Supplementary Agenda - 18 June 2025
West Dunbartonshire Council · 18 June 2025
Back to West Dunbartonshire Council — 18 June 2025 and its agenda
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Supplementary Agenda West Dunbartonshire Council Date: Wednesday, 18 June 2025 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 ITEMS TO FOLLOW I refer to the agenda for the above meeting that was issued on 5 June 2025 and now enclose a copy of the undernoted report relating to Item 12 which was not available for issue at that time. Members are requested to note, with respect to Item 9, ‘Review of Integration Scheme’, that it has not been possible for a report on this matter to be provided in time for the Meeting of Council being held on 18 June 2025 and that this report will instead be submitted to the Meeting of Council being held on 27 August 2025. Yours faithfully PETER HESSETT Chief Executive
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Note referred to:-/ 12 UNAUDITED 2024/25 WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL 115 – 268 ANNUAL ACCOUNTS Submit report by the Chief Officer – Resources providing a copy of the unaudited 2024/25 Annual Accounts and information regarding the 2024/25 outturn as set out in the draft accounts. 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: 11 June 2025
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer - Resources Council: 18 June 2025 Subject: Unaudited 2024/25 Annual Accounts 1. PURPOSE 1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide Council with a copy of the unaudited 2024/25 Annual Accounts and information regarding the 2024/25 outturn as set out in the draft accounts. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 Members are asked to: a) note the unaudited 2024/25 Annual Accounts b) note the information provided in relation to the financial performance of the Council’s services and capital plan for 2024/25 c) note the current position regarding the Council’s reserves d) Agree to delegate authority to the Audit Committee to formally approve the audited accounts. 3. BACKGROUND 3.1 The annual unaudited accounts set out the financial statements of West Dunbartonshire Council (the Council) for the year ended 31 March 2025. Their main purpose is to demonstrate the stewardship of public funds entrusted to the Council. The requirements governing the format and content of local authority annual accounts are contained in the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom (the Code). The 2024/25 accounts have been prepared in accordance with this Code. 3.2 There is a statutory requirement to prepare a set of accounts and submit them to the Controller of Audit. The date set by the Scottish Government for the submission of the unaudited annual accounts is 30 June each year. 3.3 The 2024/25 accounts will be submitted to Forvis Mazars by 30 June 2025. 4. MAIN ISSUES 4.1 The unaudited accounts show that the outturn on the general fund is an overspend of £2.908m after the budgeted use of additional resources of £9.343m which was offset by the in-year pension fund saving of £9.688m resulting in a decrease in the General Fund position of £2.908m. This represents an overspend of 1.02% against the 2024/25 revised budget of £295.469m. ITEM 12 Page 115
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4.2 The £2.908m overspend breaks down as: £’000 Service overspend including loan charges 3,862 Over recovery taxation and non-specific grant income (781) Final Budgetary Control Position (Appendix 2) 3,081 Movement in Bad Dept Provision 172 Contribution to reserves from pension saving (345) Total 2,908 The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is reporting an in-year deficit of £0.358m. 4.3 Since 2010/11 local authorities have been required to prepare financial statements following International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Under the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014 there is a requirement to include a management commentary in the accounts. The contents of the annual accounts are summarised in the paragraphs that follow. 4.4 Management Commentary: outlines the key messages regarding the objectives and strategy of the Council and its financial performance for the year. It also looks forward, outlining the future financial plans for the organisation and the challenges and risks which are faced by the Council. 4.5 Statement of Responsibilities for the annual accounts: outlines the Council’s responsibilities and also the responsibilities of the Council’s Section 95 Officer. 4.6 Annual Governance Statement: details the view on the adequacy of its governance and internal control system. It is the Council’s view that the systems for governance and internal control are operating effectively within the Council during 2024/25 and that there are no significant weaknesses. 4.7 Remuneration Report: details the remuneration policy, remuneration and pension benefits of senior councillors and senior officers in addition to detail on employee exit packages. Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement (CIES): 4.8 This statement shows the accounting cost of providing services rather than the amount to be funded from taxation, to comply with the requirements of the Code. This means the net cost of service includes statutory accounting adjustments for depreciation, loans fund principal repayment, the net change for the pension adjustment and accrued holiday leave not taken by 31 March 2025; reducing the total cost of service provision by £22,928m. This is one of the main reasons why the actual outturn shown within the Comprehensive Page 116
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Income and Expenditure account differs from the actual outturn shown within the management commentary (page 8 of accounts), as these costs are not included as part of the service budgets. A reconciliation between the two outturns is shown at paragraph 4.10. 4.9 The Council ended the year with a 2024/25 deficit of £25.775m. This is the accounting surplus based on the IFRS compliant accounts rather than the movement in the General Fund Balance. It comprises of the following: £000 Deficit on Provision of Services 25,775 Deficit on the revaluation of long term assets (8,560) Actuarial loss on the pension fund asset (20,752) Total Deficit (3,537) 4.10 The table below, sets out a reconciliation of the deficit on the provision of services of £25.775m as noted in the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure under IFRS requirements and the in-year revenue overspend of £3.081m against budget (paragraph 4.2): £000 Deficit on Provision of Services per the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement 25,775 Statutory adjustments required by the Code (paragraph 4.8) (20,851) Deficit on Provision of Services per Movement in Reserves – pg 34 of annual accounts (£4.566m for general fund plus £0.358m for HRA) 4,924 Adjust for movements to/from statutory reserves: Capital Receipts applied (1,706) Other Reserves 48 HRA Reserves (358) Movement in General Fund Balance 2,908 Budgeted use of reserves (9,343) Increase in BDP (0.172) Decrease in pension contributions 9.688 Net General Fund budgetary control position 2024/25 3,081 4.11 Balance Sheet: The Balance Sheet shows that the net worth of the Council has increased by £3.537m from £363.802m as at 31 March 2024 to £367.339m as at 31 March 2025. The major changes are set out in the table below. Page 117
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Movement in Reserves Statement 4.12 This shows the movement on the different reserves held by the Council, analysed into usable reserves (resource backed reserves which can be used to fund expenditure) and unusable reserves (required purely for accounting purposes and are not backed by resources). 4.13 The total Council reserves have increased from £363.802m at 31 March 2024 to £367.339m at 31 March 2025, an increase of £3.537m, due to the reasons detailed in the table above. 4.14 The balance of unusable reserves has increased by £6.968m from £347.055m as at 31 March 2024 to £354.023m as at 31 March 2025. This is mainly due to the revaluation of assets offset by the movement in the pension liability. 4.15 Cash Flow Statement: The Cash Flow Statement shows the changes in cash and cash equivalents of the Council during the financial year. The Cash and Cash Equivalents increased by £16.170m to £8.227m. 4.16 Notes to the Financial Statement: The notes section provides further information and explanation on some of key figures included within the Accounts. The notes conform to the guidance issued by CIPFA/LASAAC within the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting. 4.17 Council Tax Income Account: This account shows the gross income raised from council tax levied and deductions made under the Local Government Finance Act 1992. The resultant net income is transferred to the CIES. Council Tax was frozen in 2024/25 therefore Council Tax rate for Band D was £1,398.98 for 2024/25. The income transferred to the general fund for Council Tax in 2024/25 was £41.701m. This compared to £40.798m in 2023/24. 4.18 Non-Domestic Rate Income Account: This account is an agent’s statement that reflects the statutory obligation for billing authorities to maintain a separate Non-Domestic Rate Account. Net Non-Domestic Rate Income to the Consolidated Income and Expenditure Account amounted to £87.481m for 2024/25. This compares to £93.396m in 2023/24. This is the Council’s share of the estimated NDR income which has been distributed proportionately on the basis of the Council’s 2023/24 mid-year income. It does not represent additional income to the Council, just a distribution of the national pool to reflect what is due to the Council as agreed as part of the 2024/25 settlement figure (already accounted for) and what the Council collected. 4.19 Housing Revenue Account: In relation to the HRA, the draft accounts show a balance of £0.611m as at 31 March 2025. This is below the prudential reserve target of £1.064m. Steps are being put in place to try to build the reserves back up to the prudential target in 2025/26 and beyond. Page 118
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Capital Programmes 4.20 Details of the capital programmes are shown in Appendix 4 (General Fund) and Appendix 5 (HRA) and are summarised below. The appendices detail the outturn of the projects within 2024/25. A list of the main capital projects progressed during 2024/25 is provided on page 12 of the Annual Accounts. The year end position is summarised as follows: Budget Spend Variance Overspend Underspend Reprofiling £,000 £,000 £,000 £,000 £,000 £,000 General Services 58,517 55,736 (2,781) 4,839 (262) (7,358) HRA 63,661 56,603 (7,058) 7,148 (14,206) 0 Total 122,178 112,339 (9,839) 11,987 (14,468) (7,358) 4.21 The main areas of reprofiling in the year were: 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 4.22 Group Accounts: The Council is required to prepare Group Accounts in addition to its own Annual Accounts. Group Accounts are prepared when a Council has a material interest in other organisations. The purpose of the accounts is to combine its financial information with other organisations within its group. For 2024/25 the Council’s group consists of (a) West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust (b) Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Valuation Joint Board (c) Clydebank Property Company (d) West Dunbartonshire Energy Company (e) Health and Social Care Integrated Joint Board (f) Dumbarton Common Good and Trust Funds. 4.23 At the time of drafting the financial statements we had not received the financial statements from all consolidated entities and the group position will be updated in the final draft sent to Forvis Mazars by the 30 June 2025. Areas requiring updating are highlighted in yellow in the annual accounts (Appendix 1) Next Steps 4.24 To enable the Council to meet its legislative requirements, Members require Page 119
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to approve the audited Annual Accounts for signature no later than 30 September 2025. As the audit of the Council’s 2023/24 accounts is still ongoing it is clear that the audit of the 2024/25 accounts will be completed by the 30 September 2025 deadline. It is not clear when the 2024/25 audit will be completed by and therefore it is not possible to determine which future meeting of the Council will be presented with the audited accounts for approval. Depending on the timing of the completion of the 2024/25 audit it may be that a meeting of the Audit Committee will be the most suitable time for the Accounts to be approved. Council is therefore asked to agree to delegate authority to the Audit Committee to formally approve the audited accounts if required. Charity Accounts 4.25 Appendix 6 provides Members with the accounts of the Trust Funds which are administered by the Council. These Financial Statements are also audited by our external auditors prior to submission to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). The draft Financial Statements 2024/25 will be presented to the external auditors. These are also included within the Council’s Group position. The summary position of the Trusts are noted below – interest gained was received for all trusts, with six grant payments made, four from the Alexander Cameron Bequest and two from Dr AK Glen Fund. As the AK Glen Fund has bene fully distributed it has been wound up and removed from the Scottish Charity Register. Opening Balance 2023/24 Surplus / (Deficit) 2023/24 Closing Balance 2023/24 Dunbartonshire Educational Trust Scheme 1962 96,725 (963) 95,762 McAuley Prize for Mathematics 23,352 1,114 24,466 Alexander Cameron Bequest 121,963 (3,018) 118,944 UIE Award 26,401 1,259 27,661 Totals 268,442 (1,609) 266,833 4.26 The audited Trust Fund accounts will be approved by the Council, together with the Council’s Financial Statements. 4.27 Common Good Appendix 7 provides Members with the accounts of the Dumbarton Common Good which are administered by the Council, also audited by our external auditors as part of the year end process. This is also included within the Council’s Group position. The main movements within the common good are noted below: Page 120
