2030/31 (versus 2012/13 baseline) and 87% reduction by 2040/41 (versus 2012/13 baseline). The Council did not meet its annual target to reduce carbon emissions as set out in the Carbon Management Plan, emitting a total of 27,549 tonnes of carbon dioxide from our operations in 2023/24. This equates to a 19% increase against the previous financial year 2022/23 (23,150 tonnes). However, it still represents a 16.42 % reduction overall against the 2012/13 baseline year (32,961 tonnes). The main reason for the significant increase in Carbon dioxide emissions is due to more information being available with respect to waste and addition of waste items not previously reported. Annual progress of the Climate Change Action Plan is monitored through annual reporting to the Council’s Infrastructure, Regeneration & Economic Development (IRED) Committee and additionally monitored as part of the Regulatory and Regeneration Services Delivery Plan twice per year to Corporate Services and IRED Committees. Furthermore, progress on the Action Plan is monitored via the Climate Change Action Group and reported to the senior management team on a quarterly basis. Remuneration Report This report presents information on the remuneration of senior elected members and senior officers within the Council (pages 24 to 31). Financial Performance Indicators This commentary includes information on a set of financial performance indicators. These are aimed at providing the reader with a summary of key information and are summarised in the following table: Page 319
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Page 16 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official 2023/24 Outturn General Services Performance 2024/25 Target 2024/25 Outturn £0.70 Cost of collecting council tax (per dwelling) Demonstrates the Council's effectiveness in collecting local taxation £3.00 £0.68 13.68% Council tax as a percentage of overall funding Demonstrates the amount of budget raised through council tax n/a 14.10% 93.20% In-year council tax collection rate Demonstrates the Council's effectiveness in collecting local taxation 93.50% 93.80% £39.513m Amount of income from council tax for the year that was received Demonstrates the Council's effectiveness in collecting local taxation n/a £39.909m 115% Value of free reserves expressed as a percentage of the prudential reserve target Demonstrates how much free reserves the GS has, in comparison to the agreed minimum 100% 61% 3.44% Value of free reserves expressed as a percentage of the net annual budget Demonstrates the percentage of budget covered by free reserves 3.00% 1.82% £1.106m Movement in the free reserve balance Demonstrates variances contributing to the overall free reserve position n/a £(3.100)m 102.57% Revenue budget compared to actual outturn at year end - including top up of provisions Demonstrates actual spend as a percentage of the planned budget (less than 100% indicates an underspend) n/a 1.01% 2023/24 Outturn Prudence And Affordability – Capital 2024/25 Target 2024/25 Outturn 7.43% Ratio of financing costs to net revenue stream (excluding PPP) – General Services Demonstrates how much of the General Fund revenue budget is used to support previous capital investment 12.21% 7.25% 39.32% Ratio of financing costs to net revenue stream – HRA Demonstrates how much of the HRA revenue budget is used to support previous capital investment 42.68% 50.37% £727.098m Capital Financing Requirement The amount of planned capital expenditure not yet funded £891.537m £871.164m £814.994m External Debt Levels (including PPP and leases) The amount of external debt held by the Council. Increases due to funding of the capital programme £860.112m £886.622m 2023/24 Outturn Housing Performance 2024/25 Target 2024/25 Outturn 99% Value of free reserves expressed as a percentage of the prudential reserve target Demonstrates how much free reserves the HRA has, in comparison to the agreed minimum 100% 57% 1.97% Value of free reserves expressed as a percentage of the net annual budget Demonstrates the percentage of budget covered by free reserves (2% minimum target) 2.00% 1.15% £(0.044)m Movement in the free reserve balance Demonstrates variances contributing to the overall free reserve position n/a £(0.358)m 100.00% Revenue budget compared to actual outturn at year end Demonstrates actual spend as a percentage of the planned budget (less than 100% indicates an underspend) n/a 100% Where to find more information In This Publication - An explanation of the Financial Statements and their purpose are shown at the top of each page. The accounting policies and a glossary of terms can be found at the end of this publication, and these provide an explanation of the main guidelines and terms used. Page 320
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Page 17 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official On Our Website - Further information about the Council can be obtained on the Council’s website (West Dunbartonshire Council https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/) or from Finance Services, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton, G82 1QL. Conclusion The financial results show the Council’s has had a challenging year from a financial perspective and the general fund has decreased due to a combination of a planned use of reserves and a need to absorb an in year deficit due primarily to lower than forecast in year capital receipts (used to fund principle loan charges), and overspends across a number of the service areas. The Council continue to face a challenging financial future due to real term reductions in funding and this puts further pressure on front line service delivery. The Council’s Financial Statements continue to be reported on a going concern basis. Acknowledgement The production of the Annual Financial Statements is very much a team effort and we wish to record our thanks to both Finance staff and to colleagues in all services whose efforts have contributed to the completion of these Statements of Accounts. Councillor Martin Rooney Peter Hessett Laurence Slavin Leader of the Council Chief Executive Chief Officer - Resources Date: 26 August 2026 Date: 26 August 2026 Date: 26 August 2026 Page 321
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Page 18 Statement of Responsibilities West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official The Council’s Responsibilities The Authority is required to: • Make arrangements for the proper administration of its financial affairs and to secure that one of its officers has the responsibility for the administration of those affairs (section 95 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973). In this authority, that officer is the Chief Officer – Resources. • Manage its affairs to secure economic, efficient and effective use of resources and safeguard its assets; • Ensure the Annual Accounts are prepared in accordance with legislation (The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014 and so far as is compatible with legislation in accordance with proper accounting practices (Section 12 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003). • Approve the Annual Accounts for signature. I confirm that these Annual Accounts were authorised for issue on 26 August 2026. Signed on behalf of West Dunbartonshire Council Councillor Martin Rooney Leader of the Council The Chief Officer - Resources Responsibilities The Chief Officer – Resources is responsible for the preparation of the Council’s Annual Accounts, in accordance with proper practices as required by legislation and as set out in the CIPFA/LASAAC Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom (“The Accounting Code”). In preparing the Annual Accounts, the Chief Officer - Resources has: • Selected suitable accounting policies and then applied them consistently. • Made judgements and estimates that were reasonable and prudent. • Complied with legislation. • Complied with the Local Authority Accounting Code (in so far as it is compatible with legislation). The Chief Officer – Resources has also: • Kept adequate accounting records which were up to date. • Taken reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. • Signed and dated the Balance Sheet. I certify that the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the local authority and its group at the reporting date and the transactions of the local authority and its group for the year ended 31 March 2025. Laurence Slavin Chief Officer - Resources Page 322
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Page 19 Annual Governance Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Annual Governance Statement The Annual Governance Statement explains the Council’s governance arrangements as it meets the requirements of the “Code of Practice for Local Authority Accounting in the UK” (the Code) and reports on the effectiveness of its system of internal control, including the reliance placed on the governance frameworks of our partners. It is included within the Council’s Financial Statements to assure stakeholders on how the Council directs and controls its functions and how it relates to communities in order to enhance transparency and scrutiny of the Council’s activities. Scope of Responsibility The Council is responsible for ensuring its business is conducted in accordance with the law and proper standards, and public money is safeguarded and properly accounted for, and used economically, efficiently and effectively. It also has a statutory duty to make arrangements to secure best value under the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003. In discharging this responsibility, the Council's Elected Members and Senior Management Team (SMT) are responsible for putting in place proper arrangements for the governance of its affairs and facilitating the effective exercise of its functions, which includes arrangements for the management of risk. The Council has established an arms-length external organisation: West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust – to deliver leisure services more effectively on the Council’s behalf, which reports regularly to Elected Members. From 1 July 2015 the West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership was established to continue the development of the integration of social care and health services between the Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. The Council has approved and adopted a Local Code of Corporate Governance (the Local Code), which is consistent with the principles of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) Framework: “Delivering Good Governance in Local Government”. The Local Code evidences the Council's commitment to achieving good governance and demonstrates how it complies with the governance standards recommended by CIPFA. A copy of this Code is available from the Council website at: http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/media/4312582/wdc-local-code.pdf This statement explains how the Council expects to comply with the Local Code and also meets the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the UK, which details the requirements for the Annual Governance Statement. The Purpose of the Governance Framework The governance framework comprises the systems, processes, and culture and values by which the Council is directed and controlled and through which it accounts to and engages with communities. It enables the Council to monitor the achievement of the strategic objectives set out in the Strategic Plan and whether they have led to the delivery of appropriate and value for money services. The Council has a system of internal control to manage risk to a reasonable level. Internal controls cannot fully eliminate risk of failure to achieve policies, aims and objectives and can therefore only provide reasonable assurance of effectiveness. The system of internal control is based on an ongoing process designed to: • identify and prioritise the risks to the achievement of the Council's policies, aims and objectives • evaluate the likelihood of those risks being realised and the impact should they be realised • manage the risks efficiently, effectively and economically. The governance framework has been in place at the Council for the year ended 31 March 2025 and up to the date of the approval of the Statement of Accounts. The Governance Framework The main features of our governance arrangements are described in the Local Code but are summarised below: • The overarching strategic vision and objectives of the Council are detailed in the Strategic Plan 2022/27, which sets out the Council’s key priorities and key outcomes the Council is committed to delivering with its partners, as set out in the Local Outcome Improvement Plan. • Services are able to demonstrate how their activities link to the Council's vision and priorities through their Delivery Plans. Performance management and monitoring of service delivery is reported through service committees and monitored by the SMT. The Council regularly publishes information about its performance. Page 323
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Page 20 Annual Governance Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official • The West Dunbartonshire Community Alliance, which supports Community Planning West Dunbartonshire, represents the views of community organisations, communities of interest and geographical communities. The Council has an Engaging Communities Framework setting out its approach to engaging with citizens, community organisations and stakeholders. Consultation on the future vision and activities of the partnership is undertaken in a range of ways, including seeking the views of the Alliance and through specific service consultations. • The Council has adopted a Code of Conduct and employment policies for its employees. Elected members adhere to the nationally prescribed Code of Conduct for Members in a localised format. The Council also has a protocol on member/officer relations and an inter-party protocol. • The Council has procedural framework which incorporating a Scheme of Delegation, Standing Orders and Financial Regulations. These describe the roles and responsibilities of Elected Members and officers and are subject to regular review. The Council facilitates policy and decision making through the agreed committee structure. • Responsibility for operating an effective system of internal financial control rests with the Council’s Chief Officer Resources as Section 95 Officer. The system of internal financial control is based on a framework of regular management information, the Financial Regulations, administrative procedures (including separation of duties), management and supervision, and a system of delegation and accountability. Development and maintenance of the system is undertaken by managers within the Council. • The functions of the Audit Committee are undertaken as identified in CIPFA Guidance - Audit Committees: Practical Guidance for Local Authorities. • The Council’s approach to risk management is set out in the Risk Management Framework. A strategic risk register is in place and an update report is regularly submitted to the Corporate Services Committee and Audit Committee. The approach is embedded within the Council’s strategic planning and performance management framework with regular reporting of risk management arrangements to service committees. • Comprehensive arrangements are in place to ensure Elected Members and officers are supported by appropriate training and development. • The Council has adopted a response for fraud and corruption risks and commits to maintain its vigilance to tackle fraud in accordance with the Code of Practice on Managing the Risk of Fraud and Corruption. • The Council continues to assess and monitor ongoing compliance with the CIPFA Financial Management Code. Review of Effectiveness The Council has a responsibility to review, at least annually, the effectiveness of its governance framework including the system of internal financial control. The review of effectiveness of the framework is informed by the work of the SMT which has responsibility for the development, implementation and maintenance of the governance environment, the Shared Service Manager – Audit & Fraud’s (the Council’s Chief Internal Auditor) annual report; and reports from the external auditors and other review agencies and inspectorates. The Council’s current Code of Good Governance was approved at the Audit & Performance Review Committee on 8 March 2017. Compliance with the Code of Good Governance is supported by a process of self-assessment and assurance certification by Chief Officers and the outcome of this assessment was reported to the Audit Committee on 11 June 2025. Each Chief Officer was presented with a self-assessment checklist to complete and return as evidence of review of the seven key areas of the Council’s governance framework providing assurance for their service areas. The Audit Committee performs a scrutiny role in relation to the application of the Code of Good Governance and regularly monitors the performance of the Council's Internal Audit service. In relation to the effectiveness of governance arrangements and systems of internal control for the Council’s group entities, the Council places reliance upon the individual bodies’ management assurances in relation to the soundness of their systems of internal control. The Internal Audit service operates in accordance with the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) 2017 and reports to the Audit Committee. An annual programme of work is determined and undertaken by Internal Audit, approved by the Audit Committee, based upon an established risk-based methodology. The Shared Service Manager – Audit & Fraud provides an independent opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s System of Internal Control. Page 324
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Page 21 Annual Governance Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official The Audit Committee performs a scrutiny role in relation to the application of PSIAS and regularly monitors the performance of the Internal Audit service. The Council's Shared Service Manager – Audit & Fraud has responsibility for reviewing independently and reporting to the Audit Committee annually, to provide assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Standards and the extent of compliance. From 1 April 2025 the new Global Internal Audit Standards came into effect for the UK Public Sector and a transition plan is in place to ensure the Internal Audit service is compliant with the requirements by 31 March 2026. It is our view that the Council has in place a sound system of internal control and that appropriate mechanisms are in place to identify areas of weakness. This is corroborated by an annual assurance statement prepared by the Shared Service Manager – Audit & Fraud stating that the overall control environment opinion was “Generally Satisfactory with some improvements needed” such that reasonable assurance can be placed upon the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council's internal control systems. There was one audit which received an overall opinion of “Requires Improvement”, namely Housing Repairs and Maintenance. An action plan is in place to address all issues identified in relation to the audit which will be monitored and reported to SMT and Audit Committee. Due to vacancies arising in the team, some 2023/24 audits were completed in the first six months of 2024/25 which has impacted on the completion of the 2024/25 audit plan. However, the overall audit plan is set within the context of a multi-year approach to audit planning such that key risk areas are reviewed over a 5-year cycle. The system of governance (including the system of internal control) can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance that the assets are safeguarded, that transactions are authorised and properly recorded, that material errors or irregularities are either prevented or would be detected within a timely period and that significant risks impacting on the achievement of the Council's objectives have been mitigated. Governance Issues and Planned Actions The following main issues and areas for improvement during 2024/25 have been identified through the self- assessment exercise carried out by Chief Officers against key aspects of the Code of Good Governance. These will be monitored as part of the next annual review in 2025/26. Improvement Area identified by 2024/25 Exercise Responsible Officer Embedding Be the Best Conversations within all service teams. Chief Officer Citizen, Communities and Facilities Management Business Classification Scheme will be rolled out to relevant service areas in relation to electronic records. Chief Officer, Resources Work is ongoing to implement the Council’s information classification policy and procedure as part of the Microsoft Office 365 project. Data Protection/Information Governance Officer Process for reporting on the status of external audit actions regularly to Audit Committee will be developed and implemented. Chief Officer, Resources Guidance for keeping school funds has been updated, following audit. Work with establishments to ensure compliance with guidance Chief Officer, Education, Learning and Attainment Improvements have been recognised in terms of how global share is organised in relation to how we structure our data on the shared drive and comply with document retention timescales. Preparation for move to Microsoft 365 in session 2025/26. Chief Officer, Education, Learning and Attainment There are different induction and performance appraisal processes across HSCP services reflecting the differences in organisations. Work is ongoing to review and improve the induction process. Chief Officer, HSCP Weekly, monthly and quarterly management information is supplied to all HSCP managers and relevant governance forums however it is recognised these reports could be further developed to improve the quality of the data and ensure the provision of robust management information across the HSCP. Chief Officer, HSCP In relation to self-evaluation, it is recognised that the HSCP would benefit from a more structured approach to self-evaluation. Chief Officer, HSCP In relation to staff training and development, it is recognised this is an area for improvement with clarity of input from partners to be achieved. Chief Officer, HSCP Page 325
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Page 22 Annual Governance Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Succession planning is recognised as an area of improvement for the HSCP and positive steps have been taken to address this. Chief Officer, HSCP Key business continuity plans are in place. Work is ongoing to develop business impact analysis documentation across the HSCP. Chief Officer, HSCP Levels of procurement compliance remain consistent, but it is recognised further work is required to strengthen procurement and commissioning and arrangements to ensure costs and risks are managed appropriately. Chief Officer, HSCP Improvement actions arising from external inspection are monitored by the HSCP Board however further work is required in this area. Chief Officer, HSCP Financial procedures are being developed for Area Resource Group to ensure risk focused decision-making underpins all agreed packages of care/placements to care homes and an escalation pathway to ensure Chief Officer sign off where there is potential for emergency care packages to breach regulations. Chief Officer, HSCP The 2023/24 Annual Governance Statement highlighted a range of areas for improvement during 2024/25. The following table provides an update on progress with these with a number having been completed or are areas which continue to have an ongoing focus: Improvement Area identified by 2023/24 Exercise Status Embedding Be the Best Conversations within all service teams. Ongoing Work is required in some services to review and update business continuity planning documentation. Complete Business Classification Scheme will be rolled out to relevant service areas. Ongoing Work is ongoing to implement the Council’s information classification policy and procedure as part of the Microsoft Office 365 project. Ongoing The refreshed engagement policy and procedure is being reviewed and will be presented for approval in September 2024. Complete Process for reporting on the status of external audit actions regularly to Audit Committee will be developed and implemented. Ongoing A review of Guidance for Administration of School Funds is underway following an Internal Audit review. Ongoing Action plans arising from reviews and inspections from Statutory Bodies including HMIE and the Care Inspectorate will be published online. Complete A review of workforce and succession plans is underway to ensure the plans take cognisance of future needs. Complete Best Value Assurance Report A new approach to auditing Best Value has been introduced by the Accounts Commission. This work is now integrated into annual audit reporting from 2023/24 to build local audit knowledge and reduce the scrutiny burden on councils. External audit also conduct thematic reviews as directed by the Accounts Commission. For 2023/24 this work focused on Workforce Innovation. The Council’s appointed external auditors completed their work in this during 2023/24 with a report presented to Audit Committee in September 2024. The overall conclusion was that “Council’s workforce planning strategy is aligned with its strategic plan and supports the “our Council is inclusive and adaptable” strategic priority. The Council could make better use of data available at organisation and service level, and through the workforce planning console, to identify future resource needs and improve succession planning.” Page 326
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Page 23 Annual Governance Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Health and Social Care Integration The Council, as the funder of the Social Care services within the West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) has an interest in the governance arrangements within the HSCP Board. Internal Audit arrangements for the HSCP is provided jointly by the Council’s Internal Audit service and the Health Board’s Internal Audit Service, with the Council’s Internal Audit service providing audit arrangements for social care services and the general oversight of the HSCP Board’s governance arrangements. The HSCP Board has arrangements in place to review its own ongoing compliance with the revised Code of Governance. Due to the Council’s role as social care service provider Internal Audit’s process outcomes on such services are reported to the Council’s Audit Committee as well as that of the HSCP Board. The Chief Social Worker provides the Council with an annual report on the performance of the HSCP. The financial arrangements for the Council’s funding to the HSCP Board are aligned and budget processes run parallel to ensure that appropriate budgets for the HSCP Board are aligned with Council policy and budgeting approaches. On an ongoing basis the Council continues to receive budgetary control information in relation to HSCP Board services funded by the Council. Compliance with Best Practice Statement on the role of the Chief Financial Officer in local government The Council complies with the requirements of the CIPFA Statement on “The Role of the Chief Financial Officer in Local Government 2010”. The Council’s Chief Financial Officer (Section 95 Officer) has overall responsibility for the Council’s financial arrangements and is professionally qualified and suitably experienced to lead the Council’s finance function and to direct finance staff. Statement on the role of the Head of Internal Audit in Public Service Organisations The Council complies with the requirements of the CIPFA Statement on “The Role of the Head of Internal Audit in Public Service Organisations 2019”. The Council’s Chief Internal Auditor has responsibility for the Council’s Internal Audit function and is professionally qualified and suitably experienced to lead and direct the Council’s Internal Audit staff. The Internal Audit service generally operates in accordance with the CIPFA “Public Sector Internal Audit Standards 2017”. Assurance Subject to the above, and on the basis of the assurances provided, we consider the governance and internal control environment operating during 2024/25 provides reasonable and objective assurance that any significant risks impacting on the achievement of our principle objectives will be identified, and actions taken to avoid or mitigate their impact. Systems are in place to continually review and improve the governance and internal control environment with plans in place to address improvement areas. . Martin Rooney Peter Hessett Laurence Slavin Leader of the Council Chief Executive Chief Officer – Resources Date: 26 August 2026 Date: 26 August 2026 Date: 26 August 2026 Page 327
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Page 24 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Remuneration Report Introduction The Council is required under statute to provide information on the remuneration of each senior elected member and senior officer and any other officer not otherwise included whose remuneration is over £0.150m per annum. All information disclosed in the tables 1-8 of the Remuneration Report is subject to audit. The other sections are reviewed by external audit to ensure that they are consistent with the Financial Statements. Remuneration – Councillors The remuneration of Councillors is regulated by the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Amendment Regulations 2024 (SSI No. 2024/24). The Regulations provide for the grading of Councillors for the purposes of remuneration arrangements, as the Leader of the Council, the Civic Head (Provost), Senior Councillors and Councillors. The Leader of the Council and the Provost cannot be the same person for the purposes of payment of remuneration. A Senior Councillor is a Councillor who holds a significant position of responsibility in the Council’s political management structure. The regulations stipulate that in addition to the Leader of the Council and the Provost, the Council can appoint a maximum of ten Senior Councillors. The level of remuneration paid to the Leader of the Council, Provost and Senior Councillors is detailed in Table 1. The salary to be paid to the Leader of the Council is set out in the Regulations. For 2024/25 the salary for the Leader of the Council was £41,962 per annum (2023-24 £40,205). and for the Provost (£10,675) per annum (2023-24 £30,154). In terms of the same regulations, the Scottish government permits West Dunbartonshire Council to nominate up to ten Senior Councillors at any one time (in addition to the leader of the Council and the Provost whose salaries in aggregate must not exceed a specified amount, currently £266,843 per annum (£251,920 in 2023/24) and whose salaries individually must be on a specified scale currently £21,235 to £26,686 (2023-24 £20,099 to £25,128).. The Council is able to exercise local flexibility in the determination of the precise number of Senior Councillors and their salary within these maximum limits.. During 2022/23, the Council agreed the appointment of a Council Leader, Provost and 10 Senior Councillors and the remuneration due to be paid to the 10 Senior Councillors each paid a salary of £26,685 per annum (2023-24 £24,467).The Regulations also permit the Council to pay contributions or other payments as required to the Local Government Pension Scheme in respect of those Councillors who elect to become Councillor members of the pension scheme. The pension entitlements for the year to 31 March 2025 are shown in Table 6 on pages 29. The Scheme of Members Allowances which encompasses the salaries of all elected members including the Leader, Provost and Senior Councillors was agreed at a meeting of the full Council on 25 September 2024. The report to Council can be found at appointment of councillors and the Register of Members Allowances can be found at : Councillors Allowances Page 328
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Page 25 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Table 1: Remuneration of Senior Councillor 2023/24 Total Remuneration Senior Members Responsibility Salary, Fees & Allowance s Taxable Expenses Total Remuneration £ £ £ £ 40,205 Martin Rooney Leader of Council 41,962 0 41,962 Convenor of Cultural Committee Convenor of Recruitment & Individual Performance Management Committee Convenor of Community Planning West Dunbartonshire Management Convenor Corporate Services Committee from 25/9/24 until 14/12/24 30,154 Douglas McAllister Provost until 28/8/24 10,675 0 10,675 25,192 Karen Conaghan Leader of the Opposition until 28/8/24 29,857 0 29,857 Convenor of Audit Committee until 16/9/24 Provost from 28/8/2024 25,292 Convenor of Appeals Committee until 20/8/24 26,494 0 26,494 Convenor of Housing & Communities Committee 25,192 Daniel Lennie Convenor of Corporate Services Committee until 31/8/24 23,577 0 23,577 25,128 David McBride Convenor of Infrastructure Regeneration & Economic Dev Committee 26,502 0 26,502 Depute Leader from 25/9/24 Convenor of Joint Consultative Forum from 25/9/2024 25,192 Michelle McGinty Depute Leader until 25/9/24 23,753 0 23,753 Convenor of West Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership Board (IJB) until 28/6/24 25,128 John Millar Depute Provost until 25/9/2024 26,686 0 26,686 Convenor of Tendering Committee 25,128 Lawrence O'Neill Convenor of Planning Committee Convener of Licensing Committee 26,502 0 26,502 25,192 Clare Steel Convenor of Educational Services Committee 26,494 0 26,494 20,150 Hazel Sorrell Depute Provost from 25/9/24 24,094 0 24,094 20,150 Gordon Scanlon Leader of the Opposition from 28/8/24 24,463 0 24,463 Convenor of Audit Committee from 16/9/24 0 Fiona Hennebry Convenor of HSCP Audit & Performance Committee from 28/6/2024 19,766 0 19,766 Convenor of Appeals Committee from 21/8/2024 0 William Rooney Convenor of Corporate Serices from 14/12/24 8,659 0 8,659 Year ended 31 March 2025 Gurpreet Singh Johal Note: The term Senior Councillor means a Leader of the Council, the Civic Head or a Senior Councillor, all as defined by regulation 2 of the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Regulations 2007(3). Salaries, allowances and expenses in 2024/25 have only been included for Senior Councillors. Senior Councillors’ remuneration in the tables above does not include non-taxable expenses. The values in the table above relate to the actual payments made during 2024/25 which differ slightly from those stated on page 28 due to timing differences in regards to payroll. There is no compensation/loss of office payments within the period and there were no benefits or bonuses paid during the year. Councillors’ remuneration Councillors’ payments are made in accordance with the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Regulations 2007 and The Local Government (Allowances and Expenses) (Scotland) Regulations 2007. The total amount of councillors’ remuneration paid by the Council during the year was: Table 2: Councillors Total Remuneration 2023/24 Members Allowance 2024/25 £ £ 517,724 Salaries 532,219 8,125 Expenses 10,084 525,849 Total Allowances 542,303 Page 329