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£ Opening Balance 561,314 Income 328,833 Expenditure (522,319) Closing Balance 367,828 CONCLUSION 4.28 4.29 The Unaudited Annual Accounts have been prepared in accordance with professional and statutory requirements. The General Fund Balance has decreased by £2.908m from an opening balance of £15.371m to £12.436m, after taking into consideration the movement during the year, the end of year outturn position and earmarked balances. The Council’s net worth, per the balance sheet, has increased from £363.802m at 31 March 2024 to £367.339m at 31 March 2025, a increase of £3.537m. It should be noted that as the audit of the 2023/24 financial statements is still ongoing as a result the 2023/24 prior year comparatives and therefore balances roll forward to 2024/25 may be subject to change following the conclusion of the audit. 5. PEOPLE IMPLICATIONS 5.1 There are no people implications as a consequence of this report. 6. FINANCIAL AND PROCUREMENT IMPLICATIONS 6.1 There are no direct financial or procurement implications arising from 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 preparation of this report. 9. CONSULTATION 9.1 The views of Legal Services have been requested on this report and have advised there are neither any issues nor concerns with the report. 10. STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT 10.1 Sound financial practices are cornerstones of good governance and support Council and officers to pursue the Council’s strategic priorities. Laurence Slavin Chief Officer - Resources Page 121
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Date: 18 June 2025 Person to Contact: Carol Alderson, Finance Manager, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton E-mail: carol.alderson@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices 1. Draft Annual Accounts to 31 March 2025 2. General Services Budgetary Control Report to 31 March 2025 – Revenue 3. HRA Budgetary Control Report to 31 March 2025 - Revenue 4. General Services Budgetary Control report to 31 March 2025 – Capital 5. HRA Budgetary Control Report to 31 March 2025 - Capital 6. Draft Annual Accounts to 31 March 2025 for Trust Funds 7. Draft Position to 31 March 2025 for Dumbarton Common Good Background Papers Budget Report to Council - 6 March 2024 Page 122
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APPENDIX 1 Page 123
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Contents Table of Contents Page Page Management Commentary 1 Note 21 Financial Instruments 69 Explanatory and Assurance Statements Note 22 Defined Benefit Pension Scheme 75 Statement of Responsibilities 18 Note 23 Termination benefits 80 Annual Governance Statement 19 Note 24 Other Reserves 80 Remuneration Report 24 Note 25 Related Parties 83 Principal Financial Statements of Singe Entity Note 26 Agency Services 84 Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement 32 Note 27 Financial Guarantees 84 Balance Sheet 33 Note 28 Contingent Assets and Liabilities 84 Movement in Reserves Statement 34 Note 29 Fees payable to External Audit 85 Cash Flow Statement 35 Note 30 Events After the Balance Sheet Date 85 Notes to the Principal Statements Housing Revenue Account 86 Note 1 Accounting Policies 36 Council Tax income Account 88 Note 2 Critical Judgement in Applying Accounting Policies 48 Non-Domestic Rate Income Account 89 Note 3 Assumptions Made About the Future and Other Major Sources of Estimation Uncertainty 49 Common Good 90 Note 4 Accounting Standards that have been issued but have not yet been adopted 50 Trust Funds 91 Note 5 Expenditure and Funding Analysis 51 Group Comprehensive Income and Expenditure 92 Note 6 Adjustments between funding accounting basis and funding basis under regulations 54 Group Balance Sheet 93 Note 7 Earmarked Reserves 56 Group Movement in Reserves Statement 94 Note 8 Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure- 56 Group Cashflow Statement 95 Note 9 Taxation and Non-Specific Grant Income 57 Note 10 Grant Income 57 Note 31 Details of Combining Entities 96 Note 11 Property, Plant and Equipment 59 Note 32 Non-Material Interests in other Entities 98 Note 12 Intangible Assets 62 Note 33 Financial impact of Consolidation 98 Note 13 Heritage Assets 62 Note 34 Analysis of Material Items of Group Income and Expenditure 98 Note 14 Assets held for Sale 63 Note 35 Group Accounting Policies 99 Note 15 Private Finance Initiatives and Similar Contracts 64 Independent Auditor’s Report 100 Note 16 Operating Leases 65 Glossary of Terms 101 Note 17 Debtors 67 Note 18 Cash and Cash Equivalents 67 Note 19 Creditors 68 Note 20 Provisions 68 Page 124
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Page 1 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 ten Scottish Labour Party, nine Scottish National Party, four Independent and one West Dunbartonshire Community Party. Page 125
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Page 2 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 126
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Page 3 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 127
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Page 4 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 has: • 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 128
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Page 5 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Priority 2 – Our Environment Promotes a Greener Future The Council has: • 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 has: • 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 129
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Page 6 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Priority 4 – Our Council is Inclusive and Adaptable The Council has: • 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 £284.668m (as detailed in the table below) to be funded by Scottish Government Grant (£234.375m); Council tax (£40.920m), with a net contribution from reserves and the service concessionary benefit for the remaining (£9.373m). Budget (£m) % of budget Resources 3,729 1% Regulatory and Regeneration 3.569 1% People & Technology 10.024 4% Citizens, Culture and Facilities 14.153 5% Education, Learning and Attainment 125.120 44% Roads and Neighbourhood 14.917 5% Housing and Employability 2.371 1% Health & Social Care Partnership 86.726 30% Miscellaneous Services 4.290 2% Loan Charges 17.398 6% Requisitions 2.370 1% Total 284,668 100% Page 130
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Page 7 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 The budget was updated during the year for a number of variables, resulting in a final planned net expenditure of £295.469m. The year-end revenue budgetary position is detailed on page 8 of this commentary. 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 accelerated 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 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 10 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. Page 131
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Page 8 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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- 86 Notes to the Core Financial Statements Further information and analysis of each statement, including the main accounting policies. 87 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 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 £291.656m (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 £25.775m (represented by a £27.494m 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 6 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 £2.908m, against a planned use of reserves during 2024/25 budget setting of £9.373m and a pension contribution saving of £9.688m. The table below shows a summary of the movements that contributed to the final position. As a result of the overall deficit, the General Fund reserves reduced from £15.371m to £12.463m. 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. Budget £'000 Actual £'000 Variance £'000 £'000 Total General Services Reserves Held at 1 April 2024 (15,371) 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 5,335 (2,424) Health and Social Care Partnership 89,342 89,830 488 Loan charges 20,282 21,368 1,086 Capital Receipts to fund loan charges (2,884) (1,862) 1,022 Requisitions 2,370 2,369 (1) Non GAE Allocation (9,055) (8,555) 500 Net Expenditure 295,468 299,330 3,862 Council Tax (40,920) (41,701) (781) Revenue Support Grant/NDR (249,217) (249,217) 0 Revenue Budget Outturn Position 3,081 3,081 Budgeted use of Reserves 9,343 Top up Bad Debt Provision 172 Transfer SPFP saving to EMR (9,688) Closing Useable Reserves Balance (12,463) Page 132
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Page 9 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 £3.640m 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. 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 follows: Opening House Number 10,444 Disposals (7) Buy Backs 34 New builds 76 Closing House Number 10,547 The account reported a deficit for the year of £0.043m. 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 £0.358m in-year deficit and the brought forward balance from the previous year of £0.969m, 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 86. 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 As at 31 March 2024 As at 31 March 2025 Reserve Balances Earmarked Unearmarked £(m) Page 133
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Page 10 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Budget Spend against Budget Variance £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Total HRA Reserves Held at 1st April 2024 (969) Total Expenditure 53,218 53,353 135 Total Income (53,218) (52,995) 223 Net Budgetary Control Position 0 0 0 Net transfer for earmarked reserves 358 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 86) as detailed below: £'000 £'000 (Surplus)/Deficit for the year on HRA services (1,719) HRA Movement in Reserves Adjustment to the revenue resource (7,687) Adjustment between Revenue and Capital resources 9,502 transfer (to)/from other Statutory reserves 262 Movement in HRA revenue 2,077 Adjust for earmarked funds: Use of earmarked sums 358 Net HRA budgetary control position 2024-25 716 HRA Reserves as at 1 April 2024 (969) Use of earmarked sums 358 HRA reserve as at 31 March 2025 (611) 2024-25 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 increased by £3.537m from £363.802m as at 31 March 2024 to £367.339m 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 1,191,795 1,284,680 92,885 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 78,025 (24,390) 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) (401,947) (17,022) Increase in short-term borrowing to fund in year to support the GS and HRA capital programme. Long-term Liabilities (545,483) (593,419) (47,936) Increase in long-term borrowing to support HRA and GS capital programme. Offset by a decrease in the unfunded pension liability. Total 363,802 367,339 3,537 Page 134
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Page 11 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 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 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 £14.117 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 £1.842m. These 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. 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 £65.000m (2023/24 £174.00m) and short-term loans of £259.300m (2023/24 £244.591m) and repaid naturally maturing debt of £243.000m (2023/24 £315.000m). The total outstanding long-term debt (excluding PPP debt) as at 31 March 2025 was £469.167m (2023/24 £460.840m) including £216.581m (2023/24 £204.613m) for the Council’s housing stock. The total outstanding short-term debt was £334.602m (2023/24 £267.598m), including £154.462m (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 61. Total gross capital expenditure amounted to £112.339m with the split between £55.736m for General Services and £56.603m for the HRA. The main capital projects progressed during 2024/25 were: Page 135
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Page 12 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 £112.339m. The unspent amount (£9.839m) 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 56,603 7,058 7,148 (14,206) 0 Total 122,178 112,339 9,839 11,987 (14,468) (7,358) 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 Public Private Partnership (PPP) 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 64 to 65. 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 93 to 100 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 £xx.xxxm creating an overall net asset of £xxx.xxxm. Page 136
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Page 13 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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. 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: Page 137
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Page 14 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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. Development of Queens Quay – The Council’s investment of £15.62m in Queens Quay over the past five years has helped fund the infrastructure needed to prepare the site for redevelopment. In collaboration with the development partners, good progress has been made on key developments, including the completion of the District Heating Energy Centre, new Care Home, social housing development, a partnership between Council, Wheatley Group and Clydebank Housing Association, and the new NHS Clydebank health centre. Housing development plots continue to be marketed to fulfil the ambition of delivering up to 1,000 new homes on Queens Quay and the Council is in dialogue with the landowner and the Scottish Government on how development can be progressed. The District Heating Energy Centre Energy provides the heat source for existing and new developments at Queens Quay and work continues to explore funding opportunities to progress new connections and support the Council’s net- zero ambitions. 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 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 2023. 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 Page 138
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Page 15 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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. 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 Page 139
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Page 16 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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: 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 92% 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% 2.76% 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% £(0.573)m Movement in the free reserve balance Demonstrates variances contributing to the overall free reserve position n/a £-2.616m 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% 41.90% 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% £787.098m Capital Financing Requirement The amount of planned capital expenditure not yet funded £891.537m £877.793m £814.994m External Debt Levels (including PPP) The amount of external debt held by the Council. Increases due to funding of the capital programme £860.112m £886.622m Page 140
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Page 17 Management Commentary West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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% £(0.044m) Movement in the free reserve balance Demonstrates variances contributing to the overall free reserve position n/a (£0.358m) 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. 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: 18 June 2025 Date: 18 June 2025 Date: 18 June 2025 Page 141
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Page 18 Statement of Responsibilities West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 18 June 2025. 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 142
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Page 19 Annual Governance Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 143
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Page 20 Annual Governance Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 • 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 144
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Page 21 Annual Governance Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 Page 145
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Page 22 Annual Governance Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 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 146
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Page 23 Annual Governance Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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: Date: Date: Page 147
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Page 24 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 2025 (SSI No. 2025-04-01). 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. The Regulations also state that the maximum yearly amount that may be paid to the Provost (£31,472) is 75% of the total yearly amount payable to the Leader of the Council. The Regulations also state the remuneration that may be paid to Senior Councillors and the total number of Senior Councillors the Council may have. The maximum yearly amount that may be paid to a Senior Councillor (£31,472) is 75% of the total yearly amount payable to the Leader of the Council. For 2024/25 the total yearly amount payable by the Council for remuneration of all of its Senior Councillors shall not exceed £251,920. 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. Council policy is to pay Senior Councillors a salary of £25,192, per the decision at Council on 18 May 2022 for 2022/2023 onwards. 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 for a full year in 2024/25 will total £244,670 (£244,670 in 2022/23 for those Senior Councillors). 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 5 on pages 28. 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 148
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Page 25 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Table 1: Remuneration of Senior Councillor 2023/24 Total Remuneration Senior Members Responsibility Salary, Fees & Allowances Taxable Expenses Total Remuneration £ £ £ £ 40,205 Martin Rooney Leader of Council 41,962 0 41,962 Convener of Recruitment & Individual Performance Management Committee Convener of Community Planning West Dunbartonshire Convenor Corporate Services Committee from 25/9/24 until 14/12/24 30,154 Douglas McAllisterProvost 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 Convener of Audit Committee until 16/9/24 Provost from 28/8/2024 25,292 Gurpreet Singh JohalConvener of Appeals Committee until 20/8/24 26,494 0 26,494 Convener of Housing & Communities Committee 25,192 Daniel Lennie Convener of Corporate Services Committee until 25/9/24 23,577 0 23,577 25,128 David McBride Convener of Infrastructure Regeneration & Economic Dev Committee 26,502 0 26,502 Depute Leader from 25/9/24 Convener of Joint Consultative Forum 25,192 Michelle McGinty Depute Leader until 25/9/24 23,753 0 23,753 Convener 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 Convener of Tendering Committee 25,128 Lawrence O'Neill Convener of Planning Committee Convener of Licensing Committee 26,502 0 26,502 25,192 Clare Steel Convener of Educational Services Committee 26,494 0 26,494 20,150 Hazel Sorrell Depute Provest 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 Convener of West Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership until 28/6/24 Board (IJB) from 28/6/2024 19,766 0 19,766 Convener 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 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 149
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Page 26 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 2023/24 *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 111,522 360 111,882 108,197 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 0 111,564 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 89,596 641 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 150
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Page 27 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Table 4: Remuneration of Officers receiving more than £50,000 2023/24 2024/25 Number of Officers Number of Officers 166 £50,000 - £54,999 211 121 £55,000 - £59,999 73 56 £60,000 - £64,999 89 42 £65,000 - £69,999 54 29 £70,000 - £74,999 30 35 £75,000 - £79,999 41 9 £80,000 - £84,999 15 2 £85,000 - £89,999 1 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 1 £130,000 - £134,999 0 0 £135,000 - £139,999 1 1 £140,000 - £144,999 0 0 £145,000-£149,500 0 0 £150,000-£154,999 0 0 £155,000-£159,999 1 477 Total 534 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 151
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Page 28 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 £xx,xxx (£27,001) and up to £33,000 (£31,000) 7.25% 8.50% On earnings above £xx,xxx (£33,001) and up to £45,300 (£42,500) 8.50% 9.50% On earnings above £xx,xxx (£45,301) and up to £60,400 (£56,600) 9.50% 12.00% On earnings above £xx,xxx (£60,401) 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 (£29,186) 7.35% 8.70% On earnings above £34,287 (£29,186) and up to £46,155 (£39,289) 8.88% 9.70% On earnings above £46,156 (£39,289) and up to £54,728 (£46,586) 9.90% 10.40% On earnings above £54,729 (£46,586) and up to £67,975 (£61,740) 10.61% 11.50% On earnings above £67,976 (£61,740) and up to £92,693 (£84,190) 11.73% 11.90% On earnings above £92,694 (£84,190) 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 above are not members of the Local Government Pension Scheme. Page 152
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Page 29 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 Senior Councillors £ £ £ £ Martin Rooney Leader of Council 2,728 7,760 14,699 1,086 Convener of Recruitment & Individual Performance Management Committee Convenor Corporate Services Committee from 25/9/24 until 14/12/24 Convener of Community Planning West Dunbartonshire Management Board Douglas McAllister Provost until 28/8/24 693 5,820 3,700 273 Karen Conaghan Leader of the Opposition 1,941 4,862 4,476 649 Convener of Audit & Performance Review Committee Provost from 28/8/24 Gurpreet Singh Johal Convener of Appeals Committee until 20/8/24 1,722 4,862 1,611 646 Convener of Housing & Communities Committee Daniel Lennie Convener of Corporate Services Committee until 25/9/24 1,533 4,862 3,792 522 David McBride Convener of Infrastructure Regeneration & Economic Dev Committee 1,723 4,850 10,953 652 Depute Leader from 25/9/24 Convener of Joint Consultative Forum Michelle McGinty Depute Leader until 25/9/24 1,544 4,850 4,850 1621 Convener 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 3,819 910 Convenor of Tendering Committee Lawrence O'Neill Convener of Licensing Committee 1,723 4,850 5,549 868 Convener of Planning Committee Clare Steel Convener of Educational Services Committee 1,722 4,862 1,611 646 Hazel Sorrell Depute Provest from 25/9/2024 1,566 3,889 1,353 576 Gordon Scanlon Leader of the Opposition from 28/8/24 1,590 3,889 1,361 584 Convenor of Audit Committee from 16/9/24 Fiona Hennebry Convenor of the Appeals Committee from 21/8/24 357 - - - Convener of West Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership Board (IJB) from 28/6/24 William Rooney Convener of Corporate Services Committee from 14/12/24 563 0 175 175 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 27,905 161,424 11,485 Lesley James Head of Children’s Healthcare & Criminal Justice - Chief Social Work Officer 6,674 19,219 89,878 4,358 Laura Mason Chief Officer - Education, Learning & Attainment 7,249 20,776 170,058 6,801 Laurence Slavin Chief Officer - Resources - S95 Officer 7,252 20,882 50,992 4,546 Alan Douglas Chief Officer - Regulatory & Regeneration 7,252 20,436 132,897 10,458 Gail MacFarlane Chief Officer - Roads & Neighbourhood 7,252 16,945 30,352 0 Victoria Rogers Chief Officer - People & Technology 7,252 20,886 92,009 4,486 Peter Barry Chief Officer - Housing & Employability 7,252 20,886 77,633 4,064 Amanda Graham Chief Officer - Citizen, Culture & Facilities 7,252 20,882 19,313 3,442 Senior Employees of Subsidiaries John Anderson General Manager of West Dunbartonshire Leisure 5,824 16,736 75,290 4,996 In-year pension contributions Accrued pension benefits Senior Employees Page 153
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Page 30 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 22 111,376 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 45 1,707,374 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 £1.324 million liabilities relating to these releases (2023/24: £0.060m). Martin Rooney Peter Hessett Leader of the Council Chief Executive Date: 18 June 2025 Date: 18 June 2025 Page 154
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Page 31 Remuneration Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 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 £72,033 £123,686 Total pay bill Total pay bill £64,641,431 £86,345,018 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 Page 155
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Page 32 Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 43,254 (40,116) 3,138 Resources 41,150 (35,441) 5,709 9,845 (2,227) 7,618 Regulatory and Regeneration 10,550 (1,418) 9,132 12,350 (196) 12,154 People & Technology 12,585 (61) 12,524 15,175 (698) 14,477 Citizens, Culture and Facilities 15,785 (55) 15,730 146,913 (21,487) 125,426 Education, Learning and Attainment 145,576 (9,998) 135,578 30,849 (3,155) 27,694 Roads and Neighbourhood 30,126 (3,911) 26,215 12,646 (8,004) 4,642 Housing and Employability 14,467 (9,190) 5,277 (1,272) (441) (1,713) Miscellaneous Services (2,560) (3,106) (5,666) 211,440 (124,699) 86,741 Health and Social Care Partnership 221,935 (126,125) 95,810 2,401 0 2,401 Requisitions 2,406 0 2,406 44,646 (49,303) (4,657) Housing Revenue Account 41,960 (53,019) (11,059) 528,247 (250,326) 277,921 Net Cost of Service 533,980 (242,324) 291,656 160 Other Operating Expenditure and (income) - (Gain) / loss on Disposal of non-current assets 1,999 29,646 Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure 8 44,287 (298,070) Taxation and Non-specific Grant Income 9 (312,167) 9,657 (Surplus)/Deficit on Provision of Services 25,775 (8,131) (Surplus)/Deficit arising from revaluation of non-current assets 11 (8,560) 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 (29,312) 34,477 Total Comprehensive (Income) and Expenditure (3,537) Page 156
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Page 33 Balance Sheet West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 1,187,073 Property, Plant and Equipment 11 1,279,408 942 Intangible Assets 12 1,256 1,773 Long Term Debtors 2,022 1,524 Heritage Assets 13 1,524 483 Long Term Investments 470 1,191,795 Long Term Assets 1,284,680 2,743 Asset Held for Sale 14 1,144 1,298 Inventories 1,167 73,977 Short Term Debtors 17 67,487 24,397 Cash and Cash Equivalents (net) 18 8,227 102,415 Current Assets 78,025 (64,367) Short Term Creditors 19 (62,349) (2,637) Provisions 20 (650) (3,590) PPP 15 (4,346) (314,331) Short Term Borrowing 21 (334,602) (384,925) Current Liabilities (401,947) (82,853) PPP and Finance Lease Liabilities 15 (78,508) (414,301) Long Term Borrowing 21 (469,167) (43,012) Net Pensions Liability 22 (37,416) (5,317) Capital Grants Receipts in Advance (8,328) (545,483) Long Term Liabilities (593,419) 363,802 Net Assets 367,339 Represented by: (16,747) Usable Reserves MIR/6 (13,316) (347,055) Unusable Reserves MIR/6 (354,023) (363,802) Total Reserves (367,339) The unaudited annual accounts were issued on 18 June 2025. Page 157
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Page 34 Movement in Reserves Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 (15,371) (969) (213) 0 0 (194) (16,747) (347,055) (363,802) Movement in Reserve 2024/25 Total Comprehensive Expenditure and Income 27,494 (1,719) 25,775 (29,312) (3,537) Adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis under regulations (Note 6) (22,928) 2,077 (1,493) (22,344) 22,344 0 Net (Increase)/Decrease before Transfers to Other Statutory Reserves 4,566 358 (1,493) 0 0 0 3,431 (6,968) (3,537) Transfers to/from other statutory reserves (1,658) 0 1,706 (48) 0 Closing Balance at 31 March 2025 (12,463) (611) 0 0 0 (242) (13,316) (354,023) (367,339) 2023/24 Balance at 31 March 2023 Carried Forward (31,542) (2,635) (72) 0 0 (262) (34,511) (363,766) (398,277) Adjustment to the statutory repayment of debt for service concession arrangements - permitted flexability* Opening Balance at 1 April 2023 (31,542) (2,635) (72) 0 0 (262) (34,511) (363,766) (398,277) Movement in Reserve 2023/24 Total Comprehensive Expenditure and Income 13,570 (3,913) 0 0 0 0 9,657 24,820 34,477 Adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis under regulations (Note 6) 5,610 5,579 (3,082) 0 0 0 8,107 (8,107) 0 Net (Increase)/Decrease before Transfers to Other Statutory Reserves 19,180 1,666 (3,082) 0 0 0 17,764 16,713 34,477 Transfers to/from other statutory reserves (3,009) 2,941 68 0 Increase/Decrease in Year 16,171 1,666 (141) 0 0 68 17,764 16,713 34,477 Closing Balance at 31 March 2024 (15,371) (969) (213) 0 0 (194) (16,747) (347,053) (363,800) Usable Reserves Page 158
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Page 35 Cashflow Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 9,657 Net deficit on the provision of services 25,775 (39,038) Depreciation, amortisation and impairment (36,253) (160) Net gain/loss on fixed assets (1,999) 5,329 Movement in pension liabilities (15,156) (39) Movement in inventories (131) 13,631 Movement in debtors (6,241) 12,466 Movement in creditors and provisions 4,005 0 Other non-cash movements (856) (7,811) Adjustments to net deficit on the provision of services for non-cash movements (56,631) (2,000) Financing movements (12) 35,796 Investing movements 21,249 33,796 Adjustments for items included in the net surplus/deficit on the provision of services that are investing and financing activities 21,237 35,642 Net cash (inflow)/outflow from Operating Activities (9,619) 87,221 Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 122,234 (2,911) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (1,493) 11 Movement on long term investments 0 (35,796) Other receipts from investing activities (21,249) 48,525 Net cash (inflow)/outflow from investing activities 99,492 (518,000) Cash receipts of short-term and long-term borrowing (457,744) 2,673 Repayment of PPP liabilities 3,590 409,314 Repayment of short-term and long-term borrowing 380,451 (106,013) Financing Activities (73,703) (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 Non-cash adj to FIAA 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Long term Borrowing 460,953 8,214 0 469,167 Short term Borrowing 267,598 67,034 (30) 334,602 PPP Liability 86,442 (3,590) 82,852 814,993 71,658 (30) 886,621 Page 159