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Page 26 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official The annual return of councillors’ salaries and expenses for 2024-25 is available for any member of the public to view at all Council libraries and public offices during normal working hours. It is also available on the Council’s website at: Councillors Allowances. Remuneration - Senior Employees and senior Employees of Subsidiaries The salary of senior employees is set by reference to national arrangements. The Scottish Joint Negotiating Committee (SJNC) for Local Authority Services sets the salaries for the Chief Executives of Scottish local authorities. Circular IR 10-24b sets the amount of salary for the Chief Officials of the Council for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The post of Chief Officer Health and Social Care Partnership is a joint post between the Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Details of the post of Chief Officer HSCP are included in the remuneration report of the Integration Joint Board. The Council funds 50% of this post and NHS Greater Glasgow fund the remaining 50%. The only benefits received by employees are, salary, employer contributions to the pension fund and, where applicable, payment for election duties. There were no bonuses, compensation for loss of office or other benefits paid to senior employees during the year. The remuneration details for senior employees are noted in Table 3. Table 3: Senior Officers Remuneration Total Remuneration 2023/24 Name Position at 31 March 2024 Salary, Fees & Allowances 2024/25 *Election Duties Total Remuneration 2024/25 £ £ £ £ 144,584 Peter Hessett Chief Executive 153,875 4,022 157,897 99,581 Lesley James Head of Children’s Healthcare & Criminal Justice - Chief Social Work Officer 102,670 0 102,670 107,647 Laura Mason Chief Officer - Education, Learning & Attainment 111,522 0 111,522 108,197 Laurence Slavin Chief Officer - Resources - S95 Officer 111,564 520 112,084 105,887 Alan Douglas Chief Officer - Regulatory & Regeneration 111,564 1,888 113,452 108,216 Victoria Rogers Chief Officer - People & Technology 111,564 280 111,844 95,932 Gail MacFarlane Chief Officer - Roads & Neighbourhood ( Shared post with Inverclyde until 1 june 2023, then 100% WDC) 111,564 0 111,564 108,216 Peter Barry Chief Officer - Housing & Employability 111,564 0 111,564 108,197 Amanda Graham Chief Officer - Citizen, Culture & Facilities 111,564 0 111,564 86,716 John Anderson General Manager of West Dunbartonshire Leisure 90,237 0 90,237 Remuneration of Senior Employees of Subsidairies Remuneration of Senior Employees *Note: Election payments for 2024/25 are for the General elections held on the 4 July 2024. Details of the post of Chief Officer HSCP are included in the remuneration report of the Integration Joint Board. Remuneration of Employees receiving more than £50,000 Council employees receiving more than £50,000 remuneration for the year were paid the amounts summarised in Table 4. In accordance with the disclosure requirement of the Regulations, the information in Table 4 shows the number of employees in bands of £5,000. This information includes the senior employees who are subject to the fuller disclosure requirements in the tables above. Page 330
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Page 27 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Table 4: Remuneration of Officers receiving more than £50,000 2023/24 2024/25 Number of Officers Number of Officers 166 £50,000 - £54,999 214 121 £55,000 - £59,999 75 56 £60,000 - £64,999 88 42 £65,000 - £69,999 54 29 £70,000 - £74,999 29 35 £75,000 - £79,999 45 9 £80,000 - £84,999 16 2 £85,000 - £89,999 2 2 £90,000 - £94,999 2 6 £95,000 - £99,999 1 0 £100,000 - £104,999 5 7 £105,000 - £109,999 1 0 £110,000 - £114,999 8 0 £115,000 - £119,999 0 0 £120,000 - £124,999 1 0 £125,000 - £129,999 0 1 £130,000 - £134,999 0 0 £135,000 - £139,999 1 1 £140,000 - £144,999 0 0 £145,000-£149,999 0 0 £150,000-£154,999 1 0 £155,000-£159,999 0 477 Total 543 Range Pension Benefits Pension benefits for Councillors and most local government employees are provided through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Councillors’ pension benefits are based on career average pay. The Councillor’s pay for each year or part year ending 31 March (other than the pay in the final year commencing 1 April) is increased by the increase in the cost of living, as measured by the appropriate index (or indices) between the end of that year and the last day of the month in which their membership of the scheme ends. The total of the revalued pay is then divided by the period of membership to calculate the career average pay. This is the value used to calculate the pension benefits. Table 5 details the pension entitlement and contributions made by the Council in respect of all senior Councillors and senior officers of the Council who have opted to join the LGPS. For local government employees, the LGPS 2015 is a career average pension scheme. This means that pension benefits from 01/04/2015 are based on pensionable pay with inflation added. Pension is accrued at a rate of 1/49 of pensionable pay for each scheme year. Pension benefits can be accessed from age 55 but are reduced prior to 60th birthday. Pension benefits accrued before 1 April 2015 are protected and are based on final pay on retiring. Pension benefits for teachers are provided through Scottish Teachers Superannuation Scheme (STSS). The STSS is a contributory scheme administered by the Scottish Public Pension Agency (SPPA). From 1 April 2015 the scheme is a career average pension scheme. Pension benefits are increased in line with inflation. Pension is accrued at 1/57 of pensionable earnings each year. Pension benefits can be accessed earlier than the normal state pension age but will be reduced if taken earlier than the normal pension age (state pension age). From 1 April 2009, a five-tier contribution system was introduced with contributions from scheme members being based on how much pay falls into each tier. This is designed to give more equality between the cost and benefits of scheme membership. Table 5 provides information on these tiered contribution rates. Page 331
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Page 28 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Table 5: Pension Contribution Rates Contribution rate 2023/24 Contribution rate 2024/25 The tiers and members contribution rates for 2024/25 (2023/24) whole time pay: Local Government employees 5.50% On earnings up to and including £27,000 (£25,300) 5.50% 7.25% On earnings above £27,001 (£25,301) and up to £33,000 (£31,000) 7.25% 8.50% On earnings above £33,001 (£31,001) and up to £45,300 (£42,500) 8.50% 9.50% On earnings above £45,301 (£42,501) and up to £60,400 (£56,600) 9.50% 12.00% On earnings above £60,401(£56,601) 12.00% The tiers and members contribution rates for 2024/25 (2023/24) actual pay: Teachers 7.20% On earnings up to and including £34,286 (£32,133) 7.35% 8.70% On earnings above £34,287 (£32,134) and up to £46,155 (£43,257) 8.88% 9.70% On earnings above £46,156 (£43,258) and up to £54,728 (£51,291) 9.90% 10.40% On earnings above £54,729 (£51,292) and up to £67,975 (£67,975) 10.61% 11.50% On earnings above £67,976 (£67,976) and up to £92,693 (£92,693) 11.73% 11.90% On earnings above £92,694 (£92,694) 12.14% If a person works part-time their contribution rate is worked out on the whole-time pay rate for the job, with actual contributions paid on actual pay earned. There is no automatic entitlement to a lump sum. Members may opt to give up (commute) pension for lump sum up to the limit set by the Finance Act 2004. The accrual rate guarantees a pension based on 1/49th of pay from 1 April 2015. Prior to this the accrual rate guarantees a pension based on 1/60th of final pensionable salary and years of pensionable service. Prior to 2009 the accrual rate guaranteed a pension based on 1/80th and a lump sum based on 3/80th of final pensionable salary and years of pensionable service. The value of the accrued benefits has been calculated on the basis of the age at which the person will first become entitled to receive a pension on retirement without reduction on account of its payment at that age; without exercising any option to commute pension entitlement into a lump sum; and without any adjustment for the effects of future inflation. You can retire and receive your benefits in full from your normal pension age. The normal pension age is 65 for any benefits built up before 1 April 2015. For pension build up from 1 April 2015, the Normal Pension Age is not fixed at age 65 but, instead, is the same as the State Pension Age (but with a minimum of age 65). The value of benefits Table 6 has been provided by the Strathclyde Pension Fund Office and is calculated on the basis of the age at which the person will first become entitled to a full pension on retirement without reduction on account of its payment at that date: without exercising any option to commute pension entitlement into a lump sum: and without any adjustment for the effects of future inflation. The pension figures shown relate to the benefits that the person has accrued as a consequence of their total Local Government service, and not just their current appointment. The pension figures shown relate to the benefits that the person has accrued as a consequence of their total public sector service, and not just their current appointment. The pension entitlements for the year to 31 March 2025 together with the contribution made by the Council to each person’s pension during the year is shown in Table 6 for Senior Councillors and Table 7 for Senior Officers. The tables contain information for those persons who were Senior Officers or Senior Councillors in 2024/25. Senior councillors omitted from the table below are not members of the Local Government Pension Scheme. Page 332
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Page 29 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Table 6: Pension Benefits for Senior Councillors Name Position at 31/03/25 For year to 31 March 2025 For year to 31 March 2024 As at 31 March 2025 Difference from 31 March 2024 £ £ £'000 £'000 Martin Rooney Leader of Council 2,728 7,760 15 2 Convenor of Recruitment & Individual Performance Management Committee Convenor Corporate Services Committee from 25/9/24 until 14/12/24 Convenor of Community Planning West Dunbartonshire Management Board Douglas McAllister Provost until 28/8/24 693 5,820 4 1 Karen Conaghan Leader of the Opposition 1,941 4,862 4 0 Convenor of Audit & Performance Review Committee Provost from 28/8/24 Gurpreet Singh Johal Convenor of Appeals Committee until 20/8/24 1,722 4,862 2 1 Convenor of Housing & Communities Committee Daniel Lennie Convenor of Corporate Services Committee until 25/9/24 1,533 4,862 4 1 David McBride Convenor of Infrastructure Regeneration & Economic Dev Committee 1,723 4,850 11 1 Depute Leader from 25/9/24 Convenor of Joint Consultative Forum Michelle McGinty Depute Leader until 25/9/24 1,544 4,862 2 1 Convenor of West Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership Board (IJB) until 28/6/24 John Millar Depute Provost until 25/9/24 1,735 4,850 4 1 Convenor of Tendering Committee Lawrence O'Neill Convenor of Licensing Committee 1,723 4,850 6 1 Convenor of Planning Committee Clare Steel Convenor of Educational Services Committee 1,722 4,862 2 1 Hazel Sorrell Depute Provest from 25/9/2024 1,566 3,889 1 1 Gordon Scanlon Leader of the Opposition from 28/8/24 1,590 3,889 1 1 Convenor of Audit Committee from 16/9/24 Fiona Hennebry Convenor of the Appeals Committee from 21/8/24 357 0 0 0 Convenor of West Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership Board (IJB) from 28/6/24 William Rooney Convenor of Corporate Services Committee from 14/12/24 563 0 0 0 In-year pension contributions Accrued pension benefits Table 7 Pension Benefits for Senior Officers Name Position at 31/03/25 For year to 31 March 2025 For year to 31 March 2024 As at 31 March 2025 Difference from 31 March 2024 £ £ £ £ Peter Hessett Chief Executive 10,002 27,905 161 11 Lesley James Head of Children’s Healthcare & Criminal Justice - Chief Social Work Officer 6,674 19,219 90 4 Laura Mason Chief Officer - Education, Learning & Attainment 7,249 20,776 170 7 Laurence Slavin Chief Officer - Resources - S95 Officer 7,252 20,882 51 5 Alan Douglas Chief Officer - Regulatory & Regeneration 7,252 20,436 133 11 Gail MacFarlane Chief Officer - Roads & Neighbourhood 7,252 16,945 30 4 Victoria Rogers Chief Officer - People & Technology 7,252 20,886 92 4 Peter Barry Chief Officer - Housing & Employability 7,252 20,886 78 4 Amanda Graham Chief Officer - Citizen, Culture & Facilities 7,252 20,882 19 3 Senior Employees of Subsidiaries John Anderson General Manager of West Dunbartonshire Leisure 5,824 16,736 75 5 In-year pension contributions Accrued pension benefits Senior Employees Page 333
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Page 30 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Exit Packages The number of exit packages with cost per band for compulsory and other redundancies are detailed in Table 8. The Council only agrees exit packages where they are consistent with wider workforce planning and service delivery objectives; and where the savings accruing from an individual ceasing employment with the Council exceed the costs of the exit package within an acceptable period. For the purposes of this note Exit Packages include: • Redundancy payment. • Strain on the fund cost (the amount which the Council is required to pay to the pension fund because the employee has retired before the assumed retirement age). • Added Years Lump Sum (the amount which the Council pays to the individual in a one-off lump sum, according to the compensatory added years awarded – maximum three years). Table 8: Exit Packages Departures Total Cost (£) Departures Total Cost (£) 32 324,850 £0 - £20,000 20 106,418 9 254,268 £20,001-£40,000 8 213,868 4 200,616 £40,001-£60,000 4 211,140 6 407,109 £60,001-£80,000 2 142,066 4 357,891 £80,001-£100,000 5 437,759 4 458,654 £100,001 - £150,000 2 239,662 0 0 £150,001- £200,000 2 351,503 59 2,003,388 Total 43 1,702,416 2024-252023-24 Banding Termination Benefits of Employees Termination benefits are amounts payable as a result of a decision by the Council to terminate an officer’s employment before their normal retirement date or an officer’s decision to accept voluntary redundancy in exchange for those benefits. They are charged on an accruals basis to the appropriate service line in the CIES at the earlier of when the Council can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits or when the Council recognises the costs for a restructuring. The Council terminated the contracts of a number of employees in 2024/25. The above table includes £0.466 million liabilities relating to these releases (2023/24: £0.120m). Martin Rooney Peter Hessett Leader of the Council Chief Executive Date: 26 August 2026 Date: 26 August 2026 Page 334
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Page 31 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Trade Union Facility Time (Unaudited) Facility time generates benefits for employees, managers and the wider community from effective joint working between union representatives and employers. Details of the facility time within the Council during the year to 31 March 2025 is shown in Table 9 below. Further detail can be found at: https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/council/performance-and-spending/trade-union-facility-time-reports/ Table 9: Trade Union Facility Time Number of Employees FTE employee Number Number of Employees FTE employee Number 34 28 41 36 Percentage Number of Employees Percentage Number of Employees Less < 1% 26 Less < 1% 10 1-50% 6 1-50% 28 51%-99% 1 51%-99% 1 100% 1 100% 2 0.24% 1.15% Percentage of Pay Bill Spent on Facility Time Percentage of Pay Bill Spent on facility Time 0.110% 0.140% Paid TU Activities Paid TU Activities £72,033 £123,686 Total pay bill Total pay bill £64,641,431 £86,345,018 Education Function Employee All Other Function Employee Percentage of Time Spent on Percentage of Time Spent on Facility Total cost of facility time Total cost of facility time Page 335
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Page 32 Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement This statement shows the accounting cost in year, of providing services in accordance with relevant International Financial Reporting Standards, rather than the amount to be funded from taxation. The Council raises taxation to cover expenditure in accordance with regulations; this may be different from the accounting cost. The taxation position is shown in the Movement in Reserves Statement and the Expenditure and Funding Analysis. 2023/24 2023/24 2023/24 2024/25 2024/25 2024/25 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Expenditure Income Expenditure Expenditure Income Expenditure £'000 £'000 £'000 Note £'000 £'000 £'000 Service 43,268 (40,116) 3,152 Resources 41,150 (35,441) 5,709 9,847 (2,227) 7,620 Regulatory and Regeneration 10,550 (1,418) 9,132 12,350 (196) 12,154 People & Technology 12,585 (61) 12,524 15,206 (698) 14,508 Citizens, Culture and Facilities 15,807 (55) 15,752 146,928 (21,487) 125,441 Education, Learning and Attainment 167,560 (9,998) 157,562 30,882 (3,155) 27,727 Roads and Neighbourhood 30,126 (3,911) 26,215 12,646 (8,004) 4,642 Housing and Employability 14,467 (9,190) 5,277 7,585 (9,298) (1,713) Miscellaneous Services 5,997 (11,677) (5,680) 211,440 (124,699) 86,741 Health and Social Care Partnership 221,048 (125,238) 95,810 2,401 0 2,401 Requisitions 2,406 0 2,406 44,713 (49,303) (4,590) Housing Revenue Account 41,960 (53,019) (11,059) 537,266 (259,183) 278,083 Net Cost of Service 563,656 (250,008) 313,648 160 Other Operating Expenditure and (income) - (Gain) / loss on Disposal of non-current assets 2,100 29,644 Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure 8 44,252 (298,070) Taxation and Non-specific Grant Income 9 (312,167) 9,817 (Surplus)/Deficit on Provision of Services 47,833 (8,131) (Surplus)/Deficit arising from revaluation of non-current assets 11 (8,510) 0 (Surplus)/Deficit on revaluation of assets held at fair value through other comprehensive income 0 32,951 Remeasurement of the net defined benefit pension liability 22 (20,752) 24,820 Other Comprehensive (Income) and Expenditure (29,262) 34,637 Total Comprehensive (Income) and Expenditure 18,571 Page 336
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Page 33 Balance Sheet West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Balance Sheet The balance sheet shows the value, as at the balance sheet date, of the assets and liabilities recognised by the Council. The net assets of the Council (assets less liabilities) are matched by the reserves held by the Council. Reserves are reported in two categories: 1. Usable reserves - reserves the Council may use to provide services, subject to the need to maintain a prudent level of reserves and any statutory limitations on their use (for example the capital receipts that may only be used to fund capital expenditure or repay debt). 2. Unusable reserves - reserves that the Council is not able to use to provide services. This category of reserves includes reserves holding unrealised gains and losses (for example the revaluation reserve), where amounts would only become available to provide services if the assets are sold; and reserves that hold timing differences shown in the MIRS line ‘adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis under regulations. 31 March 2024 Balance Sheet 31 March 2025 £'000 Note £'000 1,186,911 Property, Plant and Equipment 11 1,277,285 0 Right of Use Assets 16 2,128 942 Intangible Assets 12 1,256 1,773 Long Term Debtors 2,022 1,524 Heritage Assets 13 1,524 483 Long Term Investments 470 1,191,633 Long Term Assets 1,284,685 2,743 Asset Held for Sale 14 1,042 1,298 Inventories 1,167 73,977 Short Term Debtors 17 67,246 24,397 Cash and Cash Equivalents (net) 18 8,227 102,415 Current Assets 77,682 (64,367) Short Term Creditors 19 (62,297) (2,637) Provisions 20 (650) (3,590) Short-term Service Concession Liability 15 (5,180) 0 Short-term Lease Creditor ROU Asset 16 (252) (314,331) Short Term Borrowing 21 (334,350) (384,925) Current Liabilities (402,729) (82,853) Long-term Service Concession Liability 15 (99,658) (414,301) Long Term Borrowing 21 (467,240) (43,012) Net Pensions Liability 22 (37,416) 0 Long-term Lease Creditor ROU Asset 16 (1,927) (5,317) Capital Grants Receipts in Advance 10 (8,328) (545,483) Long Term Liabilities (614,569) 363,640 Net Assets 345,069 Represented by: (16,749) Usable Reserves MIR/6 (13,125) (346,891) Unusable Reserves MIR/6 (331,944) (363,640) Total Reserves (345,069) The unaudited annual accounts were issued on 18 June 2025 and the annual accounts were authorised for issue on 26 August 2026. Laurence Slavin Chief Officer – Resources Date: 26 August 2026 Page 337
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Page 34 Movement in Reserves Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Movement in Reserves Statement This statement shows the movement in the year on the different reserves held by the Council, analysed into ‘usable reserves’ (i.e. those that can be applied to fund expenditure or reduce local taxation) and other reserves. The surplus or (deficit) on the provision of services line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement (page 32) shows the true economic cost of providing the Council’s services. These are different from the statutory amounts required to be charged to the General Fund balance and the Housing Revenue Account for council tax setting and dwelling rent setting purposes. The net increase/decrease before transfer to other statutory reserves line shows the statutory general fund balance and housing revenue account balance before any discretionary transfers to or from earmarked reserves undertaken by the Council. General Fund balance HRA Balance Capital Grants and Receipts Unapplied Account Capital Reserve Capital Fund Other Reserves Total Usable Reserves Unusable Reserves Total Reserves £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 2024/25 0 Balance at 31 March 2024 Carried Forward (15,372) (970) (213) 0 0 (194) (16,749) (346,891) (363,640) Movement in Reserve 2024/25 Total Comprehensive Expenditure and Income 49,552 (1,719) 0 0 0 0 47,833 (29,262) 18,571 Adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis under regulations (Note 6) (45,035) 2,078 (1,252) 0 0 0 (44,209) 44,209 0 Net (Increase)/Decrease before Transfers to Other Statutory Reserves 4,517 359 (1,252) 0 0 0 3,624 14,947 18,571 Transfers to/(from) other statutory reserves (1,417) 0 1,465 0 0 (48) 0 0 0 Closing Balance at 31 March 2025 (12,272) (611) 0 0 0 (242) (13,125) (331,944) (345,069) 2023/24 Balance at 31 March 2023 Carried Forward (30,309) (2,635) (72) 0 0 (262) (33,278) (364,999) (398,277) Movement in Reserve 2023/24 Total Comprehensive Expenditure and Income 13,664 (3,847) 0 0 0 0 9,817 24,820 34,637 Adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis under regulations (Note 6) 5,515 5,512 (3,082) 0 0 0 7,945 (7,945) 0 Net (Increase)/Decrease before Transfers to Other Statutory Reserves 19,179 1,665 (3,082) 0 0 0 17,762 16,875 34,637 Transfers to/(from) other statutory reserves (4,242) 0 2,941 68 (1,233) 1,233 0 Closing Balance at 31 March 2024 (15,372) (970) (213) 0 0 (194) (16,749) (346,891) (363,640) Usable Reserves Page 338
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Page 35 Cashflow Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Cash Flow Statement The cash flow statement shows the changes in cash and cash equivalents of the Council during the reporting period. The statement shows how the Council generates and uses cash and cash equivalents by classifying cash flows as operating, investing and financing activities. The amount of net cash flows arising from operating activities is a key indicator of the extent to which the operations of the Council are funded by way of taxation and grant income or from the recipients of services provided by the Council. Investing activities represent the extent to which cash outflows have been made for resources which are intended to contribute to the Council’s future service delivery. Cash flows arising from financing activities are useful in predicting claims on future cash flows by providers of capital (i.e. borrowing) to the Council. 2023/24 Cashflow Statement 2024/25 2024/25 £'000 £'000 £'000 Operating Activities 9,817 Net deficit on the provision of services 47,833 (39,200) Depreciation, amortisation and impairment (58,258) (160) Net gain/loss on fixed assets (2,100) 5,329 Movement in pension liabilities (15,156) (39) Movement in inventories (131) 11,867 Movement in debtors (6,485) 12,230 Movement in creditors and provisions 1,046 (9,973) Adjustments to net deficit on the provision of services for non-cash movements (81,084) 0 Financing movements 0 35,796 Investing movements 21,249 35,796 Adjustments for items included in the net surplus/deficit on the provision of services that are investing and financing activities 21,249 35,640 Net cash (inflow)/outflow from Operating Activities (12,002) 87,221 Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 119,798 (3,082) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (1,252) 11 Movement on long term investments (12) (35,796) Other receipts from investing activities (21,249) 48,354 Net cash (inflow)/outflow from investing activities 97,285 (518,000) Cash receipts of short-term and long-term borrowing (453,412) 2,673 Repayment of Service Concession liabilities 3,590 409,487 Repayment of short-term and long-term borrowing 380,452 0 Repayment of IFRS16 Lease Liabilities 257 (105,840) Financing Activities (69,113) (21,846) Net cash (inflow)/outflow from financing activities 16,170 2,551 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 24,397 24,397 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 8,227 (21,846) Movement – (Increase)/ Decrease in Cash 16,170 Reconciliation of Liabilities arising from Financing Activities 31 March 2024 Financing Cash flows Other non- Cash changes Non-cash adj to FIAA 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Long term Borrowing 414,301 52,939 0 0 467,240 Short term Borrowing 314,331 20,019 30 (30) 334,350 Service Concession Liability 86,443 (3,590) 21,985 0 104,838 ROU Asset Lease Liability 0 (257) 2,436 0 2,179 815,075 69,111 24,451 (30) 908,607 Page 339
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Page 36 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note 1 - Accounting Policies 1.1 General Principles The Financial Statements summarises the Council’s transactions for the 2024/25 financial year and its position at the year end of 31 March 2025. The Council is required to prepare an Annual Statement of Accounts by the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014. Section 12 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 requires they be prepared in accordance with proper accounting practices. These practices primarily comprise the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2024/25 (“the code”) supported by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The accounting convention adopted in the Financial Statements is principally historic cost, modified by the revaluation of certain categories of non-current assets and financial instruments. The convention also adopts the assumption that the Council will continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future. 1.2 Accruals of Income and Expenditure Activity is accounted for in the year that it takes place, not simply when payment is made or received. In particular: • Revenue from contracts with service recipients, whether for services or the provision of goods, is recognised when (or as) the goods or services are transferred to the service recipient in accordance with the performance obligations in the contract. • Expenses in relation to services received are recorded as expenditure when the services are received, rather than when payment is made. • Supplies are recorded as expenditure when they are consumed. Where there is a gap between the date supplies are received and their consumption their value is carried as inventories on the Balance Sheet. • Interest payable on borrowings and receivable on investments is accounted for respectively as expenditure and income on the basis of the effective interest rate for the relevant financial instrument, rather than on cash flows fixed or determined by the contract. • When income and expenditure have been recognised but cash has not been received or paid, a debtor or creditor for the relevant amount is recorded in the Balance Sheet. Where there is evidence that debts are unlikely to be settled, the balance of debtors is written down and charged to revenue for the income that might not be collected. • The Company applies a materiality threshold when recognising accruals. Only expenses and liabilities above £5,000 are accrued at the reporting date. Items below this threshold are recognised in the period in which they are invoiced or paid. 1.3 Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are investments that mature in three months or less from date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known cash amounts, with insignificant risk of change of value. The investments comprise solely of short term lending of surplus funds to a limited number of pre-approved UK banks. All deposits are held in sterling. The carrying amount is the outstanding principal receivable. Bank balances are included in the Balance Sheet at the closing balance in the Council’s ledger and include cheques payable not yet cashed. 1.4 Changes in Accounting Policies, Estimates and Errors Changes in accounting policies are only made when required by proper accounting practices or the change provides more reliable or relevant information about the effect of transactions, events or conditions on the Council’s financial position or performance. Where a change is made, it is applied retrospectively by adjusting opening balances and comparative figures, as if the new policy has always been applied. Changes in accounting estimates are accounted for prospectively, i.e. in the current and future years only. Material errors discovered in prior period figures are corrected retrospectively by amending opening balances and comparative figures. Page 340
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Page 37 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official 1.5 Charges to Revenue for Property, Plant and Equipment Council Services are debited/credited with the following amounts to record the cost of using or holding fixed assets during the year: • depreciation, attributable to the assets used by the relevant service or trading account • revaluation and impairment losses, where there is no accumulated gain in the Revaluation Reserve • revaluation gains, where these reverse an impairment loss previously charged to the service or trading account • amortisation of intangible fixed assets. The Council is not required to raise council tax to cover depreciation, revaluation gains or losses or impairment losses. However, it is required to make annual provision from revenue towards the reduction in its overall borrowing requirement. Depreciation, revaluation and impairment losses and amortisations are replaced by the revenue provision in the General Fund by an adjustment within the Capital Adjustment Account in the Movement in Reserves Statement for the difference between the two. 1.6 Intangible assets Internally generated assets are capitalised where it is demonstrable the project is technically feasible and is intended to be completed (with adequate resources being available) and the Council will be able to generate future economic benefits or deliver service potential by being able to sell or use the asset. Expenditure is capitalised where it can be measured reliably as attributable to the asset and restricted to that incurred during the development phase (research expenditure is not capitalised). Expenditure on the development of websites is not capitalised if the website is solely or primarily intended to promote or advertise the Council’s goods or services. Assets are measured originally at cost and only revalued where the fair value of the asset can be determined by reference to an active market. Where an intangible asset has a finite useful life, the depreciable amount of the asset is charged over its useful life to the relevant service line(s) in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. An asset is tested for impairment whenever there is an indication that the asset might be impaired – any losses recognised are posted to the relevant service line(s) in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. Any gain or loss arising on the disposal or abandonment of an intangible asset is recognised in the Surplus or Deficit on the Provision of Services when the asset is derecognised. 1.7 Property, Plant and Equipment Assets that have physical substance and are held for the supply of goods and services, either directly or indirectly, and that are expected to be used during more than one financial year are classified as Property, Plant and Equipment. 1.7.1 Recognition Expenditure on the acquisition, creation or enhancement of property, plant and equipment is capitalised on an accrual’s basis, provided it is probable the future economic benefits or service potential associated with the item will flow to the Council and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably. Expenditure that maintains but does not add to the asset’s potential to deliver future economic benefits or service potential, is charged as an expense when it is incurred. 1.7.2 Measurement Assets are initially measured at cost, comprising of: • purchase price (the Council has no de minimis level set) • any costs associated with bringing the asset to the location or condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management • the initial estimate of costs for dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located to its original state. Page 341