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Page 36 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 1.3 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. 1.4 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 Page 160
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Page 37 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Fund by an adjustment within the Capital Adjustment Account in the Movement in Reserves Statement for the difference between the two. 1.5 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. 1.6 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. 1.6.1 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. 1.6.2 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. 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. Page 161
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Page 38 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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. 1.6.3 Revaluation Assets included in the Balance Sheet at current value are re-valued regularly (as a minimum every five years) to ensure their carrying amount is not materially different from the current value at the year end. 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 In addition to assets being revalued within the programme of revaluation assets, will be revalued in any given year if any of the following criteria are 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. • Where the historic cost of the building exceeds £2m and where any enhancement expenditure incurred since the last revaluation date exceeds 25% of the historic cost of the building. • 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. Valuations in 2024/25 have been carried out by an external valuer. Valuations of land and buildings are carried out in accordance with the methodologies and bases for estimation set out in the professional standards of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Increases in valuations are matched by credits to the Revaluation Reserve to recognise unrealised gains. Exceptionally, gains might be credited to the Surplus or Deficit on the Provision of Services where they arise from the reversal of an impairment loss previously charged to a service. Where decreases in value are identified, the revaluation loss is accounted 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. The Revaluation Reserve contains revaluation gains recognised since 1 April 2007, the date of its formal implementation. Gains arising before that date have been consolidated into the Capital Adjustment Account. Page 162
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Page 39 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 1.6.4 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. 1.6.5 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 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. 1.6.6 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 Page 163
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Page 40 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Where a material item of Property, Plant & Equipment asset has major components whose cost is significant in relation to the total cost of the item, the components are depreciated separately. Significant components are deemed to be those whose value is 25% or more of the total value of the asset. 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. 1.6.7 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 2024 which permits the council not to report gross cost and accumulated depreciation for Infrastructure assets. 1.7 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. 1.8 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. 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. Page 164
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Page 41 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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. 1.9 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. The Council has elected to apply 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 in exchange for consideration. 1.10 Employee Benefits 1.10.1 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. 1.9.2 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. 1.9.3 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 Page 165
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Page 42 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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: • 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. Page 166
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Page 43 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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. 1.9.4 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 1.9.5 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. 1.10 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. 1.11 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. 1.12 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. 1.13 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 Page 167
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Page 44 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 • 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. In previous years these assets, although still recorded as amortised costs, were classed as loans and receivables. 1.13.1 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. 1.13.2 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. 1.13.3 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 • 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. 1.14 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 Page 168
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Page 45 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 (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. 1.15 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. 1.16 Leases 1.16.1 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. 1.16.2 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. Page 169
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Page 46 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 1.17 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. 1.18 Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Similar Contracts PPP and similar contracts 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. 1.18.1 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. 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 Page 170
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Page 47 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 1.19 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. 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. 1.20 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. 1.21 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. 1.22 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, using an annuity of 9%. Page 171
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Page 48 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 assets used to provide services at the schools are recognised on the Council’s Balance Sheet as operational assets and as a finance lease liability. The value of these assets (£98.765m) is included within the Property, Plant and Equipment (Note 14) and the liability within note 15 - Private Finance Initiatives and similar Contracts (£87.449m). 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. 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 30). Most of these involve ongoing or prospective legal action meaning the outcome and potential amounts involved cannot be determined with any level of accuracy. Page 172
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Page 49 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 £898.688m. During 2024/25 the assets that were revalued are now held in the Balance Sheet to a total value of £44.482m. The impact for each 1% change in these valuations would be £0.445m 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. 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 173
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Page 50 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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: • 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 174
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Page 51 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 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 10,006 2,517 12,523 Citizens, Culture and Facilities 13,819 1,911 15,730 Education, Learning and Attainment 127,598 7,980 135,578 Roads and Neighbourhood 18,053 8,162 26,216 Housing and Employability 3,289 1,988 5,277 Miscellaneous Services (3,838) (1,828) (5,666) 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 242,334 49,322 291,656 (Gain)/Loss on disposal of non-current assets 0 1,999 1,999 Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure (Note 8) 63,189 (18,902) 44,287 Taxation and Non-specific Grant Income (Note 9) (323,734) 11,567 (312,167) (Surplus) or Deficit on the Provision of Services (18,211) 43,986 25,775 Opening General Fund and HRA Balance at 1 April 2024 (16,340) Surplus/(Deficit) on HRA in the year 358 Surplus/(Deficit) on General Fund in the year 4,566 transfer (to)/from other Statutory Reserves (1,658) Closing General Fund and HRA balance at 31 March 2025 (13,074) 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 5,015 2,745 220 7,980 Roads and Neighbourhood 6,662 1,500 0 8,162 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 36,254 12,779 289 49,322 Other operating expenditure 1,999 0 0 1,999 Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure (21,249) 2,377 (30) (18,902) Taxation and Non-specific Grant Income 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 28,571 15,156 259 43,986 Page 175
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Page 52 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 1,068 3,138 Regulatory and Regeneration 3,189 4,429 7,618 People & Technology 10,517 1,637 12,154 Citizens, Culture and Facilities 14,053 424 14,477 Education, Learning and Attainment 115,259 10,167 125,426 Roads and Neighbourhood 20,705 6,989 27,694 Housing and Employability 4,478 164 4,642 Miscellaneous Services (325) (1,388) (1,713) Health and Social Care Partnership 85,125 1,616 86,741 Requisitions 2,401 0 2,401 Housing Revenue Account (18,549) 13,892 (4,657) Net Cost of Service 238,923 38,998 277,921 (Gain)/Loss on disposal of non-current assets 0 160 160 Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure (Note x) 39,033 (9,387) 29,646 Taxation and Non-specific Grant Income (Note x) (257,109) (40,961) (298,070) (Surplus) or Deficit on the Provision of Services 20,847 (11,190) 9,657 Opening General Fund and HRA Balance at 1 April 2023 (34,177) Surplus/(Deficit) on HRA in the year 1,666 Surplus/(Deficit) on General Fund in the year 19,180 Surplus/(Deficit) on General Fund and HRA in the year (3,009) Closing General Fund balance at 31 March 2024 (16,340) 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 1,004 64 0 1,068 Regulatory and Regeneration 4,387 42 0 4,429 People & Technology 1,599 38 0 1,637 Citizens, Culture and Facilities 324 100 0 424 Education, Learning and Attainment 9,775 220 172 10,167 Roads and Neighbourhood 6,864 125 0 6,989 Housing and Employability 0 164 0 164 Miscellaneous Services 0 (1,368) (20) (1,388) Health and Social Care Partnership 1,244 360 12 1,616 Requisitions 0 0 0 0 Housing Revenue Account 13,840 52 0 13,892 Net Cost of Services 39,037 (203) 164 38,998 Other operating expenditure 160 0 0 160 Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure (9,387) 0 0 (9,387) Taxation and Non-specific Grant Income (35,796) (5,126) (39) (40,961) Differnece between general Fund (Surplus)/Deficit and Comprehensive Income & Expenditure Statemet (Surplus)/Deficit on the Provision of Service (5,986) (5,329) 125 (11,190) Page 176
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Page 53 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 242,313 248,741 Other Service Expenses 254,354 39,037 Depreciation, Amortisation, Impairment 36,253 29,277 Interest payments 44,297 2,401 Precepts and levies 2,406 160 (Gain) or Loss on Disposal of Assets 1,999 559,237 Total Expenditure 581,623 Income (549,580) (250,325) Fees, charges and Other Service Income (200,623) (40,798) Income from Council Tax (41,701) (93,396) income from Non-domestic rates (129,182) (1,185) Interest and Investment Income (1,356) (163,876) Government grants and Contributions (182,985) (549,580) Total Income (555,848) 9,657 (Surplus)/Deficit on the Provision of Service 25,775 Page 177
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Page 54 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 36. 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 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 -21264 -14836 0 0 (36,100) 36,100 0 0 0 0 36,100 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 (1,999) 0 (1,493) 0 (3,492) 3,492 0 0 0 0 3,492 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 14,877 (14,310) 0 0 0 (567) (14,877) Statutory Repayment of Debt - PPP Finance - 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 330 330 (330) (330) Adjustment between CAA and Revaluation Reserve for depreciation that is related to the revaluation balance rather than Historic Cost. 0 0 0 0 0 (2,051) 2,051 0 0 0 0 Amounts by which finance costs charged to the CIEs are different from finnace 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 (22,928) 2,077 (1,493) 0 (22,345) 5,446 2,051 15,156 289 (597) 22,345 Page 178
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Page 55 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 (25,092) -13834 (38,926) 38,926 38,926 Amortisation of intangible assets (106) (6) (112) 112 112 Capital Grants and Contributions applied 24,252 11,544 35,796 (35,796) (35,796) Capital expenditure charged in year to revenue balances (77) 0 (77) 77 77 Disposal of Fixed Assets (160) (3,082) (3,242) 3,242 3,242 Capital expenditure charged to revenue (CFCR) 0 0 0 Statutory Repayment of Debt - Loans Fund Advances 4,363 7933 12,296 (11,684) (612) (12,296) Statutory Repayment of Debt - PPP Finance - service concession adjusment -3139 (3,139) 3,139 3,139 Adjustment to the statutory repayment of debt for service concession arrangements - permitted flexability 307 307 (307) (307) Amounts by which finance costs charged to the CIEs are different from finnace costs chargeable in the year in accordance with statutory requirements 33 6 39 (39) (39) Pension Costs (transferred to (or from) the Pensions Reserve 5,381 (52) 5,329 (5,329) (5,329) 0 0 Amount by which employees’ remuneration charged to the CIES on an accrual basis is different from remuneration chargeable in the year (152) (12) 0 (164) 164 164 Total Statutory Adjustments 5,610 5,579 (3,082) 0 8,107 (2,291) 0 (5,329) 164 (651) (8,107) Page 179