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Page 38 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official The Council does not capitalise borrowing costs incurred during construction of an asset. The cost of assets acquired other than by purchase is deemed to be its fair value unless the acquisition will not increase the cash flows of the Council. In the latter case, the cost of the acquisition is the carrying amount of the asset given up by the Council. Donated assets are measured initially at fair value. The difference between fair value and any consideration paid is credited to the Taxation and Non-Specific Grant Income line of the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, unless the donation has been made conditionally. Until conditions are satisfied, the gain is held in the Donated Assets Accounts. Where gains are credited to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, they are reversed out of the General Fund Balance to the Capital Adjustment Account in the Movement in Reserves Statement. Assets are then carried in the Balance Sheet using the following measurement bases: • Infrastructure, community assets & assets under construction – depreciated historic cost. • Surplus assets – current value as estimated at highest and best use from an open market perspective (fair value). • All other assets – current value, determined as the amount that would be paid for the asset in its existing use (existing use value). Where there is no market-based evidence of fair value because of the specialist nature of an asset, depreciated replacement cost (DRC) is used as an estimate of current value. For non-property assets with short useful lives or low values, depreciated historical cost basis is used as a proxy for current value. 1.7.3 Revaluation The Council carries out a rolling programme which ensures that all Property, Plant and Equipment, required to be measured at current value, is revalued at least every 5 years. During 2024/25, all valuations were provided by external valuers, who are members of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) and RICS registered valuers. Valuations of land and buildings are carried out in accordance with the methodologies and bases for estimation set out in the professional standards of RICS. The significant assumptions applied in estimating the values are: • Infrastructure, community assets (except where a valuation option has been adopted) and assets under construction is measured at historic cost. All other classes of property, plant and equipment is measured at current value. Current value is the amount that would be exchanged for the asset in its existing use. • Surplus assets have been valued at level 1 of the fair value hierarchy “quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date”, which is consistent with the concept of market value. • Where there is no market-based evidence of current value, due to the specialist nature of the property and the fact the asset is rarely sold, the Council may need to estimate current value using a depreciated replacement cost (DRC) approach. The value of Council dwellings shall be measured using existing use value – social housing (EUV-SH). EUV- SH and DRC are methods of valuation that are based on current value with additional special assumptions for each of the respective methods. • Historic cost is used as a proxy for current value with regards to the valuation of vehicles, plant, furniture and equipment. Councils may elect to adopt this approach for non-property assets that have short useful lives or low values (or both). The programme of revaluation for 2024/25 and planned each of the following four years is as follows: 2024/25 Halls, Public conveniences, libraries, outdoor centres, golf course, pavilions, sports centres, swimming pools, travellers site and car parks 2025/26 Any properties not previously re-valued / general re-appraisal/ HRA housing stock 2026/27 Offices, depots, cemeteries and crematorium lodges. 2027/28 All Council non-operational properties 2028/29 Schools, school houses, social work homes, adult training centres, community education centres and early education centres Page 342
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Page 39 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official In addition to assets being revalued within the programme of revaluation assets will be revalued in any given year if any of following three criteria is met: • When the historic cost of the building is less than £2m but the combined value of the building historic cost and any enhancement expenditure incurred since the last revaluation date exceeds £2m then the asset will be revalued and (if new valuations exceeds £2m) componentised if necessary. • Where the historic cost of the building exceeds £2m (and is therefore already componentised) and where any enhancement expenditure incurred since the last revaluation date exceeds 25% of the historic cost of the building then the asset will be revalued. • Where the combined value of building historic cost and any enhancement expenditure incurred since the last revaluation date spend is less than £2m but the value of the enhancement expenditure exceeds 50% of building historic cost and in value is more than £0.500m then the asset will be revalued. Where assets are measured at Depreciated Replacement Cost and are not subject to a full revaluation in the financial year, the authority applies indexation to the gross replacement cost and accumulated depreciation to ensure that the carrying amount remains a reasonable estimate of current value at the balance sheet date. Indexation is based on appropriate construction‑related indices reviewed annually. The adjustment is treated as a change in accounting estimate and applied prospectively. Where indexation indicates a material change in value, the authority undertakes a desktop or full revaluation. 1.7.4 Impairment Assets are assessed at each year-end as to whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired. Where indications exist and any possible differences are estimated to be material, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated and, where this is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognised for the shortfall. Where impairment losses are identified, they are accounted for by: • where a balance of revaluation gains for the asset is held in the Revaluation Reserve – the carrying amount of the asset is written down against that balance (up to the amount of the accumulated gains); or • where no balance of revaluation gains for the asset is held in the Revaluation Reserve – the carrying amount is written down against the relevant service line(s) in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. Where an impairment loss is reversed subsequently, the reversal is credited to the relevant service line(s) in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, up to the amount of the original loss, adjusted for depreciation that would have been charged if the loss had not been recognised. 1.7.5 Disposals When it becomes apparent the carrying amount of an asset will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through its continuing use, it is re-classed as a Non-current Asset Held for Sale. The asset is re-valued immediately before re-classification and then carried at the lower of this amount and the fair value less sale costs. Where there is a subsequent decrease to fair value less costs to sell, the loss is posted to the Other Operating Expenditure line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. Gains in fair value are recognised only up to the amount of any previous losses recognised in the Surplus or Deficit on the Provision of Services. Depreciation is not charged on Assets Held for Sale. Assets that are to be abandoned or scrapped are not reclassified as Non-current Assets Held for Sale. When an asset is disposed of or decommissioned, the carrying amount of the asset in the Balance Sheet (whether Property, Plant and Equipment or Assets Held for Sale) is written off to the Other Operating Expenditure line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal. Receipts from disposals (if any) are credited to the same line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement also as part of the gain or loss on disposal (i.e. netted off against the carrying value of the asset at the time of disposal). Any revaluation gains accumulated for the asset in the Revaluation Reserve are transferred to the Capital Adjustment Account. Amounts received for a disposal are categorised as capital receipts. The balance of receipts is credited to either the Capital Receipts Reserve and can only be used for capital investment, set aside to reduce the Council’s underlying Page 343
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Page 40 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official borrowing requirement, to fund the principal element of loan charges or to fund premium charges. Receipts are appropriated to these reserves from the General Fund balance in the Movement in Reserves Statement. The written-off value of disposals is not a charge against council tax. It is appropriated to the Capital Adjustment Account from the General Fund balance in the Movement in Reserves Statement. 1.7.6 Depreciation Depreciation is provided on all property, plant and equipment over their useful economic lives, with an exception made for assets without a determinable finite useful life (i.e. non depreciating land and certain community assets) and assets that are not yet available for use (i.e. assets under construction). The useful lives of assets and depreciation method are as follows: Council Dwellings 10 – 80 years Straight line Other buildings* 15 – 80 years Straight line Open spaces 10 – 120 years Straight line Infrastructure 15 – 120 years Straight line Vehicles, plant, equipment 5 – 20 years Straight line Intangibles 5 – 10 years Straight line Other 10 – 120 years Straight line * Including components such as structure, mechanical and electrical, etc. Where an item of property, plant and equipment assets has major components whose cost is significant in relation to the total cost of the item, the components are depreciated separately. Revaluation gains are also depreciated, with an amount equal to the difference between current depreciation charged on assets and the depreciation that would be chargeable based upon historic cost being transferred each year from the Revaluation Reserve to the Capital Adjustment Account. 1.7.7 Infrastructure Assets The CIPFA/LASAAC Code of Practice for Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom requires infrastructure assets to be measured using the historical cost measurement basis and carried at depreciated historical cost. Due to information deficits it is unclear whether when an assets component is replaced, the old component has been derecognised to avoid double counting. However, as parts of these assets are rarely replaced before the part has been fully consumed and should therefore be fully depreciated at the date of replacement, the carrying amount to be derecognised in respect of a replaced part of an infrastructure asset is a nil amount. The Scottish Government in recognising the challenge facing Council’s has agreed to permit temporary statutory overrides whilst a permanent solution is developed within the Code. As outlined in the Local Government Finance Circular 09/2022 the Council has adopted statutory overrides for the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2025 which permits the council not to report gross cost and accumulated depreciation for Infrastructure assets. 1.8 Assets Held for Sale These assets are measured at fair value, based on the amount at which the asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable parties at arm’s length, less costs to sell at the initial classification and at the end of each reporting date. Revaluation gains shall be recognised for any initial or subsequent increase in fair value less costs to sell but not in excess of the cumulative impairment loss or revaluation loss that have been recognised in the Surplus of Deficit on the Provision of Services. Impairment losses (or revaluation losses) will be recognised for any subsequent decrease to fair value less costs to sell following reclassification in the Surplus or Deficit on the Provision of Service even where there is a balance on the assets Revaluation Reserve. 1.9 Heritage Assets Heritage Assets are recognised and measured (including the treatment of revaluation gains and losses) in accordance with the Council’s accounting policies on property, plant and equipment. However, some of the measurement rules are relaxed in relation to heritage assets as detailed below. Page 344
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Page 41 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Type of Asset Valuation Method for Balance Sheet Purposes Ship models/ Silver and Commemorative wear The last formal valuations were by Bonhams, Sotheby’s and Phillips. Further formal valuations will be commissioned where it is considered there could potentially be a material change in value and where the value of the asset is estimated to be in excess of £10,000. Works of art The last formal valuations were by Bonhams, Sotheby’s and Phillips. Where a lower and upper valuation has been provided the mid valuation has been used. Further formal valuations will be commissioned where it is considered there could potentially be a material change in the value of the assets held. Civic Regalia The robes are not recognised on the balance sheet as they are considered to have no significant value. However the chains are reported in the balance sheet at insurance value. Sewing Machine Collection These collections are not recognised on the balance sheet as cost information is not readily available. Nearly all the items are believed to have an immaterial value. Listed Buildings and Scheduled Ancient Monuments These assets are not recognised on the balance sheet as it is considered that there is a lack of available, comparable market values to establish a ‘fair value’. It is unlikely that Council would procure such assets but is more likely to refurbish or enhance existing structures. In this respect, the cost of those works will be capitalised at cost. Purchased assets are initially recognised at cost and donations are recognised at valuation where that value is estimated to be greater than the threshold of £10,000 as specified above. The carrying amounts are reviewed where there is evidence of impairment e.g. where an item has suffered physical deterioration or breakage or where doubts arise as to its authenticity. Any impairment is recognised and measured in accordance with the Council’s general policies on impairment. No depreciation shall be chargeable on any heritage asset, in view of the indeterminate life and residual value. The proceeds from any disposal of heritage assets are accounted for in accordance with the council’s general provisions relating to the disposal of property, plant and equipment. 1.10 Right of Use Assets The Council adopted IFRS 16 (Leases) with effect from 1 April 2024. The main impact of the requirements of IFRS 16 is that, for arrangements previously accounted for as operating leases (i.e. without recognising the leased vehicles, plant, equipment, property and land as an asset, and future rents as a liability), a right-of-use asset and a lease liability are now included on the balance sheet from 1 April 2024. Right of use assets are initially measured at cost, comprising the lease liability at commencement, any lease payments made at or before commencement and any initial direct costs. Subsequently, right of use assets are measured using the cost model and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term and the useful life of the underlying asset. The Council has applied recognition exemptions to low value assets (below £10,000 when new) and to short-term leases i.e. existing leases that expire on or before 31 March 2025, and new leases with a duration of less than 12 months. A contract is, or contains a lease, if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time. 1.11 Employee Benefits 1.11.1 Benefits payable during employment Short term employee benefits (i.e. fall due within 12 months of the year-end), such as wages and salaries, paid leave, paid sick leave, bonuses and non-monetary benefits for current employees are recognised as an expense in the year in which the employees render service to the Council. An accrual is made against the services in the Surplus or Deficit on the Provision of Service for the costs of holiday entitlement and other forms of leave earned by the employee but not taken before the year end and which employees can carry forward into the next financial year. Any accrual made is required under statute to be reversed out of the General Fund balance by a credit to the Statutory Mitigation Account in the Movement in Reserves Statement. Page 345
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Page 42 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official 1.11.2 Termination Benefits Termination benefits are amounts payable as a result of a decision made by the Council to terminate an officer’s employment before the normal retirement date or an officer’s decision to accept a voluntary termination package in exchange for those benefits. Termination benefits do not provide the Council with future economic benefits and consequently they are recognised on an accrual basis immediately in the Surplus or Deficit on the Provision of Services line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Account when the Council is demonstrably committed to provision of the termination benefits. Where termination benefits involve the enhancement of pensions, they are treated as pension costs for the purpose of the statutory transfer between the Pension Reserve and the General Fund of the amount by which the pension costs calculated in accordance with the Code are different from the contributions due under the pension scheme regulations. In the Movement in Reserves Statement appropriations are required to and from the Pension Reserve to remove notional debits and credits for termination benefits related to pensions enhancements and replace them with the cost of the cash paid, including any amounts due and not paid at the year end. 1.11.3 Post Employment Benefits Employees of the Council are members of two separate defined benefit pension schemes: • the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, administered by the Scottish Pensions Agency • the Local Government Pensions Scheme, administered by Glasgow City Council. Both schemes provide defined benefits to members (retirement lump sums and pensions), earned as employees working for the Council. However, the arrangements for the teachers’ scheme mean that liabilities for these benefits cannot ordinarily be identified specifically to the Council. The scheme is therefore accounted for as if it were a defined contribution scheme and no liability for future payments of benefits is recognised in the Balance Sheet. In relation to retirement benefits, statutory provisions require the General Fund to be charged with the amount payable by the Council to the pension fund or directly to pensioners in the year, not the amount calculated in accordance to the relevant accounting standards. In the Movement in Reserves Statement this means that there are appropriations to and from the Pension Reserve to remove any notional debits and credits for retirement benefits and replace them with the cash paid or payable at the year end, to the pension fund and pensioners. The negative balance that arises on the Pension Reserve measures the beneficial impact on the General Fund of being required to account for retirement benefits on the basis of cash flows rather than as benefits earned by employees. The Local Government Pension Scheme The Local Government Scheme is accounted for as a defined benefits scheme: • The liabilities of the Strathclyde Pension Fund attributable to the Council are included in the Balance Sheet on an actuarial basis using the projected unit method - i.e. an assessment of the future payments that will be made in relation to retirement benefits earned to date by employees, based on assumptions about mortality rates, employee turnover rates, etc. and projections of projected earnings for current employees. • Liabilities are discounted to their value at current prices, using a discount rate of 4.75% (based on the indicative rate of return on high quality corporate bonds). • The assets of Strathclyde Pension Fund attributable to the Council are included in the Balance Sheet at their fair value: o quoted securities - current bid price o unquoted securities - professional estimate o unitised securities - current bid price o property - market value The change in the net pension liability is analysed into the following components: Service cost comprising: Page 346
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Page 43 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official • Current service cost - the increase in liabilities as a result of years of service earned this year - allocated in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement to the services for which the employees worked. • Past service cost - the increase in liabilities as a result of a scheme amendment or curtailment whose effect relates to years of service earned in earlier years - debited to the Surplus or Deficit on the Provision of Services in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement as part of Non-Distributable Costs. • Gains/losses on settlements - the decrease in liabilities as a result of the Council entering into a transaction that eliminates all further legal or constructive obligation relating to the event, notwithstanding the financial guarantee (see Note 5) - credited to the Surplus on the Provision of Services in the Comprehensive Income & Expenditure Statement as part of Non Distributable Costs. • Net interest on the net defined benefit liability, i.e. net interest expenses for the council. The change during the period is the net defined benefit liability that arises from the passage of time charged to the Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure line of the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement – this is calculated by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the period to the net defined liability at the beginning of the period – taking into account any changes in the net defined benefit liability during the period as a result of contribution and benefit payments. Remeasurements comprising: • The return on plan assets - excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability – charged to the Pension Reserve as Other Comprehensive Income and Expenditure • Actuarial gains and losses – changes in the net pensions liability that arise because events have not coincided with assumptions made at the last actuarial valuation or because the actuaries have updated their assumptions – charged to the Pensions Reserve as Other Comprehensive Income and Expenditure • Contributions paid to the Strathclyde Pension Fund – cash paid as employer’s contributions to the pension fund settlement of liabilities; not accounted for as an expense. In relation to retirement benefits, statutory provisions require the General Fund Balance to be charged with the amount payable by the Council to the pension fund or directly to pensioners in the year, not the amount calculated according to the relevant accounting standards. In the Movement in Reserves Statement, this means there are transfers to and from the Pensions Reserve to remove the notional debits and credits for retirement benefits and replace them with debits for the cash paid to the pension fund and pensioners and any such amounts payable but unpaid at the year-end. A negative balance that may arise on the Pensions Reserve thereby measures the beneficial impact to the General Fund of being required to account for retirement benefits on the basis of cash flows rather than as benefits are earned by employees. 1.11.4 Pension Net-Asset Recognition Where the Council’s share of the Local Government Pension Scheme is an overall asset position, reflecting that its share of the Funds’ assets exceeds the present value of its liabilities to members, this is accounted for in line with the requirements of IAS 19 and IFRIC 14. Specifically, the asset recognised by the Council is limited to the extent to which the Council can recover the benefit of the asset through refunds or reduced contributions. This is referred to as an “asset ceiling”. More information is provided in note 22 to the accounts 1.11.5 Discretionary Benefits The Council has restricted powers to make discretionary awards of retirement benefits in the event of early retirements. Any liabilities estimated to arise as a result of an award to any member of staff (including teachers) arising from the use of these discretionary powers are accrued in the year of the decision to make the award and accounted for using the same policies as are applied to the local government pension scheme. 1.12 Events after the Reporting Period Events after the reporting period are those events (both favourable and unfavourable) that occur between the end of the reporting period and the date the Financial Statements are authorised for issue. Two types have been identified: • those that provide evidence of conditions that existed at the end of the reporting period – the Financial Statements are adjusted to reflect this • those indicative of conditions that arose after the reporting period – the Financial Statements are not adjusted to reflect this however, if material, a disclosure is made within the notes of the nature and financial effect. Page 347
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Page 44 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official 1.13 Exceptional Items When items of income and expenditure are material, their nature and amount is disclosed separately, either within the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement or in the notes to the accounts, depending on how significant the items are to the understanding of the Council’s financial performance. 1.14 Financial Liabilities Financial liabilities are recognised on the Balance Sheet when the Council becomes party to the contractual provisions of a financial instrument and initially measured at fair value and carried at their amortised cost. Annual charges to the Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement for interest payable are based upon the carrying amount of the liability, multiplied by the effective rate of interest for the instrument. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments over the life of the instrument to the amount at which it was originally recognised. For most of the borrowing that the Council has this means that the amount presented in the Balance Sheet is the outstanding principal repayable (plus accrued interest). Interest charged to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement is the amount payable for the year according to the loan agreement. 1.15 Financial Assets Financial assets are classified using a classification and measurement approach that reflects the business model for holding the financial assets and their cash flow characteristics. There are three main classes of financial assets measured at: • amortised cost • fair value through other comprehensive income • fair value through profit or loss The Council’s business model is to hold investments to collect contractual cash flows. Financial assets are all therefore classified as amortised cost. 1.15.1 Financial Assets Measured at Amortised Cost Financial assets measured at amortised cost are recognised on the Balance Sheet when the authority becomes party to the contractual provisions of a financial instrument and are initially measured at fair value. They are subsequently measured at their amortised cost. Annual credits to the Financing and (Investment) Income and Expenditure line in the CIES for interest receivable are based on the carrying amount of the asset multiplied by the effective rate of interest for the instrument. For all financial assets held by the Council, this means that the amount presented in the Balance Sheet is the outstanding principal receivable (plus accrued interest) and interest credited to the CIES is the amount receivable for the year in the loan agreement. 1.15.2 Expected Credit Loss Model The Council recognises expected credit losses on its financial assets held at amortised cost, either on a 12-month or lifetime basis. The expected credit loss model also applies to lesser receivables and contract assets. Only lifetime losses are recognised for trade receivables (debtors) held by the council. Where assets are identified as impaired because of a likelihood arising from a past event that payments due under the contract will not be made, the asset is written down and a charge made to the Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure line in the CIES. Impairment loss is measured as the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the revised future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. 1.15.3 Financial Assets measured at Fair Value through profit or Loss Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss are recognised on the Balance Sheet when the Council becomes a party to the contractual provisions of a financial instrument and are initially measured and carried at fair value. Fair value gains and losses are recognised as they arrive in the Surplus or Deficit on the Provision of Services. The fair value measurements of the financial assets are based on the following techniques: • Instruments with quoted market prices – the market price Page 348
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Page 45 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official • Other instruments with fixed and determinable payments – discounted cash flow analysis Inputs to the measurement techniques are categorised in accordance with the following three levels: • Level 1 inputs– quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the authority can access at the measurement date. • Level 2 inputs – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. • Level 3 inputs – unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Any gains and losses that arise on the derecognition of the asset are credited or debited to the Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. 1.16 Government Grants and Contributions Government grants and other contributions are recognised as due when there is reasonable assurance that: • the Council will comply with the conditions attached to the payments • the grants or contributions will be received. Amounts recognised as due to the Council are not credited to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Account until conditions attached to the grant or contribution have been satisfied. Conditions are stipulations that specify that the future economic benefits or service potential embodied in the asset acquired using the grant or contribution are required to be consumed by the recipient as specified for future economic benefit or service potential must be returned to the transferor. Monies advanced as grants and contributions for which conditions have not been satisfied are carried in the Balance Sheet as creditors. When conditions are satisfied, the grant or contribution is credited to the relevant service line (attributable revenue grants/contributions) or Taxation and Non-Specific Grant Income (non-ringfenced revenue grants and all capital grants) in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. Where capital grants are credited to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, they are reversed out of the General Fund balance in the Movement in Reserves Statement. Where the grant has not yet been used to finance capital expenditure, it is posted to the Capital Grants Unapplied Account. Where it has been applied, it is posted to the Capital Adjustment Account. Amounts in the Capital Grants Unapplied Account are transferred to the Capital Adjustment Account once they have been applied. 1.17 Inventories Inventories are held by several Council services, such as asset maintenance services, roads, services, school technician services, hospitality services, etc., and include consumable stock and work in progress, where appropriate. Consumable stock is included in the Balance Sheet on a cost price basis, with inventory quantities based on physical stock at the end of the year. 1.18 Leases 1.18.1 Council as Lessee The Council classifies contracts as leases based on their substance. Contracts and parts of contracts, including those described as contracts for services, are analysed to determine whether they convey the right to control the use of an identified asset, through rights both to obtain substantially all the economic benefits or service potential from that asset and to direct its use. The Code expands the scope of IFRS 16 Leases to include arrangements with nil consideration, peppercorn or nominal payments. Page 349
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Page 46 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official 1.18.2 Council as Lessor Finance Leases When the Council grants a finance lease over an asset, the asset is written out of the Balance Sheet as a disposal. At the start of the lease the carrying amount of the asset is written off to the Other Operating Expenditure line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement as part of the gain/loss on disposal. A gain, representing the Council’s net investment in the lease is credited to the same line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, matched by a lease asset in the Balance Sheet. Lease rentals receivable are apportioned between: • a receipt for the acquisition of the interest in the asset – applied to write down the lease asset (together with any premiums received) • finance income (credited to the Financing and Investment income and Expenditure line in Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement). The gain credited to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement on disposal is not permitted by statute to increase the General Fund balance and will be required to be treated as a capital receipt. Where a premium has been received, this is posted out of the General Fund Balance to the Capital Receipts Reserve in the Movement in Reserves Statement. Where the amounts due in relation to the lease asset is to be settled by the payment of rentals in future financial years, this is posted out of the General Fund Balance to the Deferred Capital Receipts Reserve in the Movement in Reserves Statement. When the future rentals are paid, the element of the charge for the acquisition of the interest in the asset is used to write down the lease asset. At this point, the deferred capital receipts are transferred to the Capital Receipts Reserve. The written off value of the disposals is not a charge against council tax, as the cost of non-current assets is fully provided for under separate arrangements for capital financing. Amounts are appropriated to the Capital Adjustment Account from the General Fund balance in the Movement in Reserves Statement. Operating Leases Where the Council grants an operating lease over an asset, the asset is retained in the Balance Sheet. Rental income is credited to the Other Operating Expenditure line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. Credits are made on a straight line basis over the life of the lease, even if it doesn’t match the pattern of payment. 1.19 Overhead and Support Services The costs of overheads and support services are charged to non-General Fund services that benefit from the supply in accordance with the costing principles of the CIPFA Service Reporting Code of Practice 2024/25. The total absorption costing principle is used – the full cost of overheads and support services are shared between those users in proportion to the benefits received. General Fund Services have not been charged for these support service costs, in line with the Council’s budgetary reporting structure. 1.20 Service Concession Arrangements Services Concession Arrangements are agreements to receive services, where the responsibility for making available the property, plant and equipment needed to provide the services passes to the private contractor. As the Council is deemed to control the services that are provided under the PPP scheme and as ownership of the property, plant and equipment will pass to the council at the end of the contract for no additional charge, the Council carries the asset on its Balance Sheet. Service Concession Arrangement Flexibility Application The Scottish Government’s 2022 Resource Spending Review contained details of a Service Concession Arrangement (SCA) flexibility that related to the Council’s PPP schools. The flexibility permits councils to undertake internal accounting changes that extend the period over which the principal repayment of the unitary charge can be made which results in a one-off credit to the General Fund and ongoing annual savings for a period of time. In the remaining years following the end of the SCAs, the rescheduled debt repayments continue until the debt liability has been extinguished. The Statutory Regulation in relation to this matter, Local Government Finance Circular 10/2022 (FC 10/2022), was published in September 2022. Page 350
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Page 47 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official FC 10/2022 replaces the 2010 version that covered this area and permits the authority to apply a temporary flexibility for service concession arrangements entered prior to April 2022. The Circular sets out the accounting requirements and the options permitted for the recognition of repayments of the principal element of the lease component or the lease liability for the year and the temporary flexibility for SCAs entered prior to 1 April 2022. The Council has applied the permitted change in the calculation of the statutory charge and the adopted approach has been applied across all arrangements held by the Council in line with the key accounting principle of consistency. The annual unitary charge will continue to be paid to the contractor over the contract period. The guidance applies to principal and not to interest, service charge costs or grant. These will continue to be accounted for over the contract period. Annuity method for revised repayment of debt liability The recalculation of the debt liability charges applies the annuity method to calculate the revised repayments. This method best represents the consumption of the assets over their useful lives. This methodology is applied within the Councils current Loans Fund repayment policy. The use of an annuity method for the writing down of the PPP debt liability therefore ensures a consistent approach for the writing down of all debt which is financing capital expenditure, in that. • The annuity method provides a fairer charge than equal instalments as it takes account of the time value of money, whereby paying £100 in 10 years’ time is less of a burden than paying £100 now. • The schedule of charges produced by the annuity method thus results in a consistent charge over an asset’s life, considering the real value of the amounts when they fall due. • The annuity method is a prudent basis for providing for assets that provided a steady flow of benefits over their useful life.’ Useful Economic Life The most appropriate asset life for the calculation is considered to be 60 years which replicates the useful asset life of other similar type assets held on the Council’s balance sheet i.e. schools. The Council’s Loans Fund methodology use a Useful Economic Life (UEL) of 60 years when calculating the repayment of debt liability for borrowing to support capital expenditure for similar types of assets. The proposed application a UEL of 60 years for the two SCAs arrangements is therefore considered consistent with current council methodology. Capital Financing Requirement The reprofiling of the debt liability repayments over the life of the asset rather than the life of the contract increases the Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) as at 1 April 2022. The increase in the CFR will continue to be reduced by the revised repayments after each SCA contract has expired until the end of the revised period. Accounting Treatment The statutory adjustment can be made as at 1 April in the year the revised repayments are applied. This option was exercised in 2022/23 and has been applied retrospectively. Being a cumulative statutory adjustment there is no prior year restatement of statutory adjustments in the Annual Accounts. The statutory adjustment results in a debit to the Capital Adjustment account with a corresponding credit in the Movement in Reserves Statement within the General Fund. Until the end of the contract period for each of the five SCAs. Thereafter the revised charges will result in higher cost being charged to the General fund that the current repayment profile until the end of the UEL 1.21 Provisions Provisions are made where an event has taken place that gives the Council a legal obligation or constructive obligation that probably requires settlement by a transfer of economic benefits or service potential and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of that obligation. Page 351
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Page 48 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Provisions are charged as an expense to the appropriate service line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement in the year the Council becomes aware of the obligation and measured at the best estimate at the Balance Sheet date, taking account of relevant risks and uncertainties. When payments are made they are charged to the provision carried in the Balance Sheet. Estimated settlements are reviewed at the end of each financial year. Where it becomes less probable that a transfer of economic benefits is required; the provision is reversed and credited back to the relevant service. 1.22 Interest in Companies and Other Entities The Council has material interests in companies and other entities that have the nature of associates/ subsidiaries and require it to prepare group accounts. In the Council’s own single entity accounts, the interests of two companies are recorded as an investment in the Balance Sheet, as the Council has shares and full ownership of the Clydebank Property Company (purchased during 2014/15) and has an investment with Hub West Scotland (invested 2015/16). No other interests are recorded in the Council’s single entity accounts of any of other organisation. 1.23 VAT VAT payable is included as an expense only to the extent that it is not recoverable from HM Revenue and Customs. VAT receivable is excluded from income. 1.24 Loans Advances Repayment In accordance with The Local Authority (Capital Finance and Accounting) (Scotland) Regulations 2016, the Council has recalculated the repayments of the loans fund advances to reflect the life of the specific assets associated with the debt. Repayments are made using either the annuity method (at 9%) or the straight-line method over the useful economic life of the assets. From 2021/22 onwards, the Council applies the straight-line method in respect of relevant loans fund advances, in line with its Treasury Management Strategy. Note 2 – Critical Judgement in Applying Accounting Policies The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make some judgements and assumptions when applying the accounting policies that have the most significant effect on carrying amounts in the financial statements. These judgements are usually about complex transaction or involve uncertainty about future events. Where a critical judgement has been made, this is referred to in the relevant note to the core financial statements; however, a summary of those with the most significant effect are detailed below: Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) - The Council has entered into a PPP contract for the provision of three secondary schools and one primary school. The Council has also entered into a DBFM contract for one secondary school. The contracts include the build of the schools as well as their maintenance and provision of related facilities over the period of each contract. After consideration of International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee IFRIC12 (Service Concession Arrangements), it has been concluded that these are service concession arrangements and the Council controls the services provided under the scheme and ownership of the schools will pass to the Council at the end of the contracts for no additional charge. The Council carries the assets and the associated liability to the PPP operator on its Balance Sheet. The annual amount payable to the PPP operator (the unitary charge) is apportioned between operating costs, interest payments and the repayment of debt. The property, plant & equipment of the PPP scheme are depreciated over the useful life of the assets and the associated liability to the operator is reduced by the principal repayments paid as part of the unitary charge. The assets used to provide services at the schools are recognised on the Council’s Balance Sheet. Movements in value over the year are detailed in the analysis of the movement in Note 15 Service Concession Arrangements. Council Acting as Principal or Agent - When the Council receives funding it requires to consider the degree of control it has over how this funding is to be utilised. If the Council has no discretion over the utilisation of the funds it deems that it is acting as an agent and this funding is reported in the Agency Services note and not reflected in the Council’s income and expenditure, but with any amounts owed to/ from the Council held within its Balance Sheet. Page 352
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Page 49 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Provision or Contingent Liability - Where the Council faces a future liability and this can be quantified with a reasonable degree of certainty, a provision for that liability is made. If the liability cannot be quantified, it will be disclosed as a Contingent Liability (Note 28). Most of these involve ongoing or prospective legal action meaning the outcome and potential amounts involved cannot be determined with any level of accuracy. Note 3 – Assumptions Made About the Future and Other Major Sources of Estimation Uncertainty The Financial Statements contain estimated figures that are based on assumptions about the future or that are otherwise uncertain. Estimates are made taking into account historical experience, current trends and other relevant factors. However, because balances cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could be materially different from the assumptions and estimates. The items in the Council’s balance sheet as at 31 March 2025, for which there is a significant risk of material adjustment in the forthcoming financial year are noted below: Item Uncertainties Effect if Actual results Differ from Assumptions Property Plant and Equipment – valuation The Council’s assets are valued on a rolling programme over a maximum of 5 years. The valuation assumptions are ascertained by the professional valuers used by the Council. If the actual results differ from the assumptions, the value of the assets could be affected. The value of the assets subject to revaluation over the rolling programme is £988.969m. During 2024/25 the assets that were revalued are now held in the Balance Sheet to a total value of £43.687m. The impact for each 1% change in these valuations would be £0.436m within the Balance Sheet, resulting in an increase or a decrease to the Revaluation Reserve, or an impairment charge, but with no effect on the General Fund or the HRA reserves. Indexation was carried out for DRC assets not revalued within the year using the rate of 2.9% for 23/24 and 2.3% for 24/25, totalling £10.561m. The impact for each 1% change in these indexation rates would be £4.371m within the Balance Sheet, resulting in an increase or a decrease to the Revaluation Reserve, but with no effect on the General Fund or the HRA reserves. Any change would also impact on annual depreciation charges in future years. Property Plant and Equipment – depreciation / useful lives Assets are depreciated over useful lives that are dependent on assumptions about the level of repairs and maintenance that will incur in relation to those assets. The current economic climate makes it uncertain that the Council will be able to sustain its current level of spending on maintenance, bringing into doubt the useful lives assigned to assets. If the useful life of an asset is reduced, depreciation increases and the carrying amount of the asset falls. For example, it is estimated that for a building valued at £20 million with a useful economic life of 60 years, the annual depreciation charge would increase by £5,650 if the useful economic life had to be reduced by one year. Page 353
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Page 50 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Pension Liability/Asset Estimation of the net asset/liability to pay pensions depends on a number of complex judgements relating to the discount rates used, the rate at which salaries are projected to increase by, changes to retirement ages, mortality rates and expected returns on pension assets held. This is further detailed within Note 22 to the Financial Statements. A firm of consulting actuaries is engaged to provide the Council with expert advice about the assumptions applied. The effect on the net asset/liability can be measured. For example, a decrease in the discount rate of 0.1% would decrease the pension asset held on the Balance sheet by 2% or £12.153m; and increase in the pension rate by 0.1% would decrease the pension asset held on the Balance sheet by 2% or £11.682m. The interaction of assumptions is extremely complex. See note 22 for further assumptions. Page 354
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Page 51 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note 4 Accounting Standards that have been issued but have not yet been adopted For 2024/25, the Code requires the disclosure of information relating to the expected impact of an accounting change that will be required by a new standard that has been issued but not yet adopted. This applies to the adoption of the following new or amended standards within the 2025-26 Code: • IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rate (Lack of Exchangeability) issued in August 2023. The amendments to IAS 21 clarify how an entity should assess whether a currency is exchangeable and how it should determine a spot exchange rate when exchangeability is lacking, as well as require the disclosure of information that enables users of financial statements to understand the impact of a currency not being exchangeable. Until this change, IAS 21 set out the exchange rate to use when exchangeability between two currencies is temporarily lacking, but not what to do when lack of exchangeability is not temporary. On 15 August 2023, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 21 to help entities: • assess exchangeability between two currencies; and • determine the spot exchange rate, when exchangeability is lacking. This amendment is not expected to have a significant impact on the financial statements. • IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts issued in May 2017. IFRS 17 replaces IFRS 4 and sets out principles for recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of insurance contracts. - such contracts are not written by the Council. This amendment will not have an impact on the Council’s financial statements. • The changes to the measurement of non-investment assets within the 2025/26 Code include adaptations and interpretations of IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment and IAS 38 Intangible Assets. These include setting out three revaluation processes for operational property, plant and equipment, requiring indexation for tangible noninvestment assets and a requirement to value intangible assets using the historical cost approach. These have the same effect as requiring a change in accounting policy due to an amendment to standards, which would normally be disclosed under IAS 8. However, the adaptations also include a relief from the requirements of IAS 8 following a change in accounting policy. The Council follows current valuation guidelines as laid down by The Code. This amendment is not expected to have a material effect on the financial statements. Page 355
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Page 52 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note 5 Expenditure and Funding Analysis The Expenditure and Funding Analysis shows how annual expenditure is used and funded from resources (Government Grants, Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rates) by local authorities in comparison with those resources consumed or earned by authorities in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices. It also shows how expenditure is allocated for decision making purposes between the Council’s services. Income and expenditure accounted for under generally accepted accounting practices is presented more fully in the Comprehensive Income & Expenditure Statement. Expenditure and Funding Analysis 2024-25 Expenditure and Funding Analysis 2024-25 Expenditure chargeable to the General Fund and HRA Balance Adjustments between Funding and Accounting Basis Net Expenditure in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement £'000 £'000 £'000 Resources 3,967 1,742 5,709 Regulatory and Regeneration 3,837 5,295 9,132 People & Technology 10,007 2,517 12,524 Citizens, Culture and Facilities 13,841 1,911 15,752 Education, Learning and Attainment 127,578 29,984 157,562 Roads and Neighbourhood 18,052 8,163 26,215 Housing and Employability 3,289 1,988 5,277 Miscellaneous Services (3,852) (1,828) (5,680) Health and Social Care Partnership 89,859 5,951 95,810 Requisitions 2,406 0 2,406 Housing Revenue Account (26,662) 15,603 (11,059) Net Cost of Service 242,322 71,326 313,648 (Gain)/Loss on disposal of non-current assets 0 2,100 2,100 Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure (Note 8) 32,685 11,567 44,252 Taxation and Non-specific Grant Income (Note 9) (293,265) (18,902) (312,167) (Surplus) or Deficit on the Provision of Services (18,258) 66,091 47,833 Opening General Fund and HRA Balance at 1 April 2024 (16,342) Surplus/(Deficit) on HRA in the year 359 Surplus/(Deficit) on General Fund in the year 4,517 transfer (to)/from other Statutory Reserves (1,417) Closing General Fund and HRA balance at 31 March 2025 (12,883) Adjustments between General Fund and Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement 2024-25 Adjustment for Capital Purposes Net change to Pension Adjustment Other differences Total Adjustments £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Resources 1,216 526 0 1,742 Regulatory and Regeneration 4,750 545 0 5,295 People & Technology 1,722 795 0 2,517 Citizens, Culture and Facilities 596 1,315 0 1,911 Education, Learning and Attainment 27,019 2,745 220 29,984 Roads and Neighbourhood 6,662 1,500 0 8,163 Housing and Employability 0 1,988 0 1,988 Miscellaneous Services 55 (1,955) 72 (1,828) Health and Social Care Partnership 1,375 4,576 0 5,951 Requisitions 0 0 0 0 Housing Revenue Account 14,862 744 (3) 15,603 Net Cost of Services 58,257 12,779 289 71,326 Other operating expenditure 2,100 0 0 2,100 Taxation and Non-specific Grant Income (21,249) 2,377 (30) (18,902) Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure 11,567 0 0 11,567 Difference between General Fund and HRA (Surplus)/Deficit and Comprehensive Income & Expenditure Statemet (Surplus)/Deficit on the Provision of Service 50,675 15,156 259 66,091 Page 356
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Page 53 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Expenditure and Funding Analysis 2023-24 Comparative Figures for 2023-24 2023/24 Expenditure chargeable to the General Fund and HRA Balance Adjustments between Funding and Accounting Basis Net Expenditure in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement £'000 £'000 £'000 Resources 2,070 1,082 3,152 Regulatory and Regeneration 3,189 4,431 7,620 People & Technology 10,517 1,638 12,155 Citizens, Culture and Facilities 14,053 456 14,509 Education, Learning and Attainment 115,259 10,182 125,441 Roads and Neighbourhood 20,705 7,019 27,724 Housing and Employability 4,478 164 4,642 Miscellaneous Services (325) (1,388) (1,713) Health and Social Care Partnership 85,125 1,618 86,743 Requisitions 2,401 0 2,401 Housing Revenue Account (18,549) 13,959 (4,590) Net Cost of Service 238,923 39,161 278,084 (Gain)/Loss on disposal of non-current assets 0 160 160 Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure (Note x) 39,029 (9,383) 29,646 Taxation and Non-specific Grant Income (Note x) (257,109) (40,961) (298,070) (Surplus) or Deficit on the Provision of Services 20,843 (11,023) 9,820 Opening General Fund and HRA Balance at 1 April 2023 (32,944) Surplus/(Deficit) on HRA in the year 1,665 Surplus/(Deficit) on General Fund in the year 19,179 Surplus/(Deficit) on General Fund and HRA in the year (4,242) Closing General Fund balance at 31 March 2024 (16,342) Adjustments between General Fund and Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement 2023-24 Adjustment for Capital Purposes Net change to Pension Adjustment Other differences Total Adjustments £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Resources 1,018 64 0 1,082 Regulatory and Regeneration 4,389 42 0 4,431 People & Technology 1,600 38 0 1,638 Citizens, Culture and Facilities 356 100 0 456 Education, Learning and Attainment 9,790 220 172 10,182 Roads and Neighbourhood 6,894 125 0 7,019 Housing and Employability 0 164 0 164 Miscellaneous Services 0 (1,368) (20) (1,388) Health and Social Care Partnership 1,246 360 12 1,618 Requisitions 0 0 0 0 Housing Revenue Account 13,907 52 0 13,959 Net Cost of Services 39,200 (203) 164 39,161 Other operating expenditure 160 0 0 160 Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure (9,388) 0 0 (9,388) Taxation and Non-specific Grant Income (35,796) (5,126) (39) (40,961) Difference between general Fund (Surplus)/Deficit and Comprehensive Income & Expenditure Statemet (Surplus)/Deficit on the Provision of Service (5,824) (5,329) 125 (11,028) Page 357
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Page 54 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Adjustments for Capital Purposes This column adds in depreciation, impairment and revaluation gains and losses in the services line, and for: • Other operating expenditure – adjusts for capital disposals with a transfer of income on disposal of assets and the amounts written off for those assets. • Financing and investment income and expenditure – the statutory charges for capital financing and other revenue contributions are deducted from other income and expenditure as these are not chargeable under generally accepted accounting practices. • Taxation and non-specific grant income and expenditure – capital grants are adjusted for income not chargeable under generally accepted accounting practices. Revenue grants are adjusted from those receivable in the year to those receivable without conditions or for which conditions were satisfied throughout the year. The Taxation and Non-Specific Grant Income and Expenditure line is created with capital grants receivable in the year without conditions or for which conditions were satisfied in the year. Net Change for the Pension Adjustments Net change for the removal of pension contributions and the addition of IAS19 Employee Benefits pension related expenditure and income: • For services, this represents the removal of the employers contributions made by the Council as allowed by statute and the replacement with current service costs and past service costs. • For financing and investment income and expenditure, the net interest on the defined benefit liability is charged to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. Other Differences Other differences between amounts debited or credited to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement and amounts payable or receivable to be recognised under statute: • For services an adjustment is made for the accrual of holiday pay and other similar entitlements, this is required under generally accepted accounting principles but the impact on the General Fund and the HRA is mitigated by statute which allows the impact to be reversed out through the Movement in Reserves. • For Financing and investment income and expenditure, the ‘other differences’ column recognises adjustments to the General Fund for the timing differences for premiums and discounts. Expenditure and Income Analysed by Nature Where items are not disclosed on the face of the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, the code requires a disclosure of the nature and amount of material items. An analysis of material items of income and expenditure by nature is shown below: 2023-24 2024-25 £'000 £'000 Expenditure 239,621 Employee Benefits Expenses 242,313 257,597 Other Service Expenses 262,025 39,200 Depreciation, Amortisation, Impairment 58,258 29,275 Interest payments 44,262 2,401 Precepts and levies 2,406 160 (Gain) or Loss on Disposal of Assets 2,100 568,254 Total Expenditure 611,364 Income (259,182) Fees, charges and Other Service Income (250,008) (40,798) Income from Council Tax (41,701) (93,396) income from Non-domestic rates (87,481) (1,185) Interest and Investment Income (1,356) (163,876) Government grants and Contributions (182,985) (558,437) Total Income (563,531) 9,817 (Surplus)/Deficit on the Provision of Service 47,833 Page 358
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Page 55 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note 6 Adjustments between Accounting Basis and Funding Basis under Regulations This note provides further breakdown of the adjustments summarised in the Movement in Reserves Statement on page 34. It is identified under the headings Usable and Unusable Reserves. Further detail of the reserves identified under the classification of usable and unusable is given in notes 7 and 24 respectively. 2024-25 General Fund Balance HRA Balance Capital Grants and Receipts Unapplied Account Capital Fund Total Usable Reserves Capital Adjustment Account Revaluatio n Reserve Pension Reserve Employee Statutory Adjustment Account FIAA Total Unusable Reserves £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Charges for depreciation and impairment of non-current assets (43,270) (14,835) 0 0 (58,105) 58,105 0 0 0 0 58,105 Amortisation of intangible assets (127) (26) 0 0 (153) 153 0 0 0 0 153 Capital Grants and Contributions applied 13,335 7,914 0 0 21,249 (21,249) 0 0 0 0 (21,249) Capital expenditure charged in year to revenue balances (51) 0 0 0 (51) 51 0 0 0 0 51 Disposal of Fixed Assets (2,100) 0 (1,252) 0 (3,352) 3,352 0 0 0 0 3,352 Capital expenditure charged to revenue (CFCR) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Statutory Repayment of Debt - Loans Fund Advances 5,114 9,764 0 0 14,878 (14,310) 0 0 0 (568) (14,878) Statutory Repayment of Debt - service concession adjusment (3,590) 0 0 0 (3,590) 3,590 0 0 0 0 3,590 Adjustment to the statutory repayment of debt for service concession arrangements - permitted flexability 330 0 0 0 330 (330) 0 0 0 0 (330) Write off Revaluation Reserve Balance (disposals) 0 0 0 0 0 (1,960) 1,960 0 0 0 0 Amounts by which finance costs charged to the CIEs are different from finance costs chargeable in the year in accordance with statutory requirements 28 2 0 0 30 0 0 0 0 (30) (30) Reversal of items relating to retirement benefits debited or credited to the CIES (Note 22) (22,723) (1,180) 0 0 (23,903) 0 0 23,903 0 0 23,903 Employers' pension contributions payable in the year 8,311 436 0 0 8,747 0 0 (8,747) 0 0 (8,747) Amount by which employees’ remuneration charged to the CIES on an accrual basis is different from remuneration chargeable in the year in accordance with statutory requirements (292) 3 0 0 (289) 0 0 0 289 0 289 Total Statutory Adjustments (45,035) 2,078 (1,252) 0 (44,209) 27,402 1,960 15,156 289 (598) 44,209 Page 359
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Page 56 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Comparative Information 2023-24 2023-24 General Fund Balance HRA Balance Capital Grants and Receipts Unapplied Account Capital Fund Total Usable Reserves Capital Adjustment Account Revaluation Reserve Pension Reserve Employee Statutory Adjustment Account FIAA Total Unusable Reserves £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Charges for depreciation and impairment of non-current assets (25,187) (13,901) 0 0 (39,088) 39,088 0 0 0 0 39,088 Amortisation of intangible assets (106) (6) 0 0 (112) 112 0 0 0 0 112 Capital Grants and Contributions applied 24,252 11,544 0 0 35,796 (35,796) 0 0 0 0 (35,796) Capital expenditure charged in year to revenue balances (77) 0 0 0 (77) 77 0 0 0 0 77 Disposal of Fixed Assets (160) 0 (3,082) 0 (3,242) 3,242 0 0 0 0 3,242 Statutory Repayment of Debt - Loans Fund Advances 4,363 7,933 0 0 12,296 (11,684) 0 0 0 (612) (12,296) Statutory Repayment of Debt - service concession adjusment (3,139) 0 0 0 (3,139) 3,139 0 0 0 0 3,139 Adjustment to the statutory repayment of debt for service concession arrangements - permitted flexability 307 0 0 0 307 (307) 0 0 0 0 (307) Amounts by which finance costs charged to the CIEs are different from finance costs chargeable in the year in accordance with statutory requirements 33 6 0 0 39 0 0 0 0 (39) (39) Pension Costs (transferred to (or from) the Pensions Reserve 5,381 (52) 0 0 5,329 0 0 (5,329) 0 0 (5,329) Amount by which employees’ remuneration charged to the CIES on an accrual basis is different from remuneration chargeable in the year in accordance with statutory requirements (152) (12) 0 0 (164) 0 0 0 164 0 164 Total Statutory Adjustments 5,515 5,512 (3,082) 0 7,945 (2,129) 0 (5,329) 164 (651) (7,945) Page 360
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Page 57 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note 7 Earmarked Reserves Reserves are created by appropriating amounts from the General Fund balance in the Movement in Reserves Statement. When expenditure to be financed from a reserve is incurred, it is charged to the appropriate service within the CIES. The reserve is then appropriated back into the General Fund balance in the Movement in Reserves Statement (MiRS) so that there is no net charge against Council Tax for the expenditure. The Council has several usable reserve funds. The Capital Fund is used to meet the costs of capital investment in assets and for the repayment of the principal element of borrowings. Movements in the Council’s usable reserves are detailed in the Movement in Reserves Statement (MiRS). The major part of the General Fund balance shown in the MiRS has been earmarked and effectively committed to fund specific projects in future years. The amounts set aside for earmarked reserves are shown in the following table: Balance at 1 April 2023 Transfers Out 2023/24 Transfers In 2023/24 Balance at 31 March 2024 Transfers Out 2024/25 Transfers In 2024/25 Balance at 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Earmarked reserves: General Fund Change Training budget 138 (137) 0 1 (1) 0 0 HR/Legal Commitments 210 0 0 210 (15) 0 195 Miscellaneous Employability Reserves 250 (250) 126 126 0 51 177 Miscellaneous Housing & Communities Reserves 155 (101) 499 553 (54) 21 520 Miscellaneous CCF Reserves 31 (6) 0 25 (25) 0 0 Miscellaneous Resources Reserves 252 (215) 0 37 (77) 493 453 Miscellaneous Economic Development & Regulatory Reserves 71 (31) 0 40 (48) 105 97 Miscellaneous Education Reserves 1,289 (405) 0 884 (725) 178 337 Miscellaneous People & Technology 0 0 0 0 (26) 35 9 Early Retiral/Voluntary Severence Reserve 8,962 (5,612) 0 3,350 (3,077) 320 593 Cost of Living 1,839 (341) 0 1,498 (634) 0 864 Smoothing Fund for 2 year Service Transformation Project 3,000 (609) 0 2,391 (1,170) 0 1,221 SPFO in year reduction in employer pension contributions 0 0 0 0 (5,332) 9,687 4,355 DABVJB - Scottish Parliamentary Elections 26 (26) 0 0 0 0 0 Future Pay Awards 2,195 (2,195) 0 0 0 0 0 Prudential Target Future Years 1,799 (1,799) 0 0 0 0 0 Budget Funding reserve 4,598 (4,598) 0 0 0 0 0 Total: Earmarked Reserves - General Fund 24,815 (16,325) 625 9,115 (11,184) 10,890 8,821 Earmarked Reserves: Housing Revenue Account Service Improvements 650 (650) 0 0 0 0 0 Welfare Reform resilience Reserve 1,000 (1,000) 0 0 0 0 0 non-earmarked balance - HRA 985 (16) 0 969 (359) 0 610 Total: Earmarked Reserves - Housing Revenue Account 2,635 (1,666) 0 969 (359) 610 Capital Grants and receipts unapplied 72 (30) 171 213 (1,465) 1,252 0 Other Reserves 262 (68) 0 194 0 48 242 Non-earmarked balance 5,494 764 0 6,258 (3,361) 555 3,452 TOTAL RESERVES 33,278 (17,325) 796 16,749 (16,369) 12,745 13,125 Note 8 Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure 2023-24 2024-25 £'000 £'000 Interest payable and similar charges: 8,197 Schools' Public Private Partnership finance lease 8,148 26,206 Other Interest Payable and Similar Charges 33,737 (1,185) Interest and Investment Income (1,356) 1,553 Impairment Loss- Debtors 1,346 (5,127) Net Pension Interest Expense 2,377 29,644 Total 44,252 Page 361
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Page 58 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note 9 Taxation and Non-Specific Grant Income 2023-24 2024-25 £'000 £'000 (40,798) Council Tax (41,701) (93,396) Non-Domestic Rates (87,481) (128,080) Revenue Support Grant (161,736) (35,796) Recognised Capital grants and contributions (21,249) (298,070) Total (312,167) Note 10 Grant Income Government grants and third-party contributions and donations are recognised as due to the Council when there is reasonable assurance that: • The Council will comply with the conditions attached to the payments, and • The grants or contributions will be received. Monies advanced as grants and contributions for which conditions have not been satisfied are carried in the Balance Sheet as creditors. Where conditions are satisfied, the grant or contribution is credited to the relevant service line (attributable revenue grants) or Taxation and Non-specific Grant Income (non-ring-fenced revenue grants and all capital grants). Where capital grants are credited to the CIES, they are reversed out of the General Fund balance in the Movement in Reserves Statement. The Council credited the following grants and other contributions to Taxation and Non-specific Grant Income within the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement in 2024/25: 2023-24 Grant Income 2024-25 £'000 £'000 Credited to Taxation and Non Specific Grant Income 221,476 Revenue Support Grant and Non-Domestic Rates 249,217 14,786 General Capital Grant 5,187 11,544 New House Build 7,914 4,733 Levelling Up Fund 6,486 492 Cycling, walking and safer Streets 0 2,834 Exxon City Deal 1,051 154 Strathclyde Partnership for Transport 0 0 Clyde Mission Grant 258 0 Transport Scotland 149 738 Place Based Investments 0 10 Green Infrastructure Fund 0 35 Sustrans 0 470 Other Grants 206 257,272 Total 270,468 Page 362
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Page 59 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official The Council credited the following grants to Services within the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement in 2024/25: 2023/24 Grant Income 2024/25 £'000 £'000 Credited to Services 30,587 Housing Benefit Subsidy 29,115 462 Housing Benefit Subsidy Admin Charge 442 10,791 NHS Resource Transfer 10,975 0 Net Zero heating 100 10,012 Early Learning 414 4,587 Pupil Equity Fund 3,150 2,328 Criminal Justice 2,055 1,448 Scottish Attainment 1,105 2,144 Unitary Charge for DBFM 2,133 1,006 UK Shared Prosperity 2,811 988 Asylum Seekers 1,161 760 Child Poverty 801 577 Business Gateway 0 329 Private Sector Housing 324 405 Care Experienced Children and young People 396 273 School Milk and Healthy Snacks 241 160 Mental Wellbeing 305 248 Education Maintenance Allowance 236 100 Community Food Bank Garden 0 0 Violence against women 121 0 Covid 19 Vaccination centre recovery funds 239 0 Community Intervention 111 0 Cash First Fund 116 505 No-one Left Behind 539 357 Grants under £0.100m 540 68,067 Total 57,430 Capital Grant Receipts in Advance The Council has received a number of grants that have yet to be recognised as income as they have conditions attached to them that will require the monies or property to be returned to the giver. The balances at the yearend are as follows: 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 1,711 Levelling Up Funding 4,953 1,672 Clyde Mission 1,414 757 Clydebank Canal Investment 757 409 Place Based Investment 406 205 Inspiring School Age Childcare Spaces Fund 205 8 Bank Street 0 107 Queen Mary Avenue 107 448 Grants under £0.100m 486 5,317 8,328 Page 363