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Page 56 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 (1,662) (3,950) 3,350 (3,077) 479 752 Cost of Living 1,839 (341) 0 1,498 (684) 0 814 Smoothing Fund for 2 year Service Transformation Project 3,000 (609) 0 2,391 (788) 0 1,603 SPFO in year reduction in employer pension contributions 0 0 0 0 (5,332) 10,489 5,157 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 (12,375) (3,325) 9,115 (10,852) 11,851 10,114 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 (358) 0 611 Total: Earmarked Reserves - Housing Revenue Account 2,635 (1,666) 0 969 (358) 611 Capital Grants and receipts unapplied 72 (30) 171 213 (1,706) 1,493 0 Other Reserves 262 (68) 0 194 0 48 242 Non-earmarked balance 5,494 (5,494) 6,256 6,256 (3,907) 0 2,349 TOTAL RESERVES 33,278 (19,633) 3,102 16,747 (16,823) 13,392 13,316 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 26,208 Other Interest Payable and Similar Charges 33,772 (1,185) Interest and Investment Income (1,356) 1,553 Impairment Loss- Debtors 1,346 (5,127) Net Pension Interest Expense 2,377 29,646 Total 44,287 Page 180
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Page 57 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 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 2834 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 204 257,272 Total 270,466 Page 181
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Page 58 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 0 Young Person's Guarantee 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 0 Pappert New Builds 0 0 Willox Park 0 8 Bank Street 0 107 Queen Mary Avenue 107 449 Grants under £0.100m 486 5,317 8,328 Page 182
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Page 59 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 611,282 476,353 40,890 38,259 11,019 5,751 54,774 1,238,329 180,280 Additions 37,705 9,646 0 4,430 850 0 64,804 117,434 4,410 Disposals (1,333) (267) (2,605) 0 (124) 0 (4,329) 0 Revaluation adjustments to Revaluation Reserve 6,909 0 0 0 0 0 6,909 0 Revaluation adjustments to CIES (1,793) 0 0 0 0 0 (1,793) 0 Assets reclassified to/from Assets under Construction 7,860 0 0 1,047 0 (9,281) (374) 296 Other reclassification of assets (648) 0 0 0 392 0 (256) 0 As at 31 March 2025 648,987 496,995 40,623 40,084 12,916 6,019 110,297 1,355,921 184,986 Depreciation/Impairment at 1 April 2024 (107,409) (31,905) (895) (19,798) (4,241) 0 0 (164,248) (67,289) Depreciation charge (14,328) (8,057) (387) (3,871) (822) 0 0 (27,465) (8,463) Depreciation on Disposals 78 4 2,605 0 0 0 2,687 0 Depreciation written out to the Revaluation Reserve 1,685 0 0 0 0 0 1,685 0 Revaluation written out to the CIES 1,647 0 0 0 0 0 1,647 0 Impairment losses/(reversal) to the Revaluation Reserve (32) 0 0 0 0 0 (32) 0 Impairment losses/(reversal) to the CIES (25) 0 0 0 0 0 (25) 0 Other movements in depreciation and impairment 20 0 0 0 (14) 0 6 0 As At 31 March 2025 (121,737) (36,590) (1,277) (21,064) (5,063) (14) 0 (185,745) (75,752) Net Book Value at 31 March 2024 503,874 444,448 39,995 18,461 6,778 5,751 54,774 1,074,080 112,991 Net Book Value at 31 March 2025 527,250 460,405 39,345 19,020 7,853 6,005 110,296 1,170,174 109,234 1,074,081 Page 183
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Page 60 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 573,357 458,618 41,193 35,272 10,295 5,590 39,462 1,163,787 171,076 Additions 37,925 7,900 2,987 724 28,139 77,676 9,204 Disposals (41) (303) (225) (569) Revaluation adjustments to Revaluation Reserve (5,567) 386 (5,181) Revaluation adjustments to CIES 2,616 2,616 Assets reclassified to/from Held for Sale 12,827 (12,827) 0 Adjustments - assets at nil NBV 0 Other reclassification of assets 0 As at 31 March 2024 611,282 476,353 40,890 38,259 11,019 5,751 54,774 1,238,329 180,280 Depreciation/Impairment at 1 April 2023 (94,015) (30,413) (516) (16,165) (3,426) 0 0 (144,535) (58,776) Depreciation charge (13,394) (10,230) (379) (3,633) (815) (28,451) (8,512) Depreciation on Disposals 0 0 0 Depreciation written out to the Revaluation Reserve 2,487 2,487 Revaluation written out to the CIES 6,251 6,251 Impairment losses/(reversal) to the Revaluation Reserve 0 Impairment losses/(reversal) to the CIES 0 Other movements in depreciation and impairment 0 As At 31 March 2024 (107,409) (31,905) (895) (19,798) (4,241) 0 0 (164,248) (67,288) Net Book Value at 31 March 2023 479,342 428,205 40,677 19,107 6,869 5,590 39,462 1,019,252 112,299 Net Book Value at 31 March 2024 503,873 444,448 39,995 18,461 6,778 5,751 54,774 1,074,080 112,992 *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 2024 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 2024 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 184
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Page 61 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 £47.837m and housing projects of £10.852m. 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 £3.531m and £0.435m respectively. The major commitments are: General Services £'000 Exxon Road - Construction of new relief road 34,000 Artizan Centre Redevelopment 4,563 Faifley Campus 4,318 Strathleven Place (Glencairn House) 1,540 Gruggies Burn 1,000 Salt Barn 400 Our Lady’s & St Patrick’s Changing Facility 341 ICT Swan2 339 Kilbowie & Christie Park PS Pitches 300 East End Football Pitch 259 Pappert MUGA 144 Play Parks 130 Mitchell Way design & development consultancy support 114 HRA £'000 Bank Street New Build Housing 5,391 Willox Park New Build Housing 3,331 Pappert 1,477 Clydebank East New-Build Housing 561 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 £122.234m. 2023-24 2024-25 £'000 £'000 742,283 Opening Capital Financing Requirement 787,076 Capital Investment 86,880 Property, Plant and Equipment 121,844 332 Intangibles 390 0 Asset held for sale 0 7 Heritage Assets 0 87,219 Total Capital Investment 122,234 Sources of Finance 3,082 Receipts from Sale of Assets 1,493 2,832 Sevice Concession - statutory adjustment 3,590 (35,796) Government Grants and other Contributions (21,249) (171) Transfer to Capital Fund/ Capital Receipts Fund 0 (77) Revenue Contributions (51) (12,296) Loan Fund Principal Repayments (14,877) (42,426) Total Capital Financing (31,094) 787,076 Closing Capital Financing Requirement 878,215 Movements in the year 44,793 Increase in Underlying Need to Borrow 91,139 Increase/(Reduction) in PPP finance lease creditor 44,793 Movement in Capital Financing Requirement 91,139 Page 185
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Page 62 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 186
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Page 63 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 252 0 Property, Plant and Equipment - Impairment 0 0 Revaluation Gains 0 (2,674) Disposals (1,851) 0 Assets declassified as held for sale* 0 2,743 As at 31 March 1,144 Page 187
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Page 64 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Note 15 Private Finance Initiatives and Similar Contracts 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 2024 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 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 five elements: • fair value of the services received during the year, • finance cost – an interest charge on the outstanding Balance Sheet liability, • contingent rent – increases in the amount to be paid for the property arising during contract, • 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. Payments remaining to be made under the PPP and DBFM contracts at 31 March 2025 (excluding any estimation of inflation and availability/performance deductions) are as follows: Page 188
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Page 65 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Repayment of Liability Interest Charges Operating Costs Lifecycle Replacement Total Unitary Payment £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 less than 1 year 4,346 4,263 6,041 1,898 16,548 2-5 years 17,060 21,592 21,096 8,352 68,100 6-10 years 26,450 31,308 19,135 12,728 89,621 11-15 years 31,327 30,506 7,436 13,222 82,491 16-20 years 3,670 1928 456 1,242 7,296 PPP Contractual Liability as at 31 March 2025 82,853 89,597 54,164 37,442 264,056 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 (2,673) Repayments (3,590) 86,443 School finance Lease Liability as at 31 March 82,853 Split: 3,590 Obligation payable within 1 year 4,346 82,853 Obligation payable after 1 year 78,508 86,443 School finance Lease Liability as at 31 March 82,853 Note 16 Leases 16.1 Right of Use Assets - 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. A weighted average incremental borrowing rate of 4.33% has been applied to 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. Page 189
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Page 66 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 The Council has decided to apply recognition exemptions to short-term leases and has elected not to recognise 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. 2024/25 £'000 Opening Balance as at 1 April 2024 Additions in Year 2,678 Principal repaid in year (257) derecognition Value as at 31 March 2025 2,421 Analysed by: £'000 Current 252 Non-Current 2,168 Lease Liabilities £'000 within one year 213 Between 2 and 5 years 847 Over 5 years 866 Total Liabilities 1,926 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 low value (below £10,000 assets) and leases that have less than 12 months to run. 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 800 Not later than one year 367 1,471 Later than one year and not later than five years 52 1,391 Later than five years 10 3,661 429 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 £0.950m). 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. Page 190
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Page 67 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 The future minimum lease payment due under non-cancellable leases in future years are: 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 3,718 Not later than one year 3,023 10,446 Later than one year and not later than five years 10,773 124,873 Later than five years 128,857 139,037 142,654 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. In 2024/25, £2.757m contingent rents were receivable by the Council (2023/24 £2.819m). Note 17 Debtors £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 16,529 Central Government Bodies 8,277 1,394 Scottish Government (including NHS bodies) 4,254 3,332 Other Local Authorities 856 8 Other Entities and Individuals 8 53,740 Council Tax receivable 66,323 (27,862) Impairment allowance for doubtful debt (39,126) 25,878 Council Tax (net of impairment) 27,198 26,836 Trade Debtors Impairment allowance for doubtful debt 26,836 Other Debtors 26,895 73,977 Total Debtors 67,487 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 Note 18 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 and other local authorities. 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. 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 £'000 691 Bank current Accounts in balance 903 (5,469) Current Accounts in overdraft (6,624) (4,778) (5,721) Page 191
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Page 68 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Note 19 Creditors 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 8,701 Central government bodies 6,026 17,036 Other local authorities 20,614 4,958 Scottish Government including NHS Bodies 1,681 Trade Creditors 33,672 Other Entities and individuals 34,028 64,367 62,349 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 925 650 0 1,575 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 2,371 650 16 3,037 Contributions in year 0 0 (16) (16) Amounts utilised in year (2,051) 0 0 (2,051) 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 due from West Dunbartonshire Council to Glasgow City Council. Compensation Payments – Voluntary Severance/Early Retirement (VS/ER) cost: This provision has been released unutilised and added to the ear-marked reserve for future voluntary severance/voluntary redundancy costs. Page 192
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Page 69 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Note 21 Financial Instruments Categories of financial Instrument Long Term Current Long Term Current £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Debtors 1,774 49,395 Financial assets at amortised cost 2,021 67,487 Borrowing 460,953 273,907 Financial liabilities at amortised cost 469,167 334,602 Other long term liabilities 84,560 2,890 PPP and finance leases 78,508 4,346 Creditors - 64,298 Financial liabilities at contract amount 0 62,349 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 2024 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 3) – These are not the liability of the Council as the debt is held by the PFI/lease provider. Fair value has been calculated at level 3 on a simple proxy basis. The same NPV methodology has been applied as for PWLB and non-PWLB debt. 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. Creditors • 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 193
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Page 70 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Debtors 51,169 51,169 Financial Assets at Amortised Cost1 69,509 69,509 Cash and Cash Equivalents - - Cash and Cash Equivalents 0 0 Creditors 64,298 64,298 Financial liabilities at contract amount1 62,349 62,349 Borrowing 734,748 650,392 Financial liabilities2 803,769 677,918 Other Long Term Liabilities 84,560 109,315 PPP and Finance Lease Liabilities2 82,853 82,853 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 higher than the carrying amount because the Council’s portfolio of loans includes a number of fixed rate loans where the interest rate payable is higher 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: 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 0 0 0 Lease Liability - IFRS 16 252 0 252 1,256 0 1,256 Other 1,257 0 1,257 304,408 9,923 314,331 Short Term Loans 322,868 11,735 334,603 347,492 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 0 0 0 Lease Liability - IFRS 16 1,927 0 1,927 147 0 147 Other 152 0 152 413,058 1,243 414,301 Long Term Loans 467,911 1,256 469,167 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 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 0 Interest payable and similar charges 0 (26,467) (26,467) Interest/expense* 0 (40,756) (40,756) 0 151 151 (Gain)/Loss on de-recognition 0 5 5 1,185 (26,316) (25,131) Net (Gain)/loss in year 1,356 (40,751) (39,395) 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 * Interest/Expense has been calculated on an EIR basis where appropriate for market instruments. Page 194