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Page 60 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note 11 Property, Plant and Equipment 11.1 Movement in Property, Plant & Equipment 2024-25 Council dwellings Other Land & buildings Industrial Units Vehicles & Plant Community Surplus Assets Assets Under Construction Total 2024-25 Infrastructure* £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Cost/Valuation at 1 April 2024 611,283 476,353 40,890 38,259 11,019 5,751 54,774 1,238,329 180,280 Additions 37,705 29,193 0 4,430 850 0 64,804 136,982 4,410 Disposals 0 (1,188) (262) (2,605) 0 (124) 0 (4,179) 0 Revaluation adjustments to Revaluation Reserve 0 6,925 0 0 0 0 0 6,925 0 Revaluation adjustments to CIES 0 (1,781) 0 0 0 0 0 (1,781) 0 Assets reclassified to/from Assets under Construction 0 7,860 0 0 1,047 0 (9,281) (374) 296 Other reclassification of assets 0 (793) (5) 0 0 542 0 (256) 0 As at 31 March 2025 648,988 516,569 40,623 40,084 12,916 6,169 110,297 1,375,646 184,986 Depreciation/Impairment at 1 April 2024 (107,409) (32,067) (895) (19,798) (4,241) 0 0 (164,410) (67,288) Depreciation charge (14,328) (7,749) (387) (3,871) (822) 0 0 (27,157) (8,464) Depreciation on Disposals 0 68 4 2,605 0 0 0 2,677 0 Depreciation written out to the Revaluation Reserve 0 1,685 0 0 0 0 0 1,685 0 Revaluation written out to the CIES 0 1,647 0 0 0 0 0 1,647 0 Impairment losses/(reversal) to the Revaluation Reserve 0 (21) 0 0 0 0 0 (21) 0 Impairment losses/(reversal) to the CIES 0 (22,020) 0 0 0 0 0 (22,020) 0 Other movements in depreciation and impairment 0 30 0 0 0 (25) 0 5 0 As At 31 March 2025 (121,737) (58,427) (1,278) (21,064) (5,063) (25) 0 (207,594) (75,752) Net Book Value at 31 March 2024 503,874 444,286 39,995 18,461 6,778 5,751 54,774 1,073,919 112,992 Net Book Value at 31 March 2025 527,251 458,142 39,345 19,020 7,853 6,144 110,297 1,168,052 109,233 1,073,919 Page 364
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Page 61 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official 11.2 Movement in Property, Plant & Equipment 2023-24 Council dwellings Other Land & buildings Industrial Units Vehicles & Plant Community Surplus Assets Assets Under Construction Total 2023-24 Infrastructure* £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Cost/Valuation at 1 April 2023 573,357 467,708 41,193 35,272 10,295 5,590 30,244 1,163,659 171,076 Additions 37,926 7,900 0 2,987 724 0 28,139 77,676 9,204 Disposals 0 (41) (303) 0 0 (225) 0 (569) 0 Revaluation adjustments to Revaluation Reserve 0 (348) 0 0 0 386 0 38 0 Revaluation adjustments to CIES 0 (2,603) 0 0 0 0 0 (2,603) 0 Assets reclassified to/from Assets under Construction 0 3,609 0 0 0 0 (3,609) 0 0 Adjustments - assets at nil NBV 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Other reclassification of assets 0 128 0 0 0 0 0 128 0 As at 31 March 2024 611,283 476,353 40,890 38,259 11,019 5,751 54,774 1,238,329 180,280 Depreciation/Impairment at 1 April 2023 (94,015) (30,282) (516) (16,165) (3,426) 0 0 (144,404) (58,776) Depreciation charge (13,394) (10,395) (379) (3,633) (815) 0 0 (28,616) (8,512) Depreciation on Disposals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Depreciation written out to the Revaluation Reserve 0 8,152 0 0 0 0 0 8,152 0 Revaluation written out to the CIES 0 586 0 0 0 0 0 586 0 Impairment losses/(reversal) to the Revaluation Reserve 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Impairment losses/(reversal) to the CIES 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Other movements in depreciation and impairment 0 (128) 0 0 0 0 0 (128) 0 As At 31 March 2024 (107,409) (32,067) (895) (19,798) (4,241) 0 0 (164,410) (67,288) Net Book Value at 31 March 2023 479,342 437,426 40,677 19,107 6,869 5,590 30,244 1,019,255 112,300 Net Book Value at 31 March 2024 503,874 444,286 39,995 18,461 6,778 5,751 54,774 1,073,919 112,992 *As permitted by Finance Circular 09-2022 the council has adopted both Statutory Override 1 & 2 relating to infrastructure assets which allow for the following; Statutory Override 1: For accounting periods commencing from 1 April 2021 until 31 March 2025 a local authority is not required to report the gross cost and accumulated depreciation for infrastructure assets. Statutory Override 2: For accounting periods commencing 1 April 2010 until 31 March 2025 the carrying amount to be derecognised in respect of a replaced part of an infrastructure asset is to be taken and accounted for as a nil amount. No subsequent adjustment shall be made to the carrying amount of the asset with respect to that part. Page 365
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Page 62 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official 11.3 Commitments under Capital Contracts At 31 March 2025, the Council had commitments on capital contracts for the construction or enhancement of property, plant and equipment for non-housing projects of £41.874m and housing projects of £17.860m. This expenditure will be funded from a combination of Government Grants, borrowing and income from selling assets and contributions from Revenue Accounts. Similar commitments at 31 March 2024 were £3.248m and £0.322m respectively. The major commitments are: General Services £'000 Exxon Road - Construction of new relief road 35,572 Artizan Centre Redevelopment 4,563 Gruggies Burn 1,000 Salt Barn 400 ICT Swan2 339 HRA £'000 Bonhill Gap Sites 6,983 Bank Street New Build Housing 5,375 Willox Park New Build Housing 3,400 Pappert 1,477 Clydebank East New-Build Housing 625 11.4 Summary of Capital Expenditure and Financing Capital expenditure involves the creation of assets, the benefit of which will be available to future rates and Council taxpayers. It is financed from borrowing, capital receipts and capital grants. The cost of the asset is effectively borne over a period of years. In 2024-25 total spending on capital projects was £119.798m. 2023-24 2024-25 £'000 £'000 742,283 Opening Capital Financing Requirement 787,648 Capital Investment 86,882 Property, Plant and Equipment 119,408 0 Right of Use Assets 2,436 332 Intangibles 390 7 Heritage Assets 0 0 Service Cocession remeasurement 21,984 87,221 Total Capital Investment 144,218 Sources of Finance 2,832 Sevice Concession - statutory adjustment 3,260 (35,796) Government Grants and other Contributions (21,249) (213) Transfer to capital fund 0 (77) Revenue Contributions 51 3,082 Receipts from Sale of Assets 0 (11,684) Loan Fund Principal Repayments (14,310) (41,856) Total Capital Financing (32,248) 787,648 Closing Capital Financing Requirement 899,618 Movements in the year 45,365 Increase in Underlying Need to Borrow 108,710 2,832 Service Concession Arrangements 3,260 48,197 Movement in Capital Financing Requirement 111,970 * As highlight in Note 15, the introduction of IFRS 16 has resulted in an increase in the recognised service concession liability lease creditor. Page 366
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Page 63 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note 12 Intangible Assets Expenditure on non-monetary assets that do not have physical substance but are controlled by the Council as a result of past events (e.g. computer software and/or software licences) is capitalised when it is expected that future economic or service benefits will flow from the asset to the Council. The Council accounts for its software as intangible assets, to the extent that the software is not an integral part of a particular IT system and accounted for as part of the hardware item of property, plant and equipment. The intangible assets include purchased licences. Where appropriate, the carrying amount of intangible assets is amortised on a straight-line basis. The amortisation of £0.115m charged to revenue in 2024/25 was charged to Information Services. The charge to Information Services is then absorbed as an overhead across all the service headings in the Net Cost of services. It is not possible to quantify exactly how much of the amortisation is attributable to each service heading. The movement in intangible assets during the year was: 2023/24 2024/25 £'000 £'000 Balance at 1 April 1,242 Gross carrying amount 1,574 (520) Accumulated amortisation (632) 722 Net carrying amount at start of year 942 332 Acquisitions in year 390 0 Transfer from assets under Construction 77 (112) Amortisation for period (153) 942 Net carrying amount at 31 March 1,256 Comprising: 1,574 Gross Carrying amounts 2,041 (632) Accumulated amortisation (785) 942 1,256 Note 13 Heritage Assets Heritage assets are both tangible and intangible assets with historic, artistic, scientific, technological, geographical or environmental qualities, which are held and maintained primarily for their contribution to knowledge and culture. The authority holds heritage assets of six main types: • Models of Ships, • Works of Art, • Silver and Commemorative Ware, • Civic Regalia (Robes and Chains), • Sewing Machine Collections, • Listed Buildings and Scheduled Ancient Monuments. The valuation of these assets held on the balance sheet as detailed below: 2023/24 2024/25 £'000 £'000 1,518 Balance at 1 April 1,524 6 Additions/ Disposals / Newly Classified 0 1,524 Balance at 31 March 1,524 Page 367
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Page 64 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official The models of ships, works of art, silver and commemorative ware, civic regalia and sewing machine collections are the responsibility of the Libraries and Museums Service and accounts for approximately 90% of the overall collection with the remaining 10% being recorded and accessioned into the collection on a regular basis in line with museum accreditation. These works are held at the following locations: • Collections Store, Poplar Road • Collections Store, Stanford Street • Clydebank Town Hall. Models of Ships - include MV Rangitane, MV Essex and HMS Vanguard. Works of Art - there are 474 paintings within the works of art collection. Civic Regalia - predominately relates to the collection of provost robes and chains of office. It would be relatively rare for the authority to purchase, or dispose of, items of civic regalia. Sewing Machine Collection - there are 813 sewing machines (of various models) included within the sewing machine collection. Listed Buildings and Scheduled Ancient Monuments - the Council holds and maintains listed buildings and ancient monuments of historic significance, many of which are tributes to the war dead. As well as memorial structures and buildings, the Council maintains statues and fountains. Note 14 Assets Held for Sale Assets held for sale are those where the carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continued use. Before an asset can be classified as held for sale, the following conditions must be met: • the asset must be available for immediate sale in its present condition, • the sale must be highly probable and an active programme to locate a buyer and complete the plan must have been initiated, • the asset must be actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, • the sale should be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year of the date of classification. When these criteria are met, assets within the category of Property, Plant & Equipment will be reclassified to “Non- Current Assets Held for Sale”. 2023/24 2024/25 £'000 £'000 5,417 Balance at 1 April 2,743 0 Acquisitions 0 0 Assets newly classified as held for sale 256 0 Property, Plant and Equipment - Impairment 0 0 Revaluation Losses (106) (2,674) Disposals (1,851) 0 Assets declassified as held for sale* 0 2,743 As at 31 March 1,042 Page 368
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Page 65 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note 15 Service Concession Arrangements Schools PPP Scheme and Long Term Liability (Design, Build, Finance and Maintain (DBFM) Scheme) 2024/25 was the sixteenth year of a thirty-year public private partnership for provision of three secondary schools and one primary school in Clydebank and Alexandria. 2024/25 was the eighth year of a twenty-five year DBFM partnership for the provision of one secondary school in Dumbarton. The Council has rights to use the schools for core educational purposes between agreed hours. The contract specifies minimum standards for the services to be provided by the contractor, with deductions from the fee payable being made if facilities are unavailable or performance is below the minimum standards. The partnership agreement was for the design, build, finance and operation of the schools which means that the contractor took on the obligation to construct the schools and maintain them in a minimum acceptable condition and to procure and maintain the plant and equipment needed to operate the schools. When the agreement ends, after thirty years, unrestricted use and operation of the buildings will be handed back to the Council at nil cost. The Termination rights are in line with the market norms reflected in the Scottish Standard Schools Contract, as approved by the Scottish Government, prior to financial close. 15.1 Assets held under Schools PPP and DBFM Contracts The construction costs of the five school buildings, adjusted for revaluations on 31 March 2025 and depreciation to date are included as part of Operational Land and Buildings. 2023/24 2024/25 £'000 £'000 Cost or Valuation 124,419 At 1 April 136,063 Revaluations 11,600 To Revaluation Reserve 2,928 44 Additions 0 Remeasurement adjustment (IFRS16) 21,984 Impairment charge (21,984) 136,063 At 31 March 138,991 Accumulated Depreciation and Impairment (1,793) At 1 April (74) (2,943) Depreciation Charge (1,591) Depreciation written out 3,972 To revaluation reserve 0 690 To Net Cost of Service 0 (74) At 31 March (1,665) 124,419 Opening Net Book value 135,989 135,989 Closing Net Book value 137,326 15.2 Payments The amounts payable to the PPP and DBFM operators each year is analysed into four elements: • fair value of the services received during the year, • finance cost – an interest charge on the outstanding Balance Sheet liability, • payment towards the liability – applied to write down the Balance Sheet liability towards the PPP contractor, • lifecycle replacement costs – proportion of the amounts payable posted to the Balance Sheet as a prepayment and then recognised as additions to property, plant and equipment when the relevant work is carried out. Page 369
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Page 66 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Payments remaining to be made under the service concession arrangements at 31 March 2025 (excluding any estimation of inflation and availability/performance deductions) are as follows: Fair Value of Liability Although the payments made to the contractor are described as unitary charge payments, they have been calculated to compensate the contractor for the fair value of the services they provide, the capital expenditure incurred and interest payable whilst the capital expenditure remains to be reimbursed. The liability outstanding to be paid to the contractor for capital expenditure incurred is as follows: 2023/24 2024/25* £'000 £'000 89,116 Opening Balance as at 1 April 86,443 0 remeasurement due to IFRS 16 Implementation 21,985 (2,673) Repayments (3,590) 86,443 Service Concession Liability as at 31 March 104,838 Split: 3,590 Obligation payable within 1 year 5,180 82,853 Obligation payable after 1 year 99,659 86,443 Service Concession Liability as at 31 March 104,838 *As a result of the implementation of IFRS 16 the lease liability has been remeasured based on the present value of future lease repayment. Further details of the impact of transition to IFRS 16 Leases are provided in Note 16. Note 16 Leases 16.1 Right of Use Assets and Lease Liability - Council as Lessee Leases which have substantially transferred to the authority the benefits and risks of ownership of a non-current asset, are treated as if the asset had been purchased outright. Assets acquired under leases are included in non-current assets at the lower of the fair value or the present value of the minimum lease payments. The capital element of the lease is included as obligations under finance leases / creditors. The lease rentals comprise capital and interest elements. The capital element is applied to reduce the outstanding obligation and the interest element is charged to revenue on a straight-line basis over the terms of the lease. The Council has adopted IFRS 16 from 1 April 2024, to recognise right of use assets. IFRS 16 will mean that the majority of leases where the Council act as lessee will come onto balance sheet. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities will have been calculated as if IFRS 16 had always applied but recognised in 2024/25 and not by adjusting prior year figures. Repayment of Liability Future Payments for Service (inc lifecycle maintenance) Finance Costs Total Unitary Payment £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 less than 1 year 5,179 3,925 6,782 15,886 2-5 years 21,214 18,678 23,650 63,542 6-10 years 33,531 24,560 21,337 79,428 11-15 years 40,021 21,802 8,892 70,715 16-20 years 4,893 1,217 596 6,706 Contractual Liability as at 31 March 2025 104,838 70,182 61,257 236,277 Page 370
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Page 67 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Although certain leases specify a contractual interest rate, management determined that the interest rate implicit in the leases could not be readily determined in practice, primarily due to the use of lessor-specific assumptions. Accordingly, a weighted average incremental borrowing rate of 4.33% was applied to measure the lease liabilities as at 1 April 2024. The main impact of the new requirements is that, for arrangements previously accounted for as operating leases (i.e. without recognising the leased vehicles, plant, equipment, property and land as an asset and future rents as a liability), a right-of-use asset and a lease liability are now on the balance sheet at 1 April 2024. Leases for items of low value and leases that expire on or before 31 March 2024 are exempt from the new arrangements. As a lessee, the Council has previously classified leases as operating or finance leases based on its assessment of whether the lease transferred significantly all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset to the Council. Under IFRS 16, the Council recognises right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for most leases. Prior to the adoption of IFRS 16, the Authority did not recognise any lease liabilities on the Balance Sheet, as all leases were classified as operating leases under IAS 17. On transition to IFRS 16 on 1 April 2024, the Authority recognised lease liabilities for these leases based on the present value of future lease payments. The table below reconciles the operating lease commitments disclosed at 31 March 2024 to the lease liabilities recognised on the Balance Sheet at 1 April 2024, the date of initial application. The operating lease commitments were discounted using the Authority’s incremental borrowing rate at the transition date. Adjustments were made for extension options reasonably certain to be exercised, index‑linked or variable lease payments and the exclusion of low‑value and short‑term leases. Reconciliation Item £'000 Operating lease commitments disclosed under IAS 17 at 31 March 2024 3,611 Discounting using incremental borrowing rate (4.33%) (306) Exclusion of low‑value and short‑term leases (869) Lease Liability recognised as Right of use Assets at 1 April 2024 2,436 The Council has applied recognition exemptions to short-term leases and has not recognised right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short term leases that have a term of 12 months or less and leases of low value assets. The Council recognises the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Right of Use Assets 2024/25 Other Land and Buildings £'000 Cost or Valuation At 1 April 0 Additions 2,436 At 31 March 2025 2,436 Accumulated Depreciation and Impariment At 1 April 0 Depreciation Charge (308) At 31 March 2025 (308) Closing Net Book Value 2,128 Right of Use Assets 31 March 2025 Lease Liabilities £'000 within one year 252 Between 2 and 5 years 817 Over 5 years 1,110 2,179 Split: Current 252 Non-Current 1,927 Total Liabilities 2,179 Amount charged to the Council Comprehensive Income and Expenditure amounted to £0.100m in 2024/25 related to interest expense on the lease liabilities. 16.2 Operating Leases – Council as Lessee The Council has adopted IFRS 16 from 1 April 2024. Properties and other vehicles, plant and equipment that fall under the scope of IFRS 16 have now been reclassified as right of use assets on the balance sheet (per 16.1). the disclosures below relate to assets which were of low value when new and leases that have less than 12 months to run. Page 371
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Page 68 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 772 Not later than one year 367 1,448 Later than one year and not later than five years 52 1,391 Later than five years 10 3,611 429 The expenditure charged to the appropriate service lines in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement during the year in relation to these leases was £0.440m (2023/24 £0.910m). 16.3 Operating Leases – Council as Lessor Where the Council grants an operating lease over a property, the asset is retained in the Balance Sheet classed as an operational asset in Note 11. Rental income received under operating leases is credited to the relevant service in accordance with the terms specified in the lease agreement. The Council leases out property under operating leases for the following purposes: • For the provision of community services, such as sports facilities, tourism services and community centres, • For economic development purposes to provide suitable affordable accommodation for local businesses. Material Lease The future minimum lease payment due under this lease is as follows: 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 1,214 Not later than one year 1,214 4,855 Later than one year and not later than five years 4,855 90,635 Later than five years 89,421 96,704 95,490 The minimum lease payments receivable do not include rents that are contingent on events taking place after the lease was entered into, such as adjustments following rent reviews. Other Leases The authority also holds approximately 177 other operating leases, primarily short-term or low-value arrangements for commercial and industrial use. These leases are collectively immaterial and the aggregate future lease receipts from these immaterial leases represent less than 5% of the authority’s total annual income and contributing less than 0.28% of total income for the year. Therefore, they have not been disclosed in detail. Lessor Risk Management When acting as a lessor, the Authority retains certain rights in the underlying leased assets. The Authority manages the risks associated with these retained rights through its asset management and leasing framework. Lease agreements typically include conditions relating to asset use, maintenance and return, and may incorporate mechanisms such as variable lease payments, residual value protections or buy‑back arrangements to reduce exposure to residual value or usage‑related risks. The Authority also undertakes periodic monitoring of leased assets to ensure compliance with lease terms and to safeguard the value of the underlying assets. Page 372
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Page 69 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note 17 Short Term Debtors £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 16,529 Central Government Bodies 8,067 1,394 Scottish Government (including NHS bodies) 4,464 3,332 Other Local Authorities 856 8 Other Entities and Individuals 8 64,117 Local taxation receivable 66,323 (38,239) Impairment allowance for doubtful debt (39,126) 25,878 Local Taxation (net of impairment) 27,198 31,581 Trade Debtors 31,804 (4,745) Impairment allowance for doubtful debt (5,150) 26,836 Trade Debtors (net of impairment) 26,654 73,977 Total Debtors 67,246 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 Note 18 Cash and Cash equivalents 31 March 2024 Movement 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 £'000 Net Bank Current Account* (4,779) (942) (5,721) Short term deposits with UK banks 29,176 (15,227) 13,949 Net Cash and Cash equivalents 24,397 (16,170) 8,227 *A further breakdown of the bank account balances is noted below: 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 1,448 Bank current Accounts in balance 903 (6,227) Current Accounts in overdraft (6,624) (4,779) (5,721) Note 19 Short Term Creditors 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 8,701 Central government bodies 6,026 21,338 Other local authorities 20,969 656 Scottish Government including NHS Bodies 1,681 Trade Creditors 33,672 Other Entities and individuals 33,621 64,367 62,297 Page 373
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Page 70 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note 20 Provisions VS/ER Legal Litigations Other Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Opening Provision as at 1 April 2023 3,412 16 3,428 Contributions in year 525 650 0 1,175 Amounts utilised in year (1,966) 0 0 (1,966) Unutilised amounts reversed in year 0 0 0 0 Closing Provision as at 31 March 2024 1,971 650 16 2,637 Contributions in year 0 0 0 0 Amounts utilised in year (1,651) 0 (16) (1,667) Unutilised amounts reversed in year (320) 0 0 (320) Closing Provision as at 31 March 2025 0 650 0 650 Legal Litigation costs £0.650m This provision is for future legal costs as the Council is involved in an ongoing case that will incur costs in future years. The provision is based on anticipated future costs. Other Provisions £0.016m Intromission liability for historic abuse claims following reorganisation of Strathclyde regional Council amounts agreed and paid from West Dunbartonshire Council to Glasgow City Council. The provision was used to fund expenditure incurred in-year. Compensation Payments – Voluntary Severance/Early Retirement (VS/ER) cost: £1.651m was utilised in year to cover the costs of VS/ER as part of the budget decisions. The remaining unutilised balance (£0.320m) has been released to the ear-marked reserve for future voluntary severance/voluntary redundancy costs as a reliable estimate could not be established. Page 374
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Page 71 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note 21 Financial Instruments Categories of financial Instrument Long Term Current Long Term Current £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Debtors 1,774 68,949 Financial assets at amortised cost 2,022 42,786 Borrowing 414,301 314,331 Financial liabilities at amortised cost 467,240 334,350 Other long term liabilities 84,560 2,890 Service Concession Liabilities 99,658 5,179 - - ROU Asset Liability 1,927 252 Creditors - 64,367 Financial liabilities at contract amount 0 62,297 31 March 202531 March 2024 Accounting regulations require the “financial instruments” (investment, lending and borrowing of the Council) shown on the Balance Sheet to be further analysed into various defined categories. The investments, lending and borrowing disclosed in the Balance Sheet are made up of the following categories of “financial instruments”: Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities carried at Amortised Cost Financial assets (represented by lending and receivables) and financial liabilities (represented by borrowings) and are carried in the Balance Sheet at amortised cost. Fair values have been calculated with reference to the following: Financial Liabilities • PWLB Loans (Level 2) - For loans from the PWLB, premature repayment rates from the PWLB in force on 31 March 2025 have been applied to provide the fair value under PWLB debt redemption procedures. As the Debt Management Office provides a transparent approach allowing the exit cost to be calculated without undertaking a repayment or transfer it is appropriate to disclose the exit price. As an alternative, we have assessed the cost of taking a new loan at PWLB new loan rates applicable to existing loans on Balance Sheet date (which could be viewed as a proxy for transfer value). • Non-PWLB loans (Level 2) - For non-PWLB loans payable, the fair value of market loans are calculated using estimated interest rates of 4.50% which is the average discount rate applied to market loans for calculation of premature repayment. The fair value of local council loans are calculated using estimated interest rates of 0.70% which is the average discount rate applied to local council loans for calculation of premature repayment. Discount rates have been applied to provide the fair value under PWLB debt redemption procedures. • PFI/Finance leases (Level 2) – Fair value has been calculated at level 2 on a simple proxy basis. Financial Assets • Fixed or variable short-term deposits of less than a year (including MMF's) – Where an instrument has a maturity of less than 12 months or is a trade or other receivable the fair value is taken to be the carrying amount or the billed amount. Policy Type Assets • Long term debtors – Level 2. Debtors • The fair value of trade and other receivables is taken to be the invoiced or billed amount. Transfers between Levels of the Fair Value Hierarchy • There were no transfers between input levels 1 and 2 or transfers in or out of level 3 during the year. Changes in the Valuation Technique • There has been no change in the valuation technique used during the year for the financial instruments. Page 375
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Page 72 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are calculated as follows: Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Debtors 68,949 68,949 Financial Assets at Amortised Cost1 42,786 42,786 Cash and Cash Equivalents 24,397 24,397 Cash and Cash Equivalents 8,227 8,227 Creditors 64,367 64,367 Financial liabilities at contract amount1 62,297 62,297 Borrowing 728,632 650,392 Financial liabilities2 803,770 677,918 Other Long Term Liabilities 86,443 109,315 Service Concession Liabilities2 104,837 104,837 0 0 ROU Asset Liability 2,179 2,179 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 1 The fair value is equal to the carrying amount because all financial assets at amortised cost are either short term or at a fixed interest rate or a variable rate linked to base rate without significant transaction costs. The Council does not hold any equity investments in an unquoted market and, therefore, this type of investment is excluded from the above table. 2 The fair value is lower than the carrying amount because the Council’s portfolio of loans includes a number of fixed rate loans where the interest rate payable is lower than the rates available for similar loans at the balance sheet date. The commitment to pay interest above current market rates increases the amount that the Council would have to pay if the lender requested or agreed to early repayment of the loans. A further breakdown of types of borrowing held by the Council as at 31 March 2025 is noted below: Gains and Losses on Financial Instruments The gains and losses recognised in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Account in relation to financial instruments are made up as follows: Financial Assets: Loans & receivables Financial Liabilities: amortised cost Total Financial Assets: Loans & receivables Financial Liabilities: amortised cost Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 1,185 0 1,185 Interest (investment) 1,356 0 1,356 Interest payable and similar charges 0 (34,404) (34,404) Interest/expense* 0 (41,920) (41,920) 0 151 151 (Gain)/Loss on de-recognition 0 5 5 1,185 (34,253) (33,068) Net (Gain)/loss in year 1,356 (41,915) (40,559) 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 * Interest/Expense has been calculated on an EIR basis where appropriate for market instruments. Principal outstanding Accrued interest / EIR adjustment Carrying amount Principal outstanding Accrued interest / EIR adjustment Carrying amount £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 60,152 3,821 63,973 PWLB 62,059 5,357 67,416 0 692 692 Mortgage loans 0 683 683 243,000 5,410 248,410 Local Authority 259,300 5,695 264,995 1,256 0 1,256 Other 1,256 0 1,256 304,408 9,923 314,331 Short Term Loans 322,615 11,735 334,350 347,492 0 347,492 PWLB 390,432 0 390,432 65,419 1,243 66,662 Mortgage loans 65,400 1,256 66,656 0 0 0 Local Authority 10,000 0 10,000 147 0 147 Other 152 0 152 413,058 1,243 414,301 Long Term Loans 465,984 1,256 467,240 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 Page 376
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Page 73 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official There has been no gain/loss on either of the following classes of financial instruments, as the Council does not own them: • available for sale financial assets • financial assets or liabilities at a fair value through profit and loss. Nature and Extent of Risks arising from Financial Instruments The Council activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: • Credit risk – the possibility that other parties might fail to pay amounts due to the Council. • Liquidity risk – the possibility the Council might not have funds available to meet its commitments to make payments • Market risk – the possibility that financial loss might arise for the Council as a result of changes in such measures as interest rates and stock market movements. The Council’s management of treasury risks actively works to minimise the Council’s exposure to the unpredictability of financial markets and implementing restrictions to minimise these risks. The procedures for risk management are set out through a legal framework in the Local Government (Scotland) Act 2003 and the associated regulations. During 2024/25 these required the Council to comply with the CIPFA Prudential Code, the CIPFA Treasury Management in the Public Services Code of Practice and the Local Government Investments (Scotland) Regulations 2010. Overall these procedures require the Council to manage risk in the following ways: (i) by formally adopting the requirements of the Code of Practice (ii) by the adoption of a Treasury Policy Statement and treasury management clauses within its financial regulations/standing orders (iii) by approving annually in advance prudential and treasury indicators for the following three years in limiting the Council’s: • overall borrowing. • maximum and minimum exposures to fixed and variable rates. • maximum and minimum exposures regarding the maturity structure of debt • maximum annual exposure to investments maturing beyond a year. (iv) by approving an investment strategy for the forthcoming year setting out its criteria for both investing and selecting investment. These are required to be reported and approved prior to the start of the year to which they relate. These items are reported with the annual treasury management strategy which outlines the detailed approach to managing risk in relation to the Council’s financial instrument exposure. Actual performance is reported to Members to assess the effectiveness of controls established. The 2025/26 annual Treasury Management Strategy which incorporates the prudential indicators was approved by Council on 26 March 2025 and is available on the Council website. The key issues within the strategy were: • the authorised limit for 2025/26 was set by Council at that meeting at £865.206m. This is the maximum limit of external borrowing • the operational boundary was expected to be £793.106m. This is the expected level of debt during the year • the maximum amounts of fixed and variable interest rate exposure were set at 100% and 50% based on the Council’s gross debt • the maximum exposures to the maturity structure of debt is detailed with refinancing and maturity risk. The Council has fully adopted all required CIPFA Codes and statutory regulation currently in force, and maintains written principles for overall risk management, as well as written policies and procedures covering specific areas such as credit risk, liquidity risk, refinancing/maturity risk and market risk. Page 377
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Page 74 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Management of Credit Risk Credit risk arises from the short-term lending of surplus funds to banks, building societies and other local authorities as well as credit exposures to the Council’s customers. It is the policy of the Council to place deposits only with a limited number of pre-approved UK banks and building societies whose credit rating is independently assessed as sufficiently secure and low risk by the Council’s treasury advisers and to restrict lending to a prudent maximum amount for each institution. The Council’s maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to investments in banks and building societies of £13.949m cannot be assessed on a general basis as the risk of any institution failing to make interest payments or repay principal sums is specific to each individual institution, however, recent experience has shown that the institutions invested in at the year-end are unlikely to default on their commitments. A risk of recoverability applies to all of the Council’s deposits but there was no evidence at 31 March 2025 that this was likely to happen. The following analysis summarises the Council’s maximum exposure to credit risk on other financial assets, based on past experience and current market conditions. Amount at 31 March 2024 Amount at 31 March 2025 Historical experience of non- payment adjusted for market conditions at 31 March 2025 Estimated maximum exposure to default and uncollectibility £'000 £'000 % £'000 51,246 Customers and other income 46,154 8.55 1,346 The Council does not hold any of the following in relation to financial assets: • collateral as security in case of default of investment • financial assets that would otherwise be past due or impaired but have been renegotiated. The Council does not generally allow credit for customers, however currently £15.846m is past its due date for payment (2023/24: £15.431m). The past due amount can be analysed by age as follows: 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 3,862 Less than three months 3,883 1,079 Three to six months 1,067 1,830 Six months to one year 1,844 8,660 More than one year 9,052 15,431 Total 15,846 In general, provisions are made in accordance with Code Guidance, whereby a judgement is made regarding the probability of collection for each category of debt. This judgement is based upon the past experience of collecting each category of debt to calculate the appropriate percentage of each debt that may not be eventually recovered. It should be noted that due to the limitations on the available age analysis of rent arrears, the bad debt provision of this debt is based on the total value of the debt by tenant, and not by age past due. No financial assets have been individually determined to be impaired and no collateral is held on past due or impaired financial assets, therefore the Council has not obtained financial or non-financial assets during the financial year by taking possession of any collateral or calling on other credit enhancements. Management of Liquidity risk The Council manages its liquidity position through the risk management procedures noted above (i.e. the setting and approval of prudential indicators and the approval of the treasury and investment strategy reports), as well as through a comprehensive cash flow forecast management system, as required by the CIPFA Code of Practice. This seeks to ensure that cash is available when it is needed. The Council has ready access to borrowing from the Money Markets to cover any day-to-day cash flow need if required. The Council is required to provide a balanced budget through the Local Government Finance Act 1992, which ensures Page 378
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Page 75 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official that sufficient funds are raised to cover annual expenditure. There is, therefore, no significant risk that the Council will be unable to raise finance to meet its commitments under financial instruments. Refinancing and Maturity Risk The Council maintains a significant debt portfolio and whilst the cash flow procedures above are considered against the refinancing risk procedures, longer term risk to the council relates to managing the exposure to replacing financial instruments as they mature. This risk relates to the maturing of longer-term financial liabilities. The approved treasury indicator limits for the maturity structure of debt are the key parameters used to address this risk and the central treasury team address the operational risks within the approved parameters. This includes: • monitoring the maturity profile of financial liabilities and amending the profile as appropriate through either new borrowing or the rescheduling of the existing debt • monitoring the maturity profile of investments to ensure that sufficient liquidity is available for the Council’s day-to- day cash flow needs. The maturity analysis of financial liabilities is as follows: Creditors PPP SCL Borrowing Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Less than one year 62,297 5,179 252 334,349 402,077 Between one and two years 5,581 213 5,000 10,794 Between two and five years 15,633 604 223,008 239,245 More than five years 78,444 1,110 239,233 318,787 62,297 104,837 2,179 801,590 970,903 Management of Market risk Changes in market interest rates influence the interest payable on borrowings and on interest receivable on surplus funds invested. For example, a rise in interest rates would mean an increase in the interest charges on borrowing at variable rates and an increased cost to the taxpayer. An increase in interest rates would also mean an increase in the income received on lending at variable rates and a reduction in cost for the taxpayer. Changes in market rates also affect the notional “fair value” of lending and borrowing. For example, a rise in interest rates would reduce the fair value of both lending and borrowing at fixed rates. Changes in the fair value of lending and borrowing do not impact upon the taxpayer and are confined to prescribed presentational aspects in the Accounts. The Council has a variety of strategies for managing the uncertainty of future interest rates and the financial impact on the Council: • it is the policy of the Council to limit its exposure to variable rate borrowing to a maximum of 50% of what it borrows • during periods of falling rates and where it is economically advantageous to do so, the Council will consider the repayment and restructuring of fixed interest rate debt • the Council takes advice from its specialist treasury advisers and actively monitors changes in interest rates to inform decisions on the lending of surplus funds, new borrowings and restructurings of existing borrowings • any potential for a financial impact on the Council is also significantly limited by the Scottish Government’s grant distribution mechanism that automatically adjusts for changes in interest rates in the government grant support the Council receives for “loan charges”. The interest rate profile of the Council’s borrowing is as follows: £'000 % £'000 % 728,521 99.2 Fixed Interest Debt 801,590 99.2 6,227 0.8 Variable Interest Debt 6,625 0.8 734,748 808,215 2023/24 2024/25 Page 379
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Page 76 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official To illustrate the impact of changes in interest rates upon the Council, the following table shows the financial effect if rates had been 1% higher at 31 March 2025, with all other variables held constant: Impact on tax payers and rent payers £'000 Increase on interest payable on variable debt borrowings 1 Increase in government grant receivable for ‘loan charges’ (275) Impact on Income and Expenditure Account (274) Share of overall impact due credited to the HRA (127) Other accounting presentational changes Decrease in fair value of fixed rate debt borrowings (disclosure confined to notes to the core financial statements) 7,813 The impact of a 1% fall in interest rates would be as above but with the changes being reversed. Management of Foreign Exchange Risk The Council does not lend or borrow in foreign currencies and has no exposure to gains or losses arising from movements in exchange rates. Note 22 Defined Benefit Pension Scheme As part of the terms and conditions of employment of its officers and other employees, the Council offers retirement benefits. Although these benefits will not actually be payable until employees retire, the Council has a commitment to make the payments that needs to be disclosed at the time that employees earn their future entitlement. The Council participates in the following pension schemes: The Local Government Pension Scheme - a defined benefit statutory scheme, operated as Strathclyde Pension Fund, and administered by Glasgow City Council in accordance with the Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 1998. This is a funded scheme, meaning that the Council and employees pay contributions into a fund, calculated at a level intended to balance the pensions liabilities with investment assets. The employer’s contribution rate is set by the Fund actuaries following valuation. The Teachers’ Pension Scheme (Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme (STSS) - a defined benefit scheme administered by the Scottish Public Pension Agency. The scheme is technically a multi-employer defined benefit scheme but is unfunded and the Scottish Government used a notional fund as the basis for calculating the employers’ contribution rate paid by local authorities. Due to the type of scheme, the Council is not able to identify its share of the underlying financial position and performance of the scheme with sufficient reliability for accounting purposes. For the purpose of this Statement of accounts, it is accounted for on the same basis as a defined contribution scheme. The employer pays a set contribution rate of 26% which is effective from 1 April 2024 which is up from 23% set at 1 September 2019. This is charged directly to the revenue account for the Education service. The amount paid over in respect of employer’s contribution was £13.347m (2023/24 £11.708m) and in respect of expenditure for teachers added years, £0.056m payments were made (2023/24 £0.056m). The scheme is unfunded and all contributions (payable by members or employers) are paid to the Scottish Government, and the Scottish Government then meets the costs of all the benefits. A specific amount is held by the Scottish Government for this purpose. The Council is not liable to the scheme for any other entities obligations under the plan. Page 380
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Page 77 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Local Government Pension Scheme: Councils are required to disclose the capital cost of discretionary increases in pension payments agreed by the Council. In 2024/25 the capitalised costs that would have arisen from the early retiral of the Council employees and from predecessor authorities were as follows: £'000 2024/25 (5,596) In earlier years 43,012 Total 37,416 The Council fully complies with the International Accounting Standard (IAS 19) concerning the disclosure of information on the pension. IAS 19 states that although the pension benefits will not be paid until the employee retires, the Council has a commitment to make these payments and must disclose the cost of this in its accounts at the time employees earn their full entitlement. The Council therefore recognises the cost of the pension commitment within the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Account when the employees earn their pension entitlement rather than when the benefits are paid as pensions. However, the cost to the taxpayer is calculated on the basis of pension contributions paid in the year, the cost of retirement benefits under IAS19 is reversed out, to ensure there is no impact on the overall cost to be funded by council tax and government grant. 2023/24 2024/25 £'000 £'000 Net cost of services 25,541 Current service cost 23,666 1,795 Past service cost 1,175 27,336 24,841 Financing and investment Income and Expenditure (5,127) Net interest expense/(income) 2,377 22,209 Total post employment benefit charged to the Surplus or Deficit on the provision of Services 27,218 (52,939) Expected return on assets 14,156 0 Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in demographic assumptions (1,412) (28,752) Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in financial assumptions (126,100) 23,161 Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience assumptions (9,221) 91,481 Asset Ceiling Adjustment 101,825 32,951 Total remeasurements recognised in other Comprehensive Income (20,752) 55,160 Total post employment benefit charged to the comprehensive income and expenditure statement 6,466 Movement in Reserves Statement (22,209) Total post-employment benefits charged to the surplus of deficit on provision of service (27,218) 27,538 Actual amount charged against the General Fund balance in the year - employer contributions payable to Scheme 12,062 5,329 Reversal of gross charges made to surplus or deficit for post employment benefits (15,156) Reconciliation of Asset Ceiling Adjustment: Page 381
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Page 78 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official 2023/24 2024/25 £'000 £'000 247,931 Effect of asset ceiling at 1 April 345,336 5,924 Interest on the effect of the asset ceiling 16,576 91,481 Change in the effect of the asset ceiling 101,825 345,336 Effect of asset ceiling at 31 March 463,737 The underlying assets and liabilities for retirement benefits attributable to the Council as at 31 March are as follows: 2023/24 2024/25 £'000 £'000 1,135,350 Fair value of plan assets 1,162,149 (790,014) Present value of defined benefit obligations (698,412) (345,336) Asset ceiling adjustment (463,737) 0 Net assets in the Strathclyde Pension Fund 0 Present Value of Unfunded Liabilities (20,793) LGPS Unfunded (20,125) (18,167) Teachers’ pensions (17,291) (4,052) Pre Local Government Reorganisation 0 (43,012) Net pension asset/(liability) (37,416) The liabilities show the underlying commitments that the Council has in the long run to pay post-employment (retirement) benefits. The amount included in the Balance Sheet arising from the Council’s obligation in respect of its defined benefit plans is shown in the tables below. The net asset arising from the Council’s involvement in the defined benefit scheme totals £463.737m at 31 March 2025. However the funded obligation has been limited to nil in line with the accounting requirements of IFRIC 14 to limit the recognition of a pension asset to the extent to which the Council can recover the benefits through either refunds or reduced contributions. As the Council is not able to withdraw from the scheme or recover funds directly, the asset is therefore limited to the forecast reductions in contributions as compared to the forecast future service costs. This has limited the recognition of the funded pension asset to nil. The Council has continued to recognise the unfunded element of its pension liabilities as there are no scheme assets to cover the future costs of these liabilities as they are due going forward. The Council’s Local Government Pension Scheme has a material surplus as at 31 March 2025. The Council accounts for its pension fund using International Accounting Standards IAS 19. The surplus asset is to be determined as outlined in IFRIC 14 based on the expected future reduction in accounting contributions. The fund remains open to new employees therefore the potential future benefits have been measured in perpetuity. The fair value of plan assets has increased by £26.799m. This is mainly due to a higher than assumed investment returns. The estimated liabilities have decreased by £97.198m, due to a decrease in the discount rate. Pension Assets and Liabilities Liabilities have been valued on an actuarial basis using the projected unit method which assesses the future liabilities of the fund discounted to their present value. The liabilities have been assessed by Hymans Robertson, an independent firm of actuaries, contracted by Glasgow City Council to provide all IAS19 calculations on behalf of the councils within the Strathclyde Pension Fund. The funded obligation is noted below: Page 382
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Page 79 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official £'000 % £'000 % 372,203 47.1% Active Members 336,705 47.1% 74,326 9.4% Deferred Members 66,952 9.4% 311,212 39.4% Pensioner Members 294,755 39.4% 32,273 4.1% Pre-Local Government Re-organisation Members 29,683 4.1% 790,014 100% 728,095 100% 2023-24 2024-25 The movement during the year on the defined obligation is noted as: 2023/24 2024/25 £'000 £'000 800,522 Opening balance 833,026 25,541 Current service cost 23,666 38,026 Interest cost 39,947 7,002 Contributions by Members 6,970 0 Actuarial gains/losses – change in demographic assumptions (1,412) (28,752) Actuarial gains/losses – change in financial assumptions (126,100) 23,161 Actuarial gains/losses – other experience (9,221) 1,795 Past service costs/(gains) 1,175 (3,177) Estimated unfunded benefits paid (3,315) (31,092) Estimated benefits paid (28,908) 833,026 Closing Balance as at 31 March 735,828 The movement during the year on the fair value of the employer’s assets is: The Council’s share of the pension fund asset at 31 March 2025 comprised: Quoted prices in Active Markets Prices not quoted in Active Market Total Quoted prices in Active Markets Prices not quoted in Active Market Total £'000 £'000 £'000 Asset Category £'000 £'000 £'000 229,305 249 229,554 Equity Securities 240,752 750 241,502 0 271,055 271,055 Private Equity 0 268,632 268,632 0 89,272 89,272 Real Estate 0 87,682 87,682 4,663 519,760 524,423 Investment funds and unit trusts 4,255 531,801 536,056 1,768 19,278 21,046 Cash and Cash Equivalent 0 28,277 28,277 235,736 899,614 1,135,350 Total 245,007 917,142 1,162,149 2023/24 2024/25 Assets are now held at bid value. 2023/24 2024/25 £'000 £'000 1,033,063 Opening balance 1,135,350 52,939 Expected return on assets (14,156) 0 Actuarial gains/ losses - other experience 0 49,077 Interest Income 54,146 7,002 Contributions by Members 6,970 24,361 Contributions by employer 8,747 3,177 Contributions in respect of unfunded benefits 3,315 (3,177) Estimated unfunded benefits paid (3,315) (31,092) Estimated benefit paid (28,908) 1,135,350 Closing Balance as at 31 March 1,162,149 Page 383
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Page 80 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Asset and Liability Matching strategy The main fund of Strathclyde Pension Fund does not have an asset and liability matching strategy (ALM) as this is used mainly by mature funds. The Fund does match, to the extent possible, the types of assets invested to the liabilities in the defined benefit obligation. As is required by the pensions and investment regulations, the suitability of various types of investment has been considered, as has the need to diversify investments to reduce the risk of being invested into narrow a range. The Fund invests in equities, bonds, properties and in cash. The Fund has now taken account of the national change to the Local Government Pension Scheme in Scotland such as the new career average revalued earning scheme (CARE) for future accruals. The actuarial valuation states that assets held on the valuation date were sufficient to cover 158% (2023/24 136%) of accrued liabilities at that date. The principal actuarial assumptions used at the Balance Sheet date are as follows: 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 Long term expected return on assets 2.80% Pension increase rate 2.80% 3.50% Salary Increase rate 3.50% 4.80% Discount rate 5.80% Mortality Based on these assumptions, the average future life expectancies at the age of 65 are: 19.4 Current pensioners – Men 19.3 22.0 Current pensioners - Women 22.0 20.0 Future pensioners – Men 19.9 23.8 Future pensioners - Women 23.7 The above excludes any net pension liability that the Council may have to contribute to in respect of the Joint Boards of Partnership for Transport and Valuation. These costs are shown within each Joint Board’s Balance Sheet and the Council may be required to make an increased constituent contribution in the years when the liability fails to be met. The principal risks to the Council of the scheme are the longevity assumptions, statutory changes to the scheme, structural changes to the scheme (i.e. large-scale withdrawals from the scheme), changes to inflation, bond yields and the performance of the equity investments held by the scheme. These are mitigated to a certain extent by the statutory requirements to charge to the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account the amounts required by statute as described in the accounting policies note. Impact on the Council’s Cash Flow The objectives of the Fund are to keep employers’ contributions at as constant a rate as possible. The Fund has agreed a strategy to achieve a funding rate of 100% in the longer term. The Scheme is a multi-employer defined benefit plan and employers’ contributions have been determined so that employee and employer rates are standard across all participating Local Authorities. Employer’s contributions have been set at 6.5% for 2025-26 (2024-25: 6.5%). The Council paid an employer’s contribution of £8.747m (2023-24: £24.361m). The total contributions expected to be made to the Local Government Pension Scheme by the Council in the year to 31 March 2026 is £7.653mm. This is based on an assumed pensionable payroll of £117.739m. The duration of the Employer’s funded obligations is 17 years. Sensitivity Analysis In order to quantify the impact of a change in the financial assumptions used, the actuaries have calculated and compared the value of the scheme liabilities as at 31 March 2025 on varying bases. The approach taken is consistent Page 384
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Page 81 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official with that adopted to derive at the IAS19 figures provided. To quantify the uncertainty around life expectancy, the actuaries have calculated the difference in cost to the employer of a one-year increase in life expectancy. For sensitivity purposes, this is assumed to be an increase in the cost of benefits of around 3% to 5%. In practice the actual cost of a one-year increase in life expectancy will depend on the structure of the revised assumption (i.e. if improvements to survival rates predominately apply at younger or older ages). The figures have been derived based on the membership profile of the Employer as at the date of the most recent actuarial valuation. The estimation of defined benefit obligation is sensitive to the actuarial assumptions. The sensitivity regarding the principal assumptions used to measure the schemes liabilities are set out below: Approximate % increase to Employer Liability Approximate monetary Amount (£'000) Real Discount Rate (0.1% decrease ) 2% 12,153 1 year increase in the member life expectancy 4% 29,433 Salary Increase Rate (0.1% increase) 0% 796 Pension Increase Rate (0.1% increase) 2% 11,682 The total contribution expected to be made to the Local Government pension scheme for 2025/26 is £7.653m. Note 23 Termination Benefits A number of savings options have been agreed at Council budget meetings to balance the Council budget. A number of these options were reliant on a reduction in the Councils establishment. The Council had forewarning of the level of savings required to balance the budget and had previously asked all Council employees to express an interest in voluntary redundancy. As a result of the budget savings options approved by the Council a number of employees had their redundancy application accepted. Redundancy costs have been incurred in prior years in relation to the budget savings agreed. In each year, provision was made within the financial year for the costs of all employees who had accepted redundancy or where redundancy was probable as at 31 March ending that year, including accounting for costs for employees who confirmed redundancy by 31 March but left or were leaving after this date. Termination costs for all Council employees who have accepted redundancy by 31 March 2025 are recognised in the Exit Packages note in 2024/25, or in previous financial years. The total cost recognised in the Exit Packages note in 2024/25 is £1.702m for 43 employees and in 2023/24 was £2.003m for 59 employees. These costs are detailed further in Table 8 of the Remuneration Report on page 30. The reduction in the staffing establishment includes posts from all services across the Council and reductions were in line with the savings agreed by the Council. There will be further redundancy costs incurred as the Council is required to make further savings to balance the budget in future years and the Council have earmarked monies to cover the future costs. Note 24 Other Reserves Reserves are created by appropriating amounts from the General Fund balance in the Movement in Reserves Statement. When expenditure to be financed from a reserve is incurred, it is charged to the appropriate service within the CIES. The reserve is then appropriated back into the General Fund balance in the Movement in Reserves Statement so that there is no net charge against Council Tax for the expenditure. Usable Reserves Usable reserves are those that the Council is able to apply to fund expenditure or reduce taxation and comprise of both capital and revenue reserves. Movement in the revenue reserves during the year are outlined in the Movement in Reserves Statement, however, a summary is shown below: Page 385
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Page 82 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 15,372 General Services 12,272 970 Housing Revenue Account 611 213 Capital Receipts Unapplied 0 194 Other Reserves 242 16,749 Total Usable Reserves 13,125 General Fund Revenue Reserve: The General Fund is held for services provided by the Council through Revenue Support Grant funded through the Scottish Government and council tax. It excludes the Housing Revenue Account. This reserve holds funds not yet spent. Housing Revenue Account Revenue Reserve: The Council is required by the Local Government and Housing Act (Scotland) 1987 to keep a Housing Revenue Account (HRA) which records all revenue expenditure and income relating to the provision of council dwellings and related services. This reserve holds funds not yet spent. Capital Grants and Receipts Unapplied Account: Capital receipts from asset sales are retained within this Reserve and used to fund planned capital expenditure or loan principal repayment.. Capital Items Replacement Fund (Other): This reserve holds funds which are retained and used for the renewal or repair of school non-current assets. Unusable Reserves Certain reserves are kept to manage the accounting process for non-current assets, financial instruments, retirement and employee benefits and do not represent usable resources for the authority. These reserves are explained on the following pages. Summary of Year-end Balances The total for Unusable Reserves in the Balance Sheet is made up of the following reserves: 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 221,730 Capital Adjustment Account 194,329 183,856 Revaluation Reserve 190,406 (43,012) Pension Reserve (37,416) (4,537) Employee Statutory Adjustment Account (4,826) (11,146) Financial Instruments Adjustment Acccount (10,549) 346,891 Total Unusable Reserves 331,944 Movement on balances - Capital Adjustment Account The Capital Adjustment Account absorbs the timing differences arising from the different arrangements for accounting for the consumption of non-current assets and for financing the acquisition, construction or enhancement of those assets under statutory provisions. 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 219,601 Opening Balance 221,730 (37,183) Depreciation (34,429) (2,017) Impairment (23,828) (2,832) Service concession adjustment (3,260) 0 Write off Revaluation reserve Balance (disposals) 1,960 (3,242) Disposal of Fixed Assets (3,352) 35,796 Government Grants Applied 21,249 (77) Capital Financed by Current Revenue (51) 11,684 Long Term Debt Payment 14,310 221,730 Closing Balance 194,329 Page 386
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Page 83 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Movement on Balances – Revaluation Reserve The revaluation reserve contains the gains made by the Council arising from increases in the value of its property, plant and equipment (and intangible assets). The reserve contains only revaluation gains accumulated since 1 April 2007, the date that the reserve was created. Accumulated gains arising before that date are consolidated into the balance on the capital adjustment account. 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 175,725 Opening Balance 183,856 327 Unrealised Gains on Revaluation of Assets 14,109 (348) Impairments and Losses on Revaluation of Assets (7,284) 0 Write off revaluation Balance (Disposal) (1,960) 8,152 Depreciation due to Revaluation of Assets 1,685 183,856 Closing Balance 190,406 Movement on Balances – Pensions Reserve The pension reserve absorbs the timing differences arising from the different arrangements for accounting for post- employment benefits and for funding benefits in accordance with statutory provisions. The triennial review by the Pension Fund in 2023 set employer’s contribution rates for the Council at 6.5% for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2026 and 17.5% thereafter. The Council accounts for postemployment benefits in the comprehensive income and expenditure as the benefits are earned by employees accruing years of service, updating the liabilities recognised to reflect inflation, changing assumptions and investment returns on any resources set aside to meet the costs. However statutory arrangements require benefits earned to be financed as the Council makes employer’s contributions to pension funds or eventually pays any pension for which it is directly responsible. 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 (15,390) Opening Balance (43,012) (32,951) Actuarial (Loss)/Gain 20,752 24,361 Employer Contributions 8,747 (19,032) Reversal of IAS19 Entries (23,903) (43,012) Closing Balance (37,416) Movement on Balances - Employee Statutory Adjustment Account The Employee Statutory Adjustment Account absorbs the differences that would otherwise arise on the General Fund balance from accruing for compensated absences earned but not taken in the year e.g. annual leave entitlement carried forward at 31 March. 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 (4,373) Opening Balance (4,537) (164) Staff Accrual Movement (289) (4,537) Closing Balance (4,826) Movement on Balances - Financial instrument Adjustment Account The Financial Instruments Adjustment Account absorbs the timing difference arising from the different arrangements for accounting for income and expenses relating to certain financial instruments and for bearing losses or benefiting from gains per statutory provisions. The Council uses the account to manage premiums paid on the early redemption of loans. Premiums are debited to the comprehensive income and expenditure statement when they are incurred but reversed out of the general fund balance to the account in the movement in reserves statement. Over time, the expense is posted back to the general fund balance in accordance with statutory arrangements for spreading the burden on council tax. In the Council’s case, this period is the unexpired term that was outstanding on the loans when they were Page 387
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Page 84 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official redeemed. As a result, the balance on the account as at 31 March 2025 will be charged to the General Fund over the next thirty-six years. 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 (10,564) Opening Balance (11,147) 612 Annual Write off of Premiums and Discounts 568 (1,233) New Premiums and Discounts 0 39 Annual EIR Adjustment to Stepped Interest Instruments 30 (11,147) Closing Balance (10,549) Note 25 Related Parties The Council is required to disclose material transactions with related parties – bodies or individuals that have the potential to control or influence the Council or to be controlled or influenced by the Council. Disclosure of these transactions and balances allows readers to assess the extent to which the Council might have been constrained in its ability to operate independently or might have secured the ability to limit another party’s ability to bargain freely with the Council. The Scottish Government The Scottish Government has significant influence over the general operations of the Council, being responsible for providing the statutory framework within which the Council operates. The Scottish Government also provides the majority of the Council’s funding in the form of grants and prescribes the terms of many of the transactions that the Council has with other parties (such as Council Tax bills and Housing Benefits). Grants received from the Scottish Government are disclosed in Note 9 Taxation and Non-specific Grant Income on page 58. Elected Members Elected Members of the Council have direct control over the Council’s financial and operating policies. The total of members’ allowances paid in 2024/25 is shown within the Remuneration Report. There are no other significant related party transactions with members of the Council. Elected Members are required to declare an interest if he or she believes that there may be a perception that their decision making may be influenced in any way by a personal interest. Should this arise, the relevant Member does not take part in any discussion or decision relating to that interest. The Register of Interests of each Member is available on the Councils’ website: Councillors Allowances Senior Officers Senior Officers, as listed within the Remuneration Report, are required to declare an interest if he or she believes that there may be a perception that their decision making may be influenced in any way by a personal interest. Entities Controlled or Significantly Influenced by the Council The Council has entered into a number of transactions under subsidiaries, associates and other trading arrangements deemed to be a related party mainly through the Council’s ability to exert influence over the entity through its representation on the respective Boards. The relevant transactions with the bodies are detailed below. Page 388