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Page 71 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 – he 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 195
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Page 72 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 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 2025 Historical experience of non- payment adjusted for market conditions at 31 March 2025 Estimated maximum exposure to default and uncollectibility £'000 % £'000 Customers and other income 70,090 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 £10.971m is past its due date for payment (2023/24: £15.431m). The past due amount can be analysed by age as follows: Total £'000 Less than three months 3,883 Three to six months 1,067 Six months to one year 1,844 More than one year 9,052 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 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. Page 196
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Page 73 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 Council has safeguards in place to ensure that a significant proportion of its borrowing does not mature for repayment at any one time in the future to reduce the financial impact of re-borrowing at a time of unfavourable interest rates. No more than 50% of borrowings are due to mature within any financial year or within any rolling five-year period. The maturity analysis of financial liabilities is as follows: Creditors PPP Borrowing Total £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Less than one year 62,349 4,346 334,602 401,297 Between one and two years 9,431 5,000 14,431 Between two and five years 17,038 223,008 240,046 More than five years 52,038 241,159 293,197 62,349 82,853 803,769 948,971 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: Page 197
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Page 74 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 £'000 % Fixed Interest Debt 803,769 99.2 Variable Interest Debt 6,625 0.8 810,395 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 interest receivable on variable rate investments 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) 7,594 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. Page 198
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Page 75 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 employer contribution rate for 2024/25 was 6.5%, and 2025/26 is set at 6.5%. In 2024/25, the Council paid an employer’s contribution of £8.747m (2023/24 £24.361m). 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 23% which is effective from 1 September 2019 and 2025/26 is set for 26%. 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 (2022/23 £11.708m) and in respect of expenditure for teachers added years, £0.056xxm 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. As a proportion of the total contributions into the Scottish Teachers Superannuation Scheme 2024/15, the Council’s own contribution equates to 1.xx%. The Council is not liable to the scheme for any other entities obligations under the plan. 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 grants. Page 199
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Page 76 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 The following transactions have been made in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Account and Movement in Reserves Statement during the year 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 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) (253,855) Change in the effect of the asset ceiling 2022-23 0 345,336 Change in the effect of the asset ceiling 2023-24 0 Change in the effect of the asset ceiling 2024-25 (361,912) Change in the effect of the asset ceiling 2024-25 463,737 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) Reversal of gross charges made to surplus or deficit for post employment benefits (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) 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 (833,026) Present value of defined benefit obligations (698,412) (302,324) 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 (43,012) Net pension asset/(liability) (37,416) Page 200
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Page 77 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 lower than assumed investment returns offset by an increase in the discount rate. 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: £'000 % Active Members 336,705 47.1% Deferred Members 66,952 9.4% Pensioner Members 294,755 39.4% Pre-Local Government Re-organisation Members 29,683 4.1% 728,095 100% The movement during the year on the defined obligation is noted as: Page 201
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Page 78 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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: 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 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. Page 202
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Page 79 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 2.95% Pension increase rate 2.80% 3.65% Salary Increase rate 3.50% 4.75% 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. 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 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. Page 203
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Page 80 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 £1.707m for 45 employees and in 2023/24 was £1.901m for 65 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 from the loans fund one-off reprofiling gain. 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 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 15,371 General Services (12,463) 969 Housing Revenue Account (611) 213 Capital Grants and Receipts Unapplied 0 194 Other Reserves (242) 16,747 Total Usable Reserves (13,316) Page 204
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Page 81 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 Receipts Reserves: Capital receipts from asset sales are retained within this Reserve and used to fund planned capital expenditure. Capital Grant and Reserves Unapplied Reserve: Grants and other contributions given to the Council are retained within this Reserve until all conditions agreed by the grant provider are satisfied. This Reserve is also used to fund transformational projects from capital receipts. 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: 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 221,892 (33,641) Depreciation (34,435) (5,397) Impairment (1,818) 0 Increase in Depreciation Caused by Revaluation 2,051 (2,832) Service concession adjustment (3,260) (3,242) Disposal of Fixed Assets (3,492) 35,796 Government Grants Applied 21,249 (77) Capital Financed by Current Revenue (51) 11,684 Long Term Debt Payment 14,310 0 To/from other statutory reserves 0 221,892 Closing Balance 216,446 Page 205
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Page 82 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 (12) Unrealised Gains on Revaluation of Assets 10,541 0 Impairments and Losses on Revaluation of Assets (1,978) 0 Write off revaluation Balance (Disposal) (2,051) 8,143 Depreciation due to Revaluation of Assets 0 183,856 Closing Balance 190,368 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) (19,032) Actuarial (Loss)/Gain (23,903) 24,361 Employer Contributions 8,747 (32,951) Reversal of IAS19 Entries 20,752 (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) Page 206
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Page 83 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 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-seven years. 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 (11,797) Opening Balance (11,146) 612 Annual Write off of Premiums and Discounts 567 0 New Premiums and Discounts 0 39 Annual EIR Adjustment to Stepped Interest Instruments 30 (11,146) 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 57. 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 207
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Page 84 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 0 0 0 0 Clydebank Property Company (288) 0 0 288 0 0 0 0 West Dunbartonshire Energy LLP 0 537 0 1,754 0 0 0 0 Associates and Joint Ventures Dumbartonshire and Argyll and Bute Valuation Joint Board (123) 779 669 0 (142) 781 669 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 2,259 0 0 0 2,366 0 0 Strathclyde Concessionary travel Scheme Joint Board 0 166 0 0 0 165 0 0 Strathclyde Pension fund 0 29,451 105 0 0 16,081 (1,166) 0 Clydebank Municipal Bank (6) 0 0 (6) (5) 0 12 (5) 2023-2024 2024-2025 *Further details of these entities are disclosed in the group Accounts Note 30 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 £87.869 million to the Non-Domestic Rates pool (2023-24: £83.970 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 £0.815 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 208
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Page 85 Notes to the Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 Auditors 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 External Auditors 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. 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 209
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Page 86 Housing Revenue Account West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 (969) (3,914) Total Comprehensive Income and Expenditure (2,035) (52) Pension Scheme Adjustments (744) 6 Financial Instruments Adjustment 2 (12) Holiday Pay Adjustment 3 (2,296) Reversal of entries included in the Surplus/Deficit on the Provision of Services in relation to capital expenditure (6,948) (2,354) 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) 9,764 0 CFCR 0 7,933 Adjustments between Revenue and Capital Resources 9,764 5,579 Total Statutory Adjustments 2,077 0 Transfers (to)/from Other Statutory Reserves 0 1,666 (Increase)/Decrease in Year 358 (969) 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 (46,789) Dwelling Rents (net of voids) (50,168) (154) Other Rents (158) (2,447) Other Income (2,642) (49,390) (52,968) Expenditure 15,788 Repairs and Maintenance 12,227 14,747 Supervision and Management 14,606 13,833 Depreciation and Impairment 14,862 358 Other Expenditure 214 44,726 41,909 (4,664) 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) 0 Gain or Loss on the Sale of HRA Non Current Assets 0 11,483 Interest Payable and Similar Charges 15,504 1,004 Amortisation of Premiums and Discounts 1,174 (199) Impairment Loss - Debtors 260 HRA Interest and Investment Income 743 9,024 (3,921) (Surplus)/Deficit for the year on HRA Services (2,035) Page 210
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Page 87 Housing Revenue Account West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 (10,445 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 93.39 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 2 102.27 Nine-apartment 2 109.12 10,445 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 (£1.165m 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 211
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Page 88 Council Tax Income Account West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 4,289 141 3,661 8,276 240/360 5,517 Band B 16,940 580 45 8,307 140 5,840 17,888 280/360 13,913 Band C 7,854 199 (13) 3,174 37 1,859 8,058 320/360 7,163 Band D 6,259 152 2 2,136 27 706 6,032 360/360 6,032 Band E 4,908 67 14 1,173 18 248 4,641 473/360 6,098 Band F 1,806 13 (42) 290 7 49 1,738 585/360 2,824 Band G 847 9 (12) 112 3 24 811 705/360 1,588 Band H 70 1 (11) 6 6 2 65 882/360 160 Band X 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0/360 0 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 212
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Page 89 Non-Domestic Rate Income Account West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 95,539 Gross rates levied 100,028 Less: (9,621) Reliefs and other deductions (10,004) (954) Provision for bad and doubtful debts (1,000) 84,964 Net non-domestic rate income 89,024 (942) Adjustments for prior years (3,848) (53) Adjustments for prior years - bad debt (657) 83,969 Total Non Domestic Rate Income (before retention) 84,519 0 Non Domestic Rate Income Retained by the Council (BRIS) 0 83,969 Contribution to National Non Domestic Rate Pool 84,519 93,396 Distribution from National Non Domestic Rate Pool 87,481 (9,427) 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 213
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Page 90 Common Good Fund West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 Investment properties 3,854 Current Assets 568 Investments – West Dunbartonshire Council 38 (5) Debtors 355 Current Liabilities (2) Creditors falling due within one year (25) 4,415 Total assets 4,222 Funds 561 Capital Adjustment Account 368 3,854 General Fund 3,854 4,415 Total Funds 4,222 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 214
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Page 91 Trust Funds West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 ReceiptsPayments 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 1 6 7 0 To encourage and support one-off community activities in Clydebank 0 0 0 Dr A K Glen Fund 0 0 0 0 Provide outings for Pensioners resident in Dumbarton (1) 0 (1) UIE Award (1) 0 (1) For students studying apprenticeships or training in industry (16) 0 (16) Total (6) 12 6 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) Dr A K Glen Fund 0 0 0 UIE Award (26) (1) (27) Total (268) 2 (266) Page 215
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Page 92 Group Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 Note £'000 £'000 £'000 Service 42,717 (40,042) 2,675 Resources 43,286 (44,946) (1,660) 5,334 (2,116) 3,218 Regulatory and Regeneration 9,848 (2,227) 7,621 12,306 (180) 12,126 People & Technology 12,328 (196) 12,132 15,161 (611) 14,550 Citizens, Culture and Facilities 15,176 (698) 14,478 149,835 (21,486) 128,349 Education, Learning and Attainment 149,724 (21,887) 127,837 30,761 (3,155) 27,606 Roads and Neighbourhood 31,058 (3,157) 27,901 12,632 (8,004) 4,628 Housing and Employability 12,646 (8,004) 4,642 (1,275) (391) (1,666) Miscellaneous Services (1,651) (441) (2,092) 211,473 (124,699) 86,774 Health and Social Care Partnership 211,515 (124,778) 86,737 2,401 0 2,401 Requisitions 2,401 0 2,401 44,646 (49,300) (4,654) Housing Revenue Account 43,703 (49,416) (5,713) 11706 (5,424) 6,282 Subsidiaries 10,671 (4,538) 6,133 537,697 (255,408) 282,289 Net Cost of Service 540,705 (260,288) 280,417 160 Other Operating Expenditure and (income) - (Gain) / loss on Disposal of non-current assets 306 29,662 Financing and Investment (Income) and Expenditure (Note 5) 30,125 (298,070) Taxation and Non-specific Grant Income (Note 6) (298,070) 14,041 (Surplus)/Deficit on Provision of Services 12,778 3,764 Share of other Comprehensive Income and Expenditure of Associates and joint Ventures (9,113) (13,088) (Surplus)/Deficit arising from revaluation of non-current assets (12,936) 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 32,951 23,627 Other Comprehensive (Income) and Expenditure 10,902 37,668 Total Comprehensive (Income) and Expenditure 23,680 Page 216
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Page 93 Group Balance Sheet West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 20 Other Reserves page 80 provides a further explanation). 31 March 2024 31 March 2025 £000 Note £000 1,189,092 Property, Plant and Equipment 16 1,179,740 7,119 Investment Properties 7,199 952 Intangible Assets 17 952 2,046 Long Term Debtors 2,047 1,524 Heritage Assets 19 1,524 210 Long Term Investments 210 9,704 Investment in Associates & Joint Ventures 9,651 1,210,647 Long Term Assets 1,201,323 2,743 Asset Held for Sale 18 2,743 1,330 Inventories 1,330 74,590 Short Term Debtors 23 74,528 27,321 Cash and Cash Equivalents (net) 26 27,320 105,984 Current Assets 105,921 (65,027) Short Term Creditors 28 (64,910) (2,637) Provisions (2,237) (3,590) PPP 22 (2,890) (266,429) Short Term Borrowing 27 (266,347) (337,683) Current Liabilities (336,384) (82,853) PPP and Finance Lease Liabilities 22 (84,560) (461,006) Long Term Borrowing 27 (460,952) (43,012) Net Pensions Liability 13 (43,012) (5,317) Capital Grants Receipts in Advance 10 (5,317) (2,544) Liabilities in associates (2,719) (594,732) Long Term Liabilities (596,560) 384,216 Net Assets 374,300 Represented by: (28,067) Usable Reserves MIR/30 (30,900) (356,149) Unusable Reserves MIR/31 (343,400) (384,216) Total Reserves (374,300) Page 217
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Page 94 Group Movement in Reserves Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 Fund Capital Reserve Capital Grants and Receipts Unapplied Account Other Reserves Total Usable Reserves Share of Subsidiarie s, Associates & Joint Ventures Usable Group usable reserves Unusable Reserves Share of Subsidiarie s, Associates & Joint Ventures Unusable Group Unusable Resrves Total Reserves £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 2024/25 Balance at 31 March 2024 Carried Forward (12,932) (700) 702 758 (3,154) (56) (15,382) (12,553) (27,935) (349,845) (6,437) (356,282) (384,217) Movement in Reserve 2024/35 Total Comprehensive Expenditure and Income 16,422 (3,920) 0 0 0 12,502 4,058 16,560 20,015 0 20,015 36,575 Adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis under regulations (Note 6) 2,824 5,586 0 (3,082) 0 5,328 0 5,328 (5,328) (279) (5,607) (279) Net (Increase)/Decrease before Transfers to Other Statutory Reserves 19,246 1,666 0 0 (3,082) 0 17,830 4,058 21,888 14,687 (279) 14,408 36,296 Transfers to/from other statutory reserves (3,009) 2,941 68 47 1 48 Closing Balance at 31 March 2025 3,305 966 702 758 (3,295) 12 2,448 (8,448) (6,047) (335,158) (6,715) (341,874) (347,873) 2023/24 Balance at 31 March 2023 Carried Forward (30,309) (2,635) 0 0 (72) (262) (33,278) (17,377) (50,655) (364,999) (6,230) (371,229) (421,884) Adjustment to the statutory repayment of debt for service concession arrangements - permitted flexability* 0 0 0 0 0 0 Opening Balance at 1 April 2023 (30,309) (2,635) 0 0 (72) (262) (33,278) (17,377) (50,655) (364,999) (6,230) (371,229) (421,884) Movement in Reserve 2023/24 Total Comprehensive Expenditure and Income 16,955 (3,920) 0 0 0 13,035 4,719 17,754 20,015 0 20,015 37,769 Adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis under regulations (Note 6) 2,357 5,586 0 (3,082) 0 4,861 105 4,966 (4,861) (207) (5,068) (102) Net (Increase)/Decrease before Transfers to Other Statutory Reserves 19,312 1,666 0 0 (3,082) 0 17,896 4,824 22,720 15,154 (207) 14,947 37,667 Transfers to/from other statutory reserves (1,935) 269 702 758 0 206 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Closing Balance at 31 March 2024 (12,932) (700) 702 758 (3,154) (56) (15,382) (12,553) (27,935) (349,845) (6,437) (356,282) (384,217) (15,382) Council Usable Reserves * See Accounting policy 21 and Note 22 of the financial statements for more information on the Service Concession Arrangement (SCA) flexibility Page 218
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Page 95 Group Cash Flow Statement West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 14,041 Net deficit on the provision of services 18,077 (39,038) Depreciation, amortisation and impairment (42,138) (160) Net gain/loss on fixed assets (306) 5,329 Movement in pension liabilities 5,329 (39) Movement in inventories (39) 10,322 Movement in debtors 9,320 12,378 Movement in creditors and provisions 12,378 0 Other non-cash movements 0 (11,208) Adjustments to net deficit on the provision of services for non- cash movements (15,456) (2,000) Financing movements (11,170) 35,796 Investing movements 35,796 33,796 Adjustments for items included in the net surplus/deficit on the provision of services that are investing and financing activities 24,626 36,629 Net cash inflow from Operating Activities 27,247 89,723 Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 89,723 (2,911) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 3,084 11 Movement on long term investments 11 (35,796) Other receipts from investing activities (35,796) 192 Group Investment Transactions 192 51,219 Net cash outflows from investing activities 57,214 (518,000) Cash receipts of short-term and long-term borrowing (518,000) 2,673 Repayment of PPP liabilities 2,672 409,314 Repayment of short-term and long-term borrowing 409,328 (106,013) Financing Activities (106,000) (18,165) Net cash (inflow)/outflow from financing activities (21,539) 5,781 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 5,781 27,320 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 27,320 (21,539) Movement – (Increase)/ Decrease in Cash (21,539) Reconciliation of Liabilities arising from Financing Activities 31 March 2024 Financing Cash flows Non-cash adj to FIAA 31 March 2025 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Long term Borrowing 460,952 Short term Borrowing 319,980 PPP Liability 89,115 870,047 - 0 - Page 219
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Page 96 Notes to the Group’s Principal Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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.xxxm (2023/24 £0.796m) or 28.03% of the Board’s estimated running costs and its share of the year end net asset of £0.xxxm (2022/23 £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 £xx.xxxm (2022/23 £84.995m) towards estimated running costs and its share of the year end net asset of £x.xxxm (2022/23 £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 Surplus/ (Deficit) on Operating Activities 0 Non Current Assets 0 Current Assets 0 Non Current Liabilities 0 Current Liabilities 0 2023/24 Surplus/ (Deficit) on Operating Activities 59 (3,764) (3,705) 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 £x.xxxm (2022/23 £2.628m net asset) and its surplus for the year was £0.xxxm (2022/23 £0.573m). The accounts of the Trust are published separately and can be obtained from the Manager, Leisure Trust Headquarters, Alexandria CE Centre, Alexandria, G83 0NU which is also the company’s principal place of business. Page 220
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Page 97 Notes to the Group’s Principal Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 £3.128m (2022/23 £3.215m) and its surplus for the year before payment of a dividend was £0.000m (2022/23 £0.371m). 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. Following its first year of inception, the Company has a net liability at 31 March 2025 of £x.xxxm (2022/23: £1.059m) funded as working capital advance from the Council. Its deficit for the year was £0.xxxm (2022/23: £0.378m). 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 2023/24 was £0.0xxm (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. The net increase in funds of £0.005m (2022/23: net decrease 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 0 Non Current Assets 0 Current Assets 0 Non Current Liabilities 0 Current Liabilities 0 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 221
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Page 98 Notes to the Group’s Principal Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 2023/24, the Council contributed £x.xxxm (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.xxxm (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 £xx.xxxm (2022/23 £19.031m) respectively representing the Council’s share of the realisable surpluses/deficits in these organisations. The group account has an overall net asset of £xxx.xxxm (2022/23 £374.300m). Note 34 – Analysis of Material Items of Group Income and Expenditure The following table provides an analysis of the council’s share of the material amounts as a result of the inclusion of the associates, joint ventures and subsidiaries. 2023/24 2024/25 £'000 £'000 324 Valuation Joint Board 9,327 West Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care 2,589 West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust 2,992 Clydebank Property Company (925) WD Energy LLP 4,415 Common Good 268 Trust Funds 18,990 Total 0 Page 222
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Page 99 Notes to the Group’s Principal Financial Statements West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Note 35 - 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 223
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Page 100 Independent Auditor’s Report West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 Independent Auditor’s report to the Members of west Dunbartonshire council and the Audit Commission Audit Arrangements Under arrangements by the Accounts Commission for Local Authorities, the auditor with the responsibility for the audit of the accounts of West Dunbartonshire Council is: Tom Reid Director Forvis Mazars 100 Queen Street Glasgow G1 3DN Statement The audit of the Council’s Accounts for 2024-25 is yet to be undertaken i.e. the figures are “subject to audit”. The certified Accounts will be presented to the Council for approval. Page 224
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Page 101 Glossary of Terms West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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. Page 225
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Page 102 Glossary of Terms West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 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. Page 226
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Page 103 Glossary of Terms West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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. 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 Page 227
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Page 104 Glossary of Terms West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 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 Page 228
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Page 105 Glossary of Terms West Dunbartonshire Council Annual Accounts 2024/25 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 229
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 SUMMARY PERIOD END DATE 31 March 2025 Total Budget Actual Spend Annual RAG Status Use of Earmarked Reserves Variance after the use of Earmarked Reserves £000 £000 £000 % £000 £000 Resources 4,167 5,676 1,509 36.2% 595 914 Regulatory and Regeneration 4,281 3,814 (467) -10.9% 81 (548) People & Technology 9,974 9,975 1 0.0% 41 (40) Citizens, Culture and Facilities 13,602 13,684 82 0.6% 3 79 Education, Learning and Attainment 137,874 137,254 (620) -0.4% 512 (1,132) Roads and Neighbourhood 15,348 17,393 2,045 13.3% 335 1,710 2,408 3,049 641 26.6% 297 344 Miscellaneous Services 7,759 5,336 (2,423) -31.2% 0 (2,423) Loan Charges 20,282 21,368 1,086 5.4% 0 1,086 Capital Receipts used to fund Loan Charges (2,884) (1,862) 1,022 -35.4% 0 1,022 Requisition (VJB) 782 782 0 0.0% 0 0 Requisition (SPT) 1,588 1,587 (1) -0.1% 0 (1) Requisition (HSCP) 89,342 89,830 488 0.5% 0 488 Non GAE Allocation (9,055) (8,555) 500 -5.5% 0 500 Total Expenditure 295,469 299,331 3,863 1.3% 1,865 1,998 Council Tax (40,920) (41,701) (781) 1.9% 0 (781) Revenue Support Grant (161,736) (161,736) 0 0.0% 0 0 Non Domestic Rates (87,481) (87,481) 0 0.0% 0 0 Service Concessionary Benefit (3,259) (3,259) 0 0.0% 0 0 Budgeted Use of Reserves (9,343) (9,343) 0 0.0% 0 0 Strategy to rebuild reserves 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 Transfer SPFO reduction to Reserves 7,270 7,270 0 0.0% 0 0 Total Resources (295,469) (296,250) (781) 0.3% 0 (781) Net Expenditure (0) 3,081 3,081 1.0% 1,865 1,217 Department Summary Variance Housing and Employability Page 231
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 RESOURCES SUMMARY PERIOD END DATE 31 March 2025 Total Budget Actual Spend Annual RAG Status Use of Earmarked Reserves Variance after the use of Earmarked Reserves £000 £000 £000 % £000 £000 19 221 202 1056% 0 202 1,490 1,688 198 13% 183 15 2,201 2,173 (29) -1% 0 (29) 2,350 2,405 55 2% 66 (11) 467 444 (23) -5% 0 (23) 6 (17) (24) -372% 11 (35) (823) (1,128) (304) 37% 0 (304) 1,132 1,226 95 8% 198 (103) (2,675) (1,325) 1,349 -50% 137 1,212 0 (11) (11) 0% 0 (11) 4,167 5,676 1,509 36% 595 914Total Net Expenditure Finance Cost of Collection of Council Tax Cost of Collection of Rates Rent Rebates & Allowances Corporate Asset Maintenance Office Accommodation Corporate Assets Variance Service Summary Service / Subjective Summary Finance Business Centre Audit Revenues & Benefits Page 232
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 REGULATORY AND REGENERATION SUMMARY PERIOD END DATE 31 March 2025 Total Budget Actual Spend Annual RAG Status Use of Earmarked Reserves Variance after the use of Earmarked Reserves £000 £000 £000 % £000 £000 781 696 (85) -11% 0 (85) 616 543 (73) -12% 0 (73) (226) (211) 15 -7% 0 15 884 796 (88) -10% 0 (88) 566 379 (187) -33% 8 (195) 569 529 (40) -7% 0 (40) Economic Development 1,091 1,082 (9) -1% 73 (82) 4,281 3,814 (467) -11% 81 (548) Democratic and Registration Service Legal Services Licensing Environmental Health Planning Variance Total Net Expenditure Service / Subjective Summary Service Summary Procurement Page 233