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Page 85 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Income from Related Parties Expenditure to Related Parties Amounts due to Related Parties Amounts owed by Related Parties Income from Related Parties Expenditure to Related Parties Amounts due to Related Parties Amounts owed by Related Parties £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Subsidiaries West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust (105) 5,062 0 620 (215) 5,761 1,016 808 Clydebank Property Company (288) 0 0 288 (387) 0 10 1 West Dunbartonshire Energy LLP 0 106 0 1,754 0 574 0 2,004 Associates and Joint Ventures Dumbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Valuation Joint Board (123) 779 669 0 (142) 781 560 0 West Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership (84,996) 84,996 0 0 (89,830) 89,830 0 0 Non-Material Interest in Other Entities 0 0 0 0 0 0 Strathclyde Partnership for Transport 0 2,275 0 92 0 2,366 0 0 Strathclyde Concessionary travel Scheme Joint Board 0 166 0 41 0 165 0 0 Strathclyde Pension fund 0 29,451 105 0 0 16,081 1,166 0 Clydebank Municipal Bank 0 0 0 (6) 0 0 12 (5) 2023-2024 2024-2025 *Further details of these entities are disclosed in the group Accounts Note 31 -Details of Combining Entities. Note 26 Agency Services Where the Council acts as an agent for another entity, transactions are not reflected in the Council’s financial statements, with the exception of cash collected or expenditure incurred by the Council on behalf of the other entity, in which case there is a debtor or creditor position in the balance sheet for amounts due or owed. The Council bills and collects Non-Domestic Rates on behalf of the Scottish Government. During 2024-25 the Council collected £84.519 million and received £87.481 million to the Non-Domestic Rates pool (2023-24: £83.789 million and £87.129 million). The Council also bills and collects domestic water and sewerage charges on behalf of Scottish Water with the Council Tax. During 2024-25 the Council collected and paid over £17.578 million (2023-24: £15.614 million) and is due to receive £0.082 million (2023-24: £0.294 million) for providing this service. Note 27 Financial Guarantees In terms of West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust’s admission to the Strathclyde Pension Scheme, the Council has guaranteed to accept liability for any unfunded pension costs should they cease to exist, withdraw from the Scheme or become unable to meet any unfunded liability. The Council has not quantified the possible liability. Note 28 Contingent Assets and Liabilities A contingent asset arises where an event has taken place that gives the Council a possible asset whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or otherwise of uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Council. Contingent assets are not recognised in the Balance Sheet but disclosed in a note to the accounts where it is probable that there will be an inflow of economic benefits. A contingent liability arises where an event has taken place that gives the Council a possible obligation whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or otherwise of uncertain future events, not wholly within the control of the Council. Contingent liabilities also arise in circumstances where a provision would otherwise be made but either it is not probable that an outflow of resources will be required or the amount of the obligation cannot be measured reliably. Contingent liabilities are not recognised in the Balance Sheet but are disclosed as a note to the accounts, unless the possibility of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits or service potential is remote. The Council has a residual contingent liability relating to those workers who have yet to settle their pay protection claims. Page 389
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Page 86 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official The Council has a potential contingent liability relating to paid holiday entitlement, with approximately 400 live cases. Following an EU ruling UK employers are bound by employment law in relation to the definition of paid holiday entitlement. Case law has clarified that all pay elements intrinsically linked to the performance of a contract of employment should be included in the calculation of holiday pay, including payments made for additional working. The Council adjusted the method of calculation in August 2014 (backdated in line with the leave year to April) and has included on-going costs within the long term financial strategy. The legal position remains subject to challenge however, given the action taken, any potential claim by employees for any retrospective payments is likely to be minimal. As a result, whilst recognising there may be such a requirement, it is not possible to quantify such. The Council has outstanding employment tribunals, if the Employees’ action is successful will result in a liability to the Council. The Limitation (Childhood Abuse) (Scotland) Act 2017 Section 1 removes the limitation period for actions of damages in respect of personal injuries resulting from childhood abuse. At this stage the extent of any potential liability is unknown. The Council has a potential contingent liability relating to the defined pension scheme. In June 2023 the High Court ruled in the Virgin Media Limited v NTL Pension Trustees II Limited (and others) case regarding the validity of amendments to post 6 April 1997 benefits in formerly contracted-out defined benefit pension schemes. In a judgement delivered on 25 July 2024, the Court of Appeal unanimously upheld the decision of the High Court. This ruling may have a potential future impact on the Local Government Pension Scheme benefits as the Local Government Pension scheme has made amendments since 1997 and these amendments did impact member benefits. No adjustments have been made to the financial statements, as it is not clear if the specific circumstances of the Council’s LGPS are relevant and if the Pension Fund obtained the necessary documentation to support amendments at the time. Should this be the case, the impact of the ruling has not yet been determined and would require significant investigation to quantify any potential impact on the Council’s liabilities, and so is not quantifiable at this stage. The Council is not aware of any other contingent assets or liabilities which may be outstanding. Note 29 Fees Payable to External Audit In 2024/25 the following fees relating to external audit and inspection were incurred alongside comparative figures for 2023/24: 2023-24 2024-25 £'000 Auditor's Remuneration £'000 335 Fees payable to Audit Scotland with regard to external audit services carried out by the appointed Auditor 341 335 Total Remuneration 341 The figure above includes fees for the audit of the Council’s charitable trusts. Forvis Mazars have been appointed as external auditors for 2024/25. Forvis Mazars did not undertake any non-audit work in 2024/25. Note 30 Events After the Balance Sheet Date These are events, both favourable and unfavourable, that occur between the end of the reporting period and the date when the Statement of Accounts is authorised for issue. An adjustment is made to the financial statements where there is evidence that the event relates to the reporting period; otherwise the financial statements are not adjusted, and where the amount is material, a disclosure is made in the notes. Recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, have increased uncertainty in global markets and are expected to influence future economic conditions. At present, there has been no direct financial impact on the Council. However, emerging pressures on fuel and energy prices, alongside the rising cost of materials dependent on petrochemicals, may affect both revenue and capital budgets during 2026/27. In addition, ongoing volatility in borrowing costs may also have financial implications. The extent of any impact cannot yet be quantified and may not be limited to these areas. Page 390
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Page 87 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official The procurement of capital projects is subject to heightened risk in the current market environment. For contracts already signed, there is potential exposure to contract variations, particularly where delivery timelines may need to be extended. The risk is more significant for projects that have not yet reached financial close, as contractors are exercising greater caution, and market volatility is increasingly reflected in pricing and risk premiums within bids. Rising costs for materials and labour, alongside the financial implications of longer construction timelines, add further uncertainty to both revenue and capital budgets. At this stage, the scale of any impact remains uncertain and cannot be reliably quantified. Appropriate governance and oversight will continue to be applied as required. The Chief Officer - Resources issued the unaudited Statement of Accounts on 18 June 2025. There have been no material events after the balance sheet date which necessitate revision of figures in the financial statements or notes thereto including contingent assets or liabilities Page 391
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Page 88 Housing Revenue Account West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Housing Revenue Account Movement on the Housing Revenue Account Statement This statement shows the movement in the year on the Housing Revenue Account reserve. The surplus or (deficit) on the housing revenue account income and expenditure statement is reconciled to the surplus or deficit for the year on the housing revenue account balance, calculated in accordance with the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987. 2023/24 2024/25 £'000 £'000 (2,635) Balance on the Housing Revenue Account as at 1 April (970) (3,847) Total Comprehensive Income and Expenditure (1,719) (52) Pension Scheme Adjustments (744) 6 Financial Instruments Adjustment 2 (12) Holiday Pay Adjustment 3 (2,363) Reversal of entries included in the Surplus/Deficit on the Provision of Services in relation to capital expenditure (6,948) (2,421) Adjustments to the revenue resource (7,687) 0 Net gain or loss on sale of non-current assets 0 7,933 Statutory Repayment of Debt (Loans Fund Advances) 9,765 0 CFCR 0 7,933 Adjustments between Revenue and Capital Resources 9,765 5,512 Total Statutory Adjustments 2,078 0 Transfers (to)/from Other Statutory Reserves 0 1,665 (Increase)/Decrease in Year 359 (970) Balance on the Housing Revenue Account as at 31 March (611) Housing Revenue Account Income and Expenditure Statement The HRA income and expenditure statement shows the economic cost in the year of providing housing services in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices rather than the amount to be funded from rent and government grants. The Council charges rent to cover expenditure in accordance with regulations; this may be different from the accounting cost. The increase or decrease in the year, on the basis of which rents are raised, is shown in the Movement on the HRA Statement. 2023/24 2024/25 £'000 £'000 Income (48,038) Dwelling Rents (net of voids) (51,170) 1,249 Void loss 1,002 (154) Other Rents (158) (2,360) Other Income (2,693) (49,303) (53,019) Expenditure 15,788 Repairs and Maintenance 12,227 14,660 Supervision and Management 14,657 13,907 Depreciation and Impairment 14,862 358 Other Expenditure 214 44,713 41,960 (4,590) Net Cost of Service as Included in the Council Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement (11,059) HRA Share of the Operating Income and Expenditure Included in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement (11,545) Recognised Capital Income (Grants, Contributions and Donations) (7,914) 11,483 Interest Payable and Similar Charges 15,820 1,004 Amortisation of Premiums and Discounts 1,174 (199) Impairment Loss - Debtors 260 743 9,340 (3,847) (Surplus)/Deficit for the year on HRA Services (1,719) Page 392
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Page 89 Housing Revenue Account West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Notes to the Housing Revenue Account Income and Expenditure Statement Note 1 The number and types of dwellings in the council’s stock The Council was responsible for managing 10,547 dwellings during 2024/25 (10,444 in 2023/24). The following shows an analysis of these dwellings by type. 2023/24 2024/25 Number at 31 March 2024 Average weekly rent Number at 31 March 2025 Average weekly rent £ Type of Dwelling £ 2,745 84.92 Two-apartment 2,770 90.81 4,700 87.45 Three-apartment 4,733 93.41 2,633 92.54 Four-apartment 2,655 99.27 346 98.61 Five-apartment 359 107.87 14 116.98 Six-apartment 23 121.41 3 250.06 Seven-apartment 3 266.82 2 102.27 Eight-apartment 2 109.12 1 102.27 Nine-apartment 2 109.12 10,444 Total 10,547 Note 2 Dwelling Rents The £50.168m noted in the Income and Expenditure Statement is the total rental income less voids chargeable for the year of £1.002m (£1.249m in 2023/24). The £50.168m excludes irrecoverable and bad debts. Average rents were £94.80 per week in 2024/25 (£88.53 per week in 2023/24). Note 3 Other Rents This is the total income received from travelling person site rentals, lockups and shops less voids chargeable for the year, excludes irrecoverable and bad debts. Lost rents from lockups in 2024/25 were £0.090m (£0.084m in 2023/24) Note 4 Rent arrears As at 31 March 2025, total rent arrears amounted to £4.876m (2023/24 £4.641m). This is 9.72% of the total value of rents due at 31 March 2025. It should be noted that the total arrears do not all relate to 2024/25. The year-on-year movement in value of arrears is an increase of £0.235m. Note 5 Provision for Bad Debts In the financial year 2024/25, the rental bad debt provision was increased by £0.488m in 2024/2025. (Increase of £0.080m in 2023/2024). The total rental bad debt provision on 31 March 25 was £3.066m - equivalent of 63% (63% 2023/24) of the total value of rents due at that date. Page 393
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Page 90 Council Tax Income Account West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Council Tax Income Account The Council Tax Income Account shows the gross income raised from Council Taxes levied and deductions made under statute. The resultant net income is transferred to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement of the Council. 2023/24 2024/25 £'000 £'000 59,405 Gross council tax 59,545 Less: (9,084) Council Tax Reduction Scheme Discount* (9,141) (7,503) Other discounts and reductions (7,381) (771) Provision for bad and doubtful debts (731) (1,249) Adjustments for prior years (591) 40,798 Transfer to General Fund 41,701 Dwellings are valued by the Assessor and placed within a valuation band ranging from the lowest “A” to the highest “H”. The Council Tax charge is calculated using the Council Tax Base, Band D equivalent as below. This value is then decreased or increased dependent upon the band of the dwelling. The charge for each band for 2024/25 was as follows: 2023/24 2024/25 £ per year £ per year 777.21 Band A* 777.21 932.65 Band A 932.65 1,088.10 Band B 1,088.10 1,243.54 Band C 1,243.54 1,398.98 Band D 1,398.98 1,838.10 Band E 1,838.10 2,273.34 Band F 2,273.34 2,739.67 Band G 2,739.67 3,427.50 Band H 3,427.50 Calculation of the Council Tax base Band No of Dwellings No of Exemptions Disabled Relief Discounts 25% Discounts 50% CTRS Discount Total Dwellings Ratio to Band D Band D Equivalent A(Disabled) 0 0 0 9 0 9 24 200/360 13 Band A 7,460 330 19 4,289 90 3,661 8,276 240/360 5,517 Band B 16,940 580 45 8,307 91 5,840 17,888 280/360 13,913 Band C 7,854 199 (13) 3,174 27 1,859 8,058 320/360 7,163 Band D 6,259 152 2 2,136 20 706 6,032 360/360 6,032 Band E 4,908 67 14 1,173 19 248 4,641 473/360 6,098 Band F 1,806 13 (42) 290 1 49 1,738 585/360 2,824 Band G 847 9 (12) 112 1 24 811 705/360 1,588 Band H 70 1 (11) 6 4 2 65 882/360 160 43,308 (523) 42,785 Provision for bad debt Council Tax Base Discounts, Reliefs and Exemptions A council tax bill is reduced by 25% where a property has only one occupant or 50% where the property is empty. For council tax purposes certain students are not regarded as occupants. Certain properties may also qualify for relief if the property has been adapted for a disabled person. Properties undergoing major renovation or held pending demolition may be awarded exemption from council tax. Page 394
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Page 91 Non-Domestic Rate Income Account West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Non-Domestic Rates Income Account The Non-Domestic Rate Income Account is an agent’s statement that reflects the statutory obligation for billing authorities to maintain a separate Non-Domestic Rate Account. The statement shows the gross income from the rates and deductions made under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1975 as amended by the Local Government Finance Act 1992 on non-domestic property. The net income is paid to the Scottish Government as a contribution to the national non-domestic rate pool. 2023/24 2024/25 £'000 £'000 95,359 Gross rates levied 100,028 Less: (9,621) Reliefs and other deductions (10,004) (954) Provision for bad and doubtful debts (1,000) 84,784 Net non-domestic rate income 89,024 (942) Adjustments for prior years (3,848) (53) Adjustments for prior years - bad debt (657) 83,789 Total Non Domestic Rate Income (before retention) 84,519 0 Non Domestic Rate Income Retained by the Council (BRIS) 0 83,789 Contribution to National Non Domestic Rate Pool 84,519 93,396 Distribution from National Non Domestic Rate Pool 87,481 (9,607) Net contribution to/(from) National Non Domestic Rate Pool (2,962) 93,396 Net Non Domestic Rate Income to Comprehensive Income & Expenditure Statement 87,481 The non-domestic rates pool operates on a cash accounting basis and as such the non-domestic rate income account within the Council is calculated on a similar basis. Analysis of Rateable Values Analysis of rateable Values: £ Rateable value at 1/4/24 183,115,070 Running roll (full year RV) (652,736) Rateable value at 31/3/25 182,462,334 Less: partially exempt (732,885) Less: wholly exempt (1,059,315) Net rateable value at 31 March 2025 180,670,134 Non-Domentic Rate Charge The amount paid for non-domestic rates is determined by the rateable value placed on the property by the Assessor multiplied by the rate per £ announced each year by the government. The national non-domestic rate poundage set by the First Minister for Scotland for 2024/25 was: 2023-24 2024-25 Pence Pence 49.8p Basic Property Rate per £ 49.8p 1.3p Suplementary Rate per £ for Properties between £51,000 and £100,000 4.7p 2.6p Suplementary Rate per £ for Properties over £100,000 6.1p Page 395
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Page 92 Common Good Fund West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Common Good Fund The Council administers the Dumbarton Common Good Fund Account. The Fund is applied for the benefit of the people of Dumbarton. The figures below summarise the income and expenditure for the year as well as the assets and liabilities as at 31 March 2025. The fund does not represent assets of the Council and has not been included within the Balance Sheet on page 33. Common Good Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 March 2025 Usable Reserves Unusable Reserves Usable Reserves Unusable Reserves Revenue Revaluation Reserve Total Revenue Revaluation Reserve Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 408 408 Gross Expenditure 522 522 (320) (320) Gross Income (322) (322) 88 88 Cost of Service 200 200 Interest Payable and Similar Charges (24) (24) Interest and Investment Income (7) (7) (24) (24) Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure (7) (7) 64 64 (Surplus) or Deficit on Provision of Services 193 193 Other Income and Expenditure - (367) (367) Unrealised gains on revaluation of land and buildings - - - 64 (367) (303) (Surplus)/Deficit for the Year 193 - 193 (625) (3,487) (4,112) Balance on Reserves brought forward (561) (3,854) (4,415) (561) (3,854) (4,415) Balance on reserves carried forward (368) (3,854) (4,222) 2023/24 2024/25 Common Good Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 Non-current Assets 3,854 Non Operational Properties 3,854 Current Assets 568 Investments – West Dunbartonshire Council 393 (5) Debtors 0 Current Liabilities (2) Creditors falling due within one year (25) 4,415 Total assets 4,222 Funds 561 General Fund 368 3,854 Capital Adjustment Account 3,854 4,415 Total Funds 4,222 Page 396
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Page 93 Common Good Fund West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note to the Common Good Note 1 Property, Plant and Equipment 2023-24 2024-25 £'000 £'000 Cost or Valuation At 1 April 3,487 3,854 Disposals in year - - Revaluation Adjustments 367 - Other reclassifications - - At 31 March 3,854 3,854 At 31 March 3,854 3,854 Other Land and Buildings Page 397
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Page 94 Trust Funds West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Trust Funds The Council acts as sole or custodian trustee for a number of trust funds, which may be used for various purposes depending on the terms of the Trust. In all cases, the funds do not represent assets of the Council and they have not been included within the Balance Sheet on page 33. Under the provisions of the “2005 Act” and the “Accounts Regulations” above, all registered charities in Scotland are required to prepare financial statements which must be externally scrutinised. The trust funds below are registered, under one registration, with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. Management has reviewed the current arrangements for the trust funds to ensure the current arrangements reflect the needs of the Council and ensure that all obligations are met. Responsibility for the compliance with the new regulations was delegated to the Chief Officer - Resources. Receipt and Payment Account (Surplus)/ (Surplus)/ Receipts Payments Deficit Receipts Payments Deficit £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 (4) 0 (4) Dunbartonshire Educational Trust Scheme 1962 (5) 6 1 0 Endowments amalgamated to form trust (1) 0 (1) McAuley Prize for Mathematics (1) 0 (1) 0 Provide prizes for those studying maths & computing (10) 0 (10) Alexander Cameron Bequest (3) 6 3 0 To encourage and support one-off community activities in Clydebank (1) 0 (1) UIE Award (1) 0 (1) For students studying apprenticeships or training in industry (16) 0 (16) Total (10) 12 2 2023/24 2024/25 Statement of Balances as at 31 March 2025 01 April 2024 (Surplus)/deficit for year 31 March 2025 Bank and Cash £'000 £'000 £'000 Dunbartonshire Educational Trust Scheme 1962 (97) 1 (96) McAuley Prize for Mathematics (23) (1) (24) Alexander Cameron Bequest (122) 3 (119) UIE Award (26) (1) (27) Total (268) 2 (266) Page 398
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Page 95 Group Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Group Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement This statement shows the accounting cost in year, of providing services in accordance with relevant International Financial Reporting Standards, rather than the amount to be funded from taxation. The council raises taxation to cover expenditure in accordance with regulations; this may be different from the accounting cost. The taxation position is shown in the Movement in Reserves Statement. 2023/24 2023/24 2023/24 2024/25 2024/25 2024/25 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Expenditure Income Expenditure Expenditure Income Expenditure £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Service 42,731 (40,042) 2,689 Resources 40,830 (35,434) 5,396 5,336 (2,116) 3,220 Regulatory and Regeneration 10,546 (1,414) 9,132 12,350 (180) 12,170 People & Technology 12,560 (36) 12,524 15,196 (611) 14,585 Citizens, Culture and Facilities 15,806 (54) 15,752 146,526 (21,486) 125,040 Education, Learning and Attainment 162,936 (9,987) 152,949 30,802 (3,155) 27,647 Roads and Neighbourhood 29,930 (3,730) 26,200 12,632 (8,004) 4,628 Housing and Employability 14,454 (9,190) 5,264 7,585 (9,248) (1,663) Miscellaneous Services 5,907 (11,493) (5,586) 211,361 (124,699) 86,662 Health and Social Care Partnership 220,989 (125,238) 95,751 2,401 0 2,401 Requisitions 2,406 0 2,406 44,713 (49,300) (4,587) Housing Revenue Account 41,960 (53,019) (11,059) 10847 (4,626) 6,221 Subsidiaries 11,280 (5,068) 6,212 542,480 (263,467) 279,013 Net Cost of Service 569,604 (254,663) 314,941 160 Other Operating Expenditure and (income) - (Gain) / loss on Disposal of non- current assets 2,100 29,662 Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure (Note 5) 44,258 (298,070) Taxation and Non-specific Grant Income (Note 6) (312,167) 10,765 (Surplus)/Deficit on Provision of Services 49,132 3,824 Share of other Comprehensive Income and Expenditure of Associates and joint Ventures 278 (8,283) (Surplus)/Deficit arising from revaluation of non-current assets (8,530) 0 (Surplus)/Deficit on revaluation of assets held at fair value through other comprehensive income 0 32,951 Remeasurement of the net defined benefit pension liability (20,840) 28,492 Other Comprehensive (Income) and Expenditure (29,092) 39,257 Total Comprehensive (Income) and Expenditure 20,040 Page 399
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Page 96 Group Balance Sheet West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Group Balance Sheet The balance sheet shows the value, as at the balance sheet date, of the assets and liabilities recognised by the group. The net assets (assets less liabilities) are matched by the reserves held. Reserves are reported in two categories (Note 24 Other Reserves page 81 provides a further explanation). The note references may not agree to the note due to the consolidation of group balances. 31 March 2024 Group Balance Sheet 31 March 2025 £000 Note £000 1,187,506 Property, Plant and Equipment 11 1,278,157 0 Right of Use Assets 16 2,128 7,119 Investment Properties 7,139 952 Intangible Assets 12 1,264 1,773 Long Term Debtors 2,022 1,524 Heritage Assets 13 1,524 210 Long Term Investments 197 9,651 Investment in Associates & Joint Ventures 9,382 1,208,735 Long Term Assets 1,301,813 2,743 Asset Held for Sale 14 1,042 1,330 Inventories 1,196 74,484 Short Term Debtors 17 67,358 27,321 Cash and Cash Equivalents (net) 18 9,098 105,878 Current Assets 78,694 (64,921) Short Term Creditors 19 (61,698) (2,637) Provisions 20 (650) (3,590) Short Term Service Concession Liability 15 (5,179) 0 Short-term Lease Creditor ROU Asset (252) (313,081) Short Term Borrowing 21 (334,350) (384,229) Current Liabilities (402,129) (82,853) Long Term Service Concession Liability 15 (99,658) (414,301) Long Term Borrowing 21 (467,240) (43,012) Net Pensions Liability 22 (37,416) (5,317) Capital Grants Receipts in Advance 10 (8,328) 0 Long-term Lease Creditor ROU Asset (1,927) (2,271) Liabilities in Associates (1,297) (547,754) Long Term Liabilities (615,866) 382,630 Net Assets 362,512 Represented by: (29,302) Usable Reserves MIR/6 (24,185) (353,328) Unusable Reserves MIR/6 (338,327) (382,630) Total Reserves (362,512) The unaudited annual accounts were issued on 18 June 2025, and the annual accounts were authorised for issue on 26 August 2026. Laurence Slavin Chief Officer – Resources Date: 26 August 2026 Page 400
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Page 97 Group Movement in Reserves Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Group Movement in Reserves Statement This statement shows the movement in the year on the different reserves held by the group, analysed into ‘usable reserves’ (i.e. those that can be applied to fund expenditure or reduce local taxation) and other reserves. The surplus or (deficit) on the provision of services line shows the true economic cost of providing the group’s services, more details of which are shown in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. These are different from the statutory amounts required to be charged to the General Fund balance and the Housing Revenue Account for council tax setting and dwelling rent setting purposes. The net increase/decrease before transfer to earmarked reserves line shows the statutory general fund balance and housing revenue account balance before any discretionary transfers to or from earmarked reserves undertaken by the Council. General Fund balance HRA Balance Capital Grants and Receipts Unapplied Account Other Reserves Total Usable Reserves Council Unusable Reserves Share of Subsidiaries, Associates & Joint Ventures Usable Reserves Share of Subsidiaries, Associates & Joint Ventures Unusable Reserves Total Group Reserves £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 2024/25 Balance at 31 March 2024 Carried Forward (15,372) (970) (213) (194) (16,749) (346,891) (12,553) (6,437) (382,630) Opening balance adjustment 0 0 0 0 81 81 Opening Balance at 1 April 2024 (15,372) (970) (213) (194) (16,749) (346,891) (12,553) (6,356) (382,549) Movement in Reserve 2024/25 Total Comprehensive Expenditure and Income 49,552 (1,719) 0 0 47,833 (29,262) 1,526 0 20,097 Adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis under regulations (Note 6) (45,035) 2,078 (1,252) 0 (44,209) 44,209 (33) (27) (60) Net (Increase)/Decrease before Transfers to Other Statutory Reserves 4,517 359 (1,252) 0 3,624 14,947 1,493 (27) 20,037 Transfers to/(from) other statutory reserves (1,417) 0 1,465 (48) 0 0 0 0 0 Closing Balance at 31 March 2025 (12,272) (611) 0 (242) (13,125) (331,944) (11,060) (6,383) (362,512) 2023/24 Balance at 31 March 2023 Carried Forward (30,309) (2,635) (72) (262) (33,278) (364,998) (17,358) (6,118) (421,752) Opening balance adjustment 0 0 (1) (18) (111) (130) Opening Balance at 1 April 2023 (30,309) (2,635) (72) (262) (33,278) (364,999) (17,376) (6,229) (421,882) Movement in Reserve 2023/24 0 Total Comprehensive Expenditure and Income 13,664 (3,847) 0 0 9,817 24,820 4,718 0 39,355 Adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis under regulations (Note 6) 5,515 5,512 (3,082) 0 7,945 (7,945) 105 (207) (102) Net (Increase)/Decrease before Transfers to Other Statutory Reserves 19,179 1,665 (3,082) 0 17,762 16,875 4,823 (207) 39,253 Transfers to/(from) other statutory reserves (4,242) 0 2,941 68 (1,233) 1,233 0 0 0 Closing Balance at 31 March 2024 (15,372) (970) (213) (194) (16,749) (346,891) (12,553) (6,437) (382,630) Council Usable Reserves Page 401
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Page 98 Group Cash Flow Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Group Cash Flow Statement The cash flow statement shows the changes in cash and cash equivalents of the group during the reporting period. The statement shows how the group generates and uses cash and cash equivalents by classifying cash flows as operating, investing and financing activities. The amount of net cash flows arising from operating activities is a key indicator of the extent to which the operations of the authority are funded by way of taxation and grant income or from the recipients of services provided by the authority. Investing activities represent the extent to which cash outflows have been made for resources which are intended to contribute to the Council’s future service delivery. Cash flows arising from financing activities are useful in predicting claims on future cash flows by providers of capital (i.e. borrowing) to the group. 2023/24 Cash Flow Statement 2024/25 2024/25 £'000 £'000 £'000 Operating Activities 10,765 Net deficit on the provision of services 49,133 (39,407) Depreciation, amortisation and impairment (58,495) (160) Net gain/loss on fixed assets (2,305) 5,329 Movement in pension liabilities (15,156) (48) Movement in inventories (133) 13,603 Movement in debtors (6,239) 9,520 Movement in creditors and provisions 1,707 0 Other non-cash movements 0 (11,163) Adjustments to net deficit on the provision of services for non- cash movements (80,621) 0 Financing movements 0 35,796 Investing movements 21,214 35,796 Adjustments for items included in the net surplus/deficit on the provision of services that are investing and financing activities 21,214 35,398 Net cash inflow from Operating Activities (10,274) 87,816 Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 120,375 (3,082) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (1,252) 11 Movement on long term investments (13) (35,796) Other receipts from investing activities (21,249) (46) Group Investment Transactions 0 48,903 Net cash outflows from investing activities 97,861 (518,000) Cash receipts of short-term and long-term borrowing (453,663) 0 Movement in IFRS 16 lease liability 257 2,673 Repayment of service concession liabilities 3,590 409,487 Repayment of short-term and long-term borrowing 380,452 (105,840) Financing Activities (69,364) (21,539) Net cash (inflow)/outflow from financing activities 18,223 5,782 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 27,321 27,321 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 9,098 (21,539) Movement – (Increase)/ Decrease in Cash 18,223 Reconciliation of Liabilities arising from Financing Activities 31 March 2024 Financing Cash flows Other non- cash adj Non-cash adj to FIAA 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Long term Borrowing 414,301 52,939 0 0 467,240 Short term Borrowing 313,081 20,019 30 (30) 333,100 Service Concession Liability 86,443 (3,590) 21,985 0 104,838 ROU Asset Lease Liability 0 (257) 2,436 0 2,179 813,825 69,111 24,451 (30) 907,357 Page 402
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Page 99 Notes to the Group’s Principal Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note 31 - Details of Combining Entities The notes required for the Financial Statements of the Council are disclosed separately in the preceding pages. Associates and Joint Ventures Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Valuation Joint Board was formed in 1996 at local government re-organisation by an Act of Parliament. The Board maintains the electoral, council tax and non-domestic rates registers for the three councils of West Dunbartonshire, East Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute. The Board’s running costs are met by the three authorities, with surpluses and deficits on the Board’s operations also shared between the councils. In 2024/25, the Council contributed £0.781m (2023/24 £0.796m) or 28.05% of the Board’s estimated running costs and its share of the year end net asset of £0.178m (2023/24 £0.373m) is included in the Group Balance Sheet. Copies of its accounts may be obtained from the Treasurer to the Valuation Joint Board, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton G82 1QL. The West Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership - the Public Bodies (Joint Working) Act (Scotland) 2014 sets out the arrangements for the integration of health and social care across the country. The Scottish Government approved the Integration Scheme for West Dunbartonshire which details the ‘body corporate’ arrangement by which NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board and the Council agreed to formally delegate health and social care services for adults and children (including criminal justice, social work services) to a third body, which is described in the Act as an Integration Joint Board. The Integration Joint Board for West Dunbartonshire is known as the West Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership Board (HSCP Board) and started operations on 1 July 2015. The Board’s running costs are met by the two bodies mentioned above, with surpluses and deficits on the Boards operations also shared between them. In 2024/25, the Council contributed £89.830m (2023/24 £84.995m) towards estimated running costs and its share of the year end net asset of £9.204m (2023/24 £9.327m) is included in the Group Balance Sheet. Copies of its accounts may be obtained from the Chief Financial Officer to the Integration Joint Board, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton G82 1QL. The Council’s share of its associates and joint ventures are as follows: Dunbartonshires and Argyll and Bute Valuation Joint Board West Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Total £'000 £'000 £'000 2024/25 Share of Other Comprehensive (Income) and Expenditure 154 124 278 Non Current Assets 112 0 112 Current Assets 157 9,495 9,652 Non Current Liabilities (43) 0 (43) Current Liabilities (48) (291) (339) 2023/24 Share of Other Comprehensive (Income) and Expenditure 59 3,764 3,823 Non Current Assets 189 0 189 Current Assets 188 9,547 9,735 Non Current Liabilities (49) 0 (49) Current Liabilities (4) (220) (224) Subsidiaries West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust was formed in December 2011 and started trading on 5 April 2012. The Trust is a charitable company registered in Scotland and provides leisure facilities within the West Dunbartonshire area to the general public and operates sports centres, leisure centres, swimming pools, halls and community education centres owned by the Council. The Trust is paid a management fee by the Council for the provision of these services. The Trust’s net asset at 31 March 2025 was £2.172m (2023/24 £2.589m net asset) and its deficit for the year was £0.417m (2023/24 £0.612m). The accounts of the Trust are published separately and can be obtained from the Manager, Leisure Page 403
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Page 100 Notes to the Group’s Principal Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Trust Headquarters, Alexandria CE Centre, Alexandria, G83 0NU which is also the company’s principal place of business. Clydebank Property Company was part of a group organisation previously known as Clydebank Rebuilt which was a pathfinder urban regeneration organisation, limited by guarantee and included a commercial letting company (industrial units) and a registered charity (the Titan Trust). On 11 August 2014, following the transfer of the Titan Crane to the Property Company, the Council bought the commercial letting company with a view to continuing its regeneration objective. The Company’s net asset at 31 March 2025 was £2.883m (2023/24 £2.992m) and its loss for the year before payment of a dividend was £0.059m (2023/24 £0.200m). The accounts of the Company are published separately and can be obtained from the Company’s Headquarters, Titan Enterprise, 1 Aurora Avenue, Queen’s Quay, Clydebank G81 1BF which is also the Company’s principal place of business. West Dunbartonshire Energy Limited Liability Partnership is a company established in April 2021 and was Scotland’s first large-scale water source heat pump district heating scheme. The ESCo is a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) structure and is 99.9% controlled by WDC, with 0.1% being owned by Clydebank Property Company. The Company has a net asset at 31 March 2025 of £0.521m (2023/24: £0.829m) funded as working capital advance from the Council. Its deficit for the year was £0.557m (2023/24: £0.245m). The accounts of the Company are published separately and can be obtained from the Company’s Headquarters, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton G82 1QE. Dumbarton Common Good is held in Trust by the Council. Although the council does not contribute to this fund financially, it has been included within the Council’s Group through materiality by nature. Net usable spend in 2024/25 was £0.193m (2023/24 £0.064m net usable spend). Trust Funds are held in Trust by the Council. Although the Council does not contribute to these funds financially, they have been included within the Council’s Group through materiality by nature. There was a net deficit in funds of £0.001m (2023/24: net surplus of £0.010m) for the Trust Funds. For the purposes of the Group Accounts, two Trust Funds managed by the Council (Dunbartonshire Educational Trust and McAulay Prize for Mathematics Trust) have been consolidated based on the Council’s share of the assets. Copies of the accounts may be obtained from West Dunbartonshire Council, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton G82 1QL. The Council’s subsidiaries year end results are as follows: West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust Clydebank Property Company WD Energy LLP Common Good Trust Funds Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 2024/25 Surplus/ (Deficit) on Operating Activities (417) (100) (557) (193) (1) (1,268) Non Current Assets 629 3,538 0 3,854 0 8,021 Current Assets 3,161 343 629 393 267 4,793 Non Current Liabilities 0 (816) (2,004) 0 0 (2,820) Current Liabilities (1,618) (182) (108) (25) 0 (1,933) 2023/24 Surplus/ (Deficit) on Operating Activities (611) 230 (245) (64) 10 (680) Non Current Assets 105 3,765 0 3,854 0 7,724 Current Assets 4,296 625 1,027 563 268 6,779 Non Current Liabilities 0 (790) (1,754) 0 0 (2,544) Current Liabilities (1,812) (608) (198) (2) 0 (2,620) Page 404
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Page 101 Notes to the Group’s Principal Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note 32 – Non-Material Interest in Other Entities The Council has an interest in a number of other organisations. The Council’s share of their net assets or liabilities is not material to the fair understanding of the financial position and transactions of the Council. Accordingly, the Group Accounts do not include these organisations. Under Accounting Regulations, the Council is required to disclose the business nature of each organisation. Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is the statutory body responsible for formulating the public transport policy on behalf of the 12 local authorities in the West of Scotland. In 2024/25, the Council contributed £1.421m (2023/24 £1.422m). Strathclyde Concessionary Travel Scheme Joint Board oversees the operation of the concessionary fares scheme for public transport on behalf of the 12 local authorities in the West of Scotland. The costs of the scheme are funded through requisitions from the 12 councils and by the Scottish Executive via a ‘section 70’ grant. In 2024/25, the Council contributed £0.165m (2023/24 £0.166m). Scotland Excel is a joint committee established through Section 57 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. The main purpose of the committee includes co-ordination of collaborative buying initiatives, representation of interests in public sector contracts, and the development and operation of a centre of procurement expertise for Local Government in Scotland. Hub West of Scotland is a public private Joint Venture development organisation established in 2012. They work with the public sector partners to plan, design, build, and fund and maintain buildings in the most efficient and effective manner delivering better value for money and ultimately improving public services. Hub West of Scotland comprises: Hub West Territory Participants, Scottish Futures Trust and The Wellspring Partnership. Business Loans Scotland Ltd was formed in March 2017 with 27 Scottish local authorities full members, including the Council, and the remaining five Scottish local authorities becoming associate members. In this respect, each member local council provides a level of loan finance for companies in their area under Phase 1, augmented in Phase 2 by Scottish Growth Scheme and European Regional Development Funding (ERDF). Note 33 – Financial Impact of Consolidation The effect of inclusion of the entities on the Group Balance Sheet is to increase reserves and net assets by £17.443m (2023/24 £18.990m) respectively representing the Council’s share of the realisable surpluses/deficits in these organisations. The group account has an overall net asset of £362.512m (2023/24 £382.630m). Contribution to Group Balance Sheet: 2023/24 2024/25 £'000 £'000 324 Valuation Joint Board 178 9,327 West Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care 9,204 2,589 West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust 2,172 2,992 Clydebank Property Company 2,883 (925) WD Energy LLP (1,483) 4,415 Common Good 4,222 268 Trust Funds 267 18,990 Total 17,443 Page 405
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Page 102 Notes to the Group’s Principal Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Note 34 - Group Accounting Policies: Disclosure of differences with main Statement of Accounting Policies The financial statements in the Group Accounts are prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 1 with additions and exceptions noted below: Group Income and Expenditure Account Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets – profits and losses from the disposal of fixed assets are credited or debited to the Group Income and Expenditure Account within the net cost of services. The proceeds are then appropriated out after net operating expenditure. For those proceeds associated with the disposal of the Council’s assets, appropriation is to the Group Reserves. For those proceeds associated with the disposal of associates’ assets, appropriation is to the Group Income and Expenditure Reserve. Group Balance Sheet Inventories – valuation methods vary slightly across the Group. The Council uses cost price basis. The difference in valuation methods does not have a material impact on the results of the group given the levels of stock held within the organisations; and Pensions – West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust complies with the Financial Reporting Standard FRS102 concerning the disclosure of information on pensions. There is no difference in the Profit and Loss Account by using this method in comparison with IAS19 (which is used by other group entities) therefore there is no impact on the results of the group. Page 406
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Page 103 Independent Auditor’s Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Independent Auditor’s report to the Members of west Dunbartonshire council and the Audit Commission Report on the audit of the financial statements Opinion on the financial statements We certify that we have audited the financial statements in the annual accounts of West Dunbartonshire Council and its group (“the Council”) for the year ended 31 March 2025 under Part VII of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. The financial statements comprise the group and council-only Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statements, Balance Sheets, Movement in Reserves Statements, Cash Flow Statements, the council-only Movement on the Housing Revenue Account Statement, the Housing Revenue Account Income and Expenditure Statement, the Council Tax Income Account, the Non-domestic Rates Income Account, the Common Good Fund, the Trust Funds and notes to the financial statements, including material accounting policy information. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and UK adopted international accounting standards, as interpreted and adapted by the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2024/25 (the 2024/25 Code). In our opinion the accompanying financial statements: • give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Council and its group as at 31 March 2025 and of its income and expenditure of the Council and its group for the year then ended; • have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards, as interpreted and adapted by the 2024/25 Code; and • have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014, and the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)), as required by the Code of Audit Practice approved by the Accounts Commission for Scotland. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We were appointed by the Accounts Commission on 18 May 2022. Our period of appointment is five years, covering 2022/23 to 2026/27. We are independent of the Council and its group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK including the Financial Reporting Council’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. Non-audit services prohibited by the Ethical Standard were not provided to the Council. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern basis of accounting We have concluded that the use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Council and its group to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. These conclusions are not intended to, nor do they, provide assurance on the current or future financial sustainability of the Council and its group. However, we report on the Council's arrangements for financial sustainability in a separate Annual Audit Report available from the Audit Scotland Website. Risks of material misstatement We report in our Annual Audit Report the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement that we identified and our judgements thereon. Page 407
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Page 104 Independent Auditor’s Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Responsibilities of the Chief Officer - Resources and the Audit Committee for the financial statements As explained more fully in the Statement of Responsibilities, the Chief Officer - Resources is responsible for the preparation of financial statements, that give a true and fair view in accordance with the financial reporting framework, and for such internal control as the Chief Officer - Resources determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Chief Officer - Resources is responsible for assessing the ability of the Council and its group to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless there is an intention to discontinue the operations of the Council and its group. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting process. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities outlined above to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. Procedures include: • using our understanding of the local government sector to identify that the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014, and the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 are significant in the context of the Council and its group; • inquiring of the Chief Officer - Resources as to other laws or regulations that may be expected to have a fundamental effect on the operations of the Council and its group; • inquiring of the Chief Officer - Resources concerning the policies and procedures of the Council and its group regarding compliance with the applicable legal and regulatory framework; • discussions among our audit team on the susceptibility of the financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur; and • considering whether the audit team collectively has the appropriate competence and capabilities to identify or recognise non-compliance with laws and regulations. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is affected by the inherent difficulty in detecting irregularities, the effectiveness of the Council‘s controls, and the nature, timing and extent of the audit procedures performed. Irregularities that result from fraud are inherently more difficult to detect than irregularities that result from error as fraud may involve collusion, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. The capability of the audit to detect fraud and other irregularities depends on factors such as the skilfulness of the perpetrator, the frequency and extent of manipulation, the degree of collusion involved, the relative size of individual amounts manipulated, and the seniority of those individuals involved. A further description of the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. Page 408
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Page 105 Independent Auditor’s Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Reporting on other requirements Opinion prescribed by the Accounts Commission on the audited parts of the Remuneration Report We have audited the parts of the Remuneration Report described as audited. In our opinion, the audited parts of the Remuneration Report have been properly prepared in accordance with The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014. Other information The Chief Officer - Resources is responsible for the other information in the annual accounts. The other information comprises the Management Commentary, Statement of Responsibilities, Annual Governance Statement and the unaudited part of the Remuneration Report. Our responsibility is to read all the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon except on the Management Commentary and Annual Governance Statement to the extent explicitly stated in the following opinions prescribed by the Accounts Commission. Opinions prescribed by the Accounts Commission on the Management Commentary and Annual Governance Statement In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: • the information given in the Management Commentary for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements and that report has been prepared in accordance with statutory guidance issued under the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003; and • the information given in the Annual Governance Statement for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements and that report has been prepared in accordance with the Delivering Good Governance in Local Government: Framework (2016). Matters on which we are required to report by exception We are required by the Accounts Commission to report to you if, in our opinion: • adequate accounting records have not been kept; or • the financial statements and the audited part of the Remuneration Report are not in agreement with the accounting records; or • we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. We have nothing to report in respect of these matters. Conclusions on wider scope responsibilities In addition to our responsibilities for the annual accounts, our conclusions on the wider scope responsibilities specified in the Code of Audit Practice, including those in respect of Best Value, are set out in our Annual Audit Report. Use of our report This report is made solely to the parties to whom it is addressed in accordance with Part VII of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and for no other purpose. In accordance with paragraph 108 of the Code of Audit Practice, we do not undertake to have responsibilities to members or officers, in their individual capacities, or to third parties. Page 409
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Page 106 Independent Auditor’s Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Official Tom Reid, Director For and on behalf of Forvis Mazars LLP 100 Queen Street Glasgow G1 3DN 26 August 2026 Page 410
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Official Accounting Period: The period of time covered by the accounts, normally a period of twelve months commencing on 1 April. The end of the accounting period is the Balance Sheet date. Accruals: The concept that income and expenditure are recognised as they are earned or incurred, not as money is received or paid. Actuarial Gains and Losses (Pensions): For a defined benefit scheme, the changes in actuarial deficits or surpluses that arise because events have not coincided with the actuarial assumptions made for the last valuation (experience gains and losses) or the actuarial assumptions have changed. Asset: An item having value to the Council in monetary terms. Assets are categorised as either current or non-current. A current asset will be consumed or cease to have material value within the next financial year (e.g. cash and stock). A non-current asset provides benefit to the Council and to the Services it provides for a period of more than one year. Associates: These are entities (other than a subsidiary or a joint venture) in which the Council has a participating interest or over whose operating and financial policies the Council is able to exercise significant influence. Audit of Accounts: An independent examination of the Council’s financial affairs. Balance Sheet: A statement of the recorded assets, liabilities and other balances at the end of the accounting period. Capital Adjustment Account: This account absorbs the timing differences arising from the different arrangements for the consumption of non-current assets and for financing the acquisition, construction or enhancement of those assets under statutory provisions. Capital Expenditure: Expenditure on the acquisition of a non-current asset, which will be used in providing services beyond the current accounting period, or expenditure which adds to and not merely maintains the value of an existing non-current asset. Capital Financed from Current Revenue: This is expenditure incurred in creating, acquiring or improving assets where that expenditure is charged directly to the revenue account. Capital Financing: Funds raised to pay for capital expenditure. There are various methods of financing capital expenditure including borrowing, leasing, capital receipts and grants, and revenue funding. Capital Grants Unapplied Account: Holds the grants and contributions received towards capital projects for which the Council has met the conditions that would otherwise require repayment of the monies but which have yet to be applied to meet expenditure. Capital Receipt: The proceeds from the disposal of land or other non-current assets. CIES: The Comprehensive Income & Expenditure Statement (CIES) shows the accounting cost of providing services and managing the Council during the year. It includes, on an accruals basis, all of the Council’s day-to-day expenses and related income. It also includes transactions measuring the value of non-current assets actually consumed during the year and the real projected value of retirement benefits earned by employees during the year. The statement shows the accounting cost in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices, rather than the cost according to the statutory regulations that specify the net expenditure that Councils need to take into account when setting the annual Council Tax. The required adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis under regulations are shown in the Movement in Reserves Statement. CIPFA: The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is one of the major accountancy bodies in the United Kingdom. It develops and sets accounting standards for the public sector. The Code: The Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom (The Code) is the basis on which local authority accounts are prepared. The Code is based on European Union adopted International Financial Accounting Standards (that are primarily drafted for the commercial sector) and where required it interprets and adapts these standards to address all the accounting issues relevant to local government in the UK. Community Assets: Assets that the Council intends to hold in perpetuity, that have no determinable useful life and that may have Page 411
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Official restrictions on their disposal. Examples of community assets are municipal parks. Consistency: The concept that the accounting treatment of like items within an accounting period and from one period to the next, are the same. Contingent Liability: A contingent liability is either • A possible obligation arising from past events whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence of one or more uncertain event, not wholly within the Council’s control; or A present obligation arising from past events where it is not probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required, or the amount of the obligation cannot be measured with sufficient reliability. Creditor: Amounts owed by the Council for work done, goods received or services rendered within the accounting period, but for which payment has not been made by the end of that accounting period. Current Service Cost (Pensions): The increase in the present value of a defined benefit scheme’s liabilities, expected to arise from employee service in the current period. Debtor: Amount owed to the Council for works done, goods received or services rendered within the accounting period, but for which payment has not been received by the end of that accounting period. Defined Benefit Pension Scheme: Pension schemes in which the benefits received by the participants are independent of the contributions paid and are not directly related to the investments of the scheme. Depreciation: The measure of the cost of wearing out, consumption or other reduction in the useful economic life of the Council’s non- current assets during the accounting period, whether from use, the passage of time or obsolescence through technical or other changes. Discretionary Benefits (Pensions): Retirement awards, which the employer has no legal, contractual or constructive obligation to award and are awarded under the Council’s discretionary powers. Employee Statutory Adjustment Account: The Employee Statutory Adjustment Account absorbs the difference that would otherwise arise on the General Fund from accruing for compensated absences earned but not taken in the year e.g. annual leave entitlement carried forward at 31 March. Entity: A corporate body, partnership, trust, unincorporated association, or statutory body that is delivering a service or carrying on a trade or business with or without a view to profit. It should have a separate legal personality and is legally required to prepare its own single entity accounts. Equity: The Council’s value of total assets less liabilities. Events after the Balance Sheet Date: Events after the Balance Sheet date are those events, favourable or unfavourable, that occur between the Balance Sheet date and the date when the Annual Accounts are authorised for issue. Exceptional Items: Material items which derive from events or transactions that fall within the ordinary activities of the Council and which need to be disclosed separately by virtue of their size or incidence to give fair presentation of the accounts. Fair Value: The fair value of an asset is the price at which it could be exchanged for in an arm’s length transaction, less where applicable, any grants receivable towards the purchase or use of the asset. Finance Lease: A lease that transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a non-current asset to the lessee. Financial Instruments Adjustment Account: The Financial Instruments Adjustment Account absorbs the timing differences arising from the different arrangements for accounting for the income and expenses relating to certain financial instruments, and for bearing losses or benefitting from gains, per statutory provisions. General fund Balance: This contains the net surplus on the provision of Council services combined with balances from previous years and any contributions from other funds made during the year. General Revenue Grant: A grant paid by the Scottish Government to Councils, contributing towards the general cost of their services. Page 412
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Official Going Concern: The concept that the Annual Accounts are prepared on the assumption that the Council (and its Associate bodies) will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Government Grants: Grants made by the Government towards either revenue or capital expenditure in return for past or future compliance with certain conditions relating to the activities of the Council. These grants may be specific to a particular scheme or may support the revenue spend of the Council in general. Gross Expenditure: This includes all expenditure attributable to the service and activity including employee costs, premises and transport costs, supplies and services, third party payments, support services and depreciation Gross Income: This includes grant income and all charges to individuals and organisations for the direct use of the Council’s services. Heritage Asset: A tangible or intangible asset with historical, artistic, scientific, technological, geophysical or environmental qualities that is held and maintained principally for its contribution to knowledge and culture. IFRS: International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are a set of accounting standards developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) that is becoming the global standard for the preparation of public company financial statements and has been extended into the public sector in the UK. 43. Impairment A reduction in the value of a non-current asset to below its carrying amount on the Balance Sheet. Infrastructure Assets: Non-current assets belonging to the Council that cannot be transferred or sold, on which expenditure is only recoverable by the continued use of the asset created. Examples are highways, footpaths and bridges. Intangible Assets: An intangible (non- physical) asset may be defined as such when access to the future economic benefits it represents are controlled by the Council. This Council’s intangible assets are comprised solely of computer software licenses. Interest Cost (Pensions): For a defined benefit scheme, the expected increase during the period of the scheme’s liabilities because the benefits are one period closer to settlement. Inventories: Items the Council has procured and holds in expectation of future use. Examples are consumable stores and raw materials. Liability: A liability is where the Council owes payment to an individual or another organisation. A current liability is an amount which will become payable or could be called in within the next accounting period e.g. creditors or cash overdrawn. A non-current liability is an amount which by arrangement is payable beyond the next year, at some point in the future, or is to be paid off by an annual sum over a period of time. MiRS: The Movement in Reserves Statement (MiRS) shows the movement in the year on the different reserves held by the Council, analysed into usable reserves (those reserves that can be applied to fund expenditure or to reduce taxation) and unusable reserves. National Non-Domestic Rates Pool: All Non- Domestic Rates collected by local authorities are remitted to the national pool and thereafter distributed to Councils by the Scottish Government. Net Carrying Value: The amount at which non-current assets are included in the Balance Sheet, i.e. their historical cost or current value less the cumulative amounts provided for depreciation. Non-current Assets: non-current Assets are not expected to be realised within 12 months and are held to provide future economic benefit to the Council. Operating Leases: A lease where the ownership of the non-current asset remains with the lessor. Past Service Cost (Pensions): For a defined benefit scheme, the increase in the present value of the scheme’s liabilities relating to employee service in prior periods arising in the Page 413
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Official current period as a result of the introduction of, or improvement to, retirement benefits. Pension Reserve: The Pension Reserve recognises the Council’s share of the actuarial gains and losses in the Strathclyde Pension Fund and the change in the Council’s share of the net liability chargeable to the CIES. Pension Scheme Liabilities: The liabilities of a defined benefit pension scheme for outgoings due after the valuation date. The scheme’s liabilities, measured using the “project unit method”, reflect the benefits that the employer is committed to provide for service up to the valuation date. Post-Employment Benefits: All forms of consideration given by an employer in exchange for services rendered by employees that are payable after the completion of employment e.g. pensions in retirement Prior Year Adjustment: Material adjustments applicable to previous years arising from changes in accounting policies or from the correction of fundamental errors. This does not include normal recurring corrections or adjustments of accounting estimates made in prior years. Provision: An amount put aside for future liabilities or losses which are certain or very likely to occur but the amounts or dates of when they will arise are uncertain. Public Works Loan Board (PWLB): A Central Government Agency which provides loans for one year and above to Councils at interest rates based on those at which the Government can borrow itself. Rateable Value: The annual assumed rental of land or property, which is for national Non- Domestic Rates purposes. Related Parties: Bodies or individuals that have the potential to control or influence the Council or to be controlled or influenced by the Council. For the Council’s purposes related parties are deemed to include the Elected Members, the Chief Executive and its Corporate Directors. Remuneration: All sums paid to or receivable by an employee and sums due by way of expenses or allowances (as far as these sums are chargeable to UK income tax) and the monetary value of any other benefits received other than in cash. Reserves: The accumulation of surpluses, deficits and appropriation over past years. Reserves of a revenue nature are available and can be spent or earmarked at the discretion of the Council. Some capital reserves such as the Revaluation Reserve cannot be used to meet current expenditure. Residual Value: The net realisable value of an asset at the end of its useful life. Revaluation Reserve: Records unrealised gains arising since 1 April 2007 on the revaluation of fixed assets not yet realised through sales. Revenue Expenditure: The day-to-day expenses of providing services. Short-term Borrowing: Money borrowed where repayment is due in the following financial year. Significant Interest: The reporting authority is deemed to have Significant Interest if it is actively involved and is influential in the direction of an entity through its participation in policy decisions. Unusable Reserves: Reserves which hold unrealised gains and losses where amounts would only become available to provide services if the assets are sold and reserves that hold a timing differences. Usable reserves: Those reserves which the Council may use to provide services, subject to the need to maintain a prudential level of reserves and any statutory limitations on their use. Trust Funds: Funds administered by the Council for such purposes as awards and specific projects. Some of the Council’s Trust Funds are Charities. Useful Economic Life: The period over which the local authority will derive benefits from the use of a non-current asset. Page 414