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 PEOPLE AND TECHNOLOGY PERIOD END DATE 31 March 2025 Total Budget Actual Spend Annual RAG Status Use of Earmarked Reserves Variance after the use of Earmarked Reserves £000 £000 £000 % £000 £000 850 837 (13) -2% 0 (13) 1,814 1,845 30 2% 26 4 4,767 4,741 (25) -1% 0 (25) Central Administration Support 2,543 2,537 (6) 0% 0 (6) 0 15 15 0% 15 0 9,974 9,975 1 0% 41 (40) Variance Total Net Expenditure Transactional Services Provision for Legal Fees & Settlements Information Services Strategic People and Change Service / Subjective Summary Service Summary Page 234
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 CITIZENS, CULTURE AND FACILITIES PERIOD END DATE 31 March 2025 Total Budget Actual Spend Annual RAG Status Use of Earmarked Reserves Variance after the use of Earmarked Reserves £000 £000 £000 % £000 £000 283 254 (29) -10% 0 (29) 1,382 1,354 (27) -2% 0 (27) 237 227 (10) -4% 0 (10) Clydebank Town Hall 319 273 (46) -14% 0 (46) Libraries 1,726 1,726 (0) 0% 0 (0) Arts and Heritage 296 175 (121) -41% 3 (124) Catering Services 4,732 5,102 370 8% 0 370 Building Cleaning 1,875 1,877 2 0% 0 2 Building Cleaning PPP (188) (188) (0) 0% 0 (0) Facilities Assistants 2,410 2,278 (131) -5% 0 (131) Facilities Management 504 558 54 11% 0 54 Communities 0 0 0 0% 0 0 Events 27 48 21 79% 0 21 13,602 13,684 82 1% 3 79 Variance Total Net Expenditure Citizen Services Service / Subjective Summary Service Summary Communications & Marketing Performance & Strategy Page 235
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 EDUCATION, LEARNING AND ATTAINMENT PERIOD END DATE 31 March 2025 Total Budget Actual Spend Annual RAG Status Use of Earmarked Reserves Variance after the use of Earmarked Reserves £000 £000 £000 % £000 £000 Primary Schools 34,331 33,973 (358) -1% 107 (465) Secondary Schools 35,524 35,165 (359) -1% 0 (359) Specialist Educational Provision 21,562 21,997 435 2% 0 435 Psychological Services 725 663 (62) -9% 0 (62) Sport Development / Active Schools 627 627 0 0% 0 0 Early Education 18,913 18,442 (472) -2% 0 (472) PPP 18,082 18,059 (23) 0% 0 (23) Creative Arts 640 595 (45) -7% 0 (45) Curriculum for Excellence 66 50 (15) -23% 0 (15) Central Admin 868 1,017 149 17% 103 46 Workforce CPD 314 303 (11) -4% 0 (11) Performance & Improvement 463 463 0 0% 0 0 Education Development 2,398 2,404 7 0% 217 (210) Raising Attainment - Primary 0 0 0 0% 0 0 Leisure Management 3,364 3,498 134 4% 85 49 Raising Attainment - Secondary 0 0 0 0% 0 0 Pupil Equity Fund (including LAC PEF) 0 0 0 0% 0 0 137,874 137,254 (620) 0% 512 (1,132) Variance Service Summary Service / Subjective Summary Total Net Expenditure Page 236
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 ROADS AND NEIGHBOURHOOD PERIOD END DATE 31 March 2025 Total Budget Actual Spend Annual RAG Status Use of Earmarked Reserves Variance after the use of Earmarked Reserves £000 £000 £000 % £000 £000 Transport, Fleet & Maintenance Services (779) (613) 166 -21% 0 166 Roads Services 2,583 3,284 701 27% 325 376 Grounds Maintenance & Street Cleaning Client 7,414 7,324 (90) -1% 0 (90) Outdoor Services 206 347 141 68% 10 131 Burial Grounds (296) (185) 111 -37% 0 111 Crematorium (1,229) (983) 246 -20% 0 246 Waste Services 9,004 9,636 632 7% 0 632 Depots 0 (0) 0 0% 0 0 Capital Investment Programme 28 5 (23) -82% 0 (23) Consultancy Services 816 735 (81) -10% 0 (81) Ground Maintenance & Street Cleaning Trading A/c (2,399) (2,158) 241 -10% 0 241 15,348 17,393 2,044 13% 335 1,709 Service / Subjective Summary Service Summary Variance Total Net Expenditure Page 237
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 HOUSING AND EMPLOYABILITY PERIOD END DATE 31 March 2025 Total Budget Actual Spend Annual RAG Status Use of Earmarked Reserves Variance after the use of Earmarked Reserves £000 £000 £000 % £000 £000 Working 4 U 1,970 1,999 29 1% 297 (268) Shared Prosperity Fund 0 (0) (0) 0% 0 0 Homeless Persons 639 687 48 8% 0 48 Private Sector housing 15 11 (4) -27% 0 (4) Private Sector Housing Grants 41 40 (1) -2% 0 (1) Housing Maintenance Trading A/c (589) 0 589 -100% 0 589 Housing Asset and Investment 0 0 0 0% 0 0 Anti Social Behaviour 332 312 (20) -6% 0 (20) 2,408 3,049 641 27% 297 344 Variance Total Net Expenditure Service / Subjective Summary Service Summary Page 238
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 MISCELLANEOUS PERIOD END DATE 31 March 2025 Total Budget Actual Spend Annual RAG Status Use of Earmarked Reserves Variance after the use of Earmarked Reserves £000 £000 £000 % £000 £000 5,987 3,591 (2,396) -40% 0 (2,396) 648 622 (26) -4% 0 (26) 1,124 1,123 (1) 0% 0 (1) 7,759 5,336 (2,423) -31% 0 (2,423) Variance Total Net Expenditure Service / Subjective Summary Chief Executive and Chief Officers Service Summary Sundry Services Members Allowances, etc Page 239
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 ANALYSIS FOR VARIANCES OVER £50,000 PERIOD END DATE Total Budget Actual Spend RAG Status £000 £000 £000 % Audit 19 221 202 1056% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Finance 1,490 1,688 198 13% . Main Issues / Reason for Variance Revenues & Benefits 2,350 2,405 55 2% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Office Accommodation 1,132 1,226 95 8% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Cost of Collection of Council Tax (823) (1,128) (304) 37% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Corporate Assets (2,675) (1,325) 1,349 -50% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance This service collects Council tax from local residents. The services also provides support and advice to those residents regarding council tax. A higher than anticipated favourable income outturn from Statutory Additions. This service provides asset and estate management The reason for this overspend is due an increase in the level of property repairs and maintenance required of £740k. The remaining balance (£609k) relates to an underrecovery in rental income which is partly funded from the use of the smoothing fund (£137k). The main reason for this adverse variance relates to cost of living project spend on payments to other bodies which will be covered by an earmarked balance (£66k). Provision of Shared Office Accommodation. The adverse variance relates to a budget savings of £198k carried from 23-24 budget that wasn't realised. This shortfall is being covered by the Smoothing Fund. The service provided by this area deals with Accountancy, Capital, Treasury, Reconciliations, Cash Office and Municipal Bank The main reason for this adverse variance relates to cost of living project spend on payments to other bodies which will be covered by an earmarked balance (£183k). The service provided by this area deal with benefits, council tax and debt recovery. 31 March 2025 Budget Details Variance Analysis Variance Resources Internal audit of council services. The main reason for this adverse variance (£0.250m) is in relation to the internal audit council tax fraud detection target. Any additional income collected is shown as part of the favourable variance within the council tax resources budget and therefore is not recognised within the service income. Page 240
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 ANALYSIS FOR VARIANCES OVER £50,000 PERIOD END DATE Total Budget Actual Spend RAG Status £000 £000 £000 % 31 March 2025 Budget Details Variance Analysis Variance Democratic and Registration Service 781 696 (85) -11% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Environmental Health 616 543 (73) -12% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Legal Services 884 796 (88) -10% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Planning 566 379 (187) -33% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance This Service provides Building & Planning services. A £240k favourable variance in employee costs is due to delays and difficulties filling vacancies. This is partly offset by a £103k adverse variance in projected income driven by reduced building warrant submissions. Regulatory and Regeneration This service deals with the administration functions and Democratic Services within the Authority. The favourable variance is due to a number of vacancies that are yet to be filled (£46k) and the remaining balance being driven by an increase in income from fees and charges. The 3 Groups within this service (Food and Business Group, Environmental Pollution Group and Community Health Protection Group) are responsible for all aspects of Environmental Health work. The reason for the favourable variance is the number of ongoing vacancies. This services provides legal advice to the Council. The reason for the favourable variance is the number of ongoing vacancies. Page 241
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 ANALYSIS FOR VARIANCES OVER £50,000 PERIOD END DATE Total Budget Actual Spend RAG Status £000 £000 £000 % 31 March 2025 Budget Details Variance Analysis Variance Catering 4,732 5,102 370 8% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Facilities Assistants 2,410 2,278 (131) -5% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Facilities Management 504 558 54 11% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Arts & Heritage 296 175 (121) -41% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance This service provides the provision & protection of Arts & Heritage There is two years income (£120k) from Clydebank Property Co. for the management fee of the Titan crane as the 2023/24 fee wasn't accrued This service provides Facility Assistants throughout WDC buildings. There is a favourable variance against employee costs due to a number of vacancies througout the year Management and Team Leaders for Facilities Services such as Cleaning, Catering and Facilities Assistants. There is an adverse variance against employee costs principally because turnover is not being achieved. £0.350m of RSG that was previously allocated to the service has been reallocated to the RSG line within the budget. However the budget for FSM was not adjusted to reflect this and therefore it is shown as an overspend in 2024-25. This has been added as a budget pressure per the June Finance update. Citizens, Culture and Facilities Catering Services across WDC Page 242
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 ANALYSIS FOR VARIANCES OVER £50,000 PERIOD END DATE Total Budget Actual Spend RAG Status £000 £000 £000 % 31 March 2025 Budget Details Variance Analysis Variance Primary Schools 34,331 33,973 (358) -1% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Secondary Schools 35,524 35,165 (359) -1% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Specialist Educational Provision 21,562 21,997 435 2% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Leisure Management 3,364 3,498 134 4% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Psychological Services 725 663 (62) -9% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Payment to West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust for leisure services Most of additional payments to WDLT (£100k) will be covered by an earmarked balance with the balance being primarily unachieved income. This service provides Psychological Support to pupils within West Dunbartonshire. Vacancies during year and a higher year end recharge to Early Years This service area includes all Secondary Schools. The favourable variance is attributable to the average unpromoted teacher salary being slightly less than forecast when the budget was set and the number of probationers being less than budgeted. This has offset the adverse variance which has arisen due to a number of items being higher than anticipated when the budget was set : school transport (£284k), accidental/malicious damage (£32k), upkeep of grounds (£26k) and non-domestic rates (£149k). This service area covers all ASN Services. The largest budget pressure is an increased cost for taxis (£450k). Following a review of internal transport recharges transport costs are £169k higher than budget. Education , Learning and Attainment This service area includes all Primary Schools. The favourable variance is attributable to the average unpromoted teacher salary being slightly less than forecast when the budget was set and the number of probationers being less than budgeted. In addition, property cost recharges to Early Years for those centres located within primaries was greater than budgeted.This offsets the adverse variance against non-domestic rates (£219k) and higher transport costs (£225k) .Shortfalls from the early start clubs will be covered from the smoothing fund (£107k). Page 243
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 ANALYSIS FOR VARIANCES OVER £50,000 PERIOD END DATE Total Budget Actual Spend RAG Status £000 £000 £000 % 31 March 2025 Budget Details Variance Analysis Variance Early Education 18,913 18,442 (472) -2% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Central Admin 868 1,017 149 17% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance This service area covers Education Directorate There is an adverse variance against Summer Programme activities (£103k) which will be covered by an earmaked balance. The remaining adverse variance is attributable to school meal holiday payments (£82k) being in excess of the sum allocated by the Scottish Government - our eligible caseload is about 15% higher than the caseload implicit in our actual allocation.In addition, FSM payments were made for the day the schools closed because of Storm Eowyn in late January.These adverse variances were partly offset by lower payments to other bodies. This services area includes all Early Years establishments within West Dunbartonshire. Adverse variances against net cross-boundary transactions (£152k), commissioned places payments (£113k) and property costs (£47k) have been offset by favourable variance on employee costs. The CFCR for Dalreoch ELC of £150k is not reflected in this service variance. Page 244
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 ANALYSIS FOR VARIANCES OVER £50,000 PERIOD END DATE Total Budget Actual Spend RAG Status £000 £000 £000 % 31 March 2025 Budget Details Variance Analysis Variance Transport, Fleet & Maintenance Services (779) (613) 166 -21% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Roads Services 2,583 3,284 701 27% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Outdoor Services 206 347 140 68% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Employee costs have underspent by £178k due to current levels of vacancies and planned roads programme. Transport and plant costs have overspent by £269k, mainly due to plant hire costs of £252k. This is due to plant required to carry out planned programme. Supplies and Services have overspent by £461k due to Salt for gritting overspent by £58k to undertake requirements for winter gritting programme and Street lighting overspent by £33k due to increased utility costs. The remainder being for the materials required to udnertake roads projects.Income under recovered by £75K. £325K is due to parking enforcement income saving which was not achieved and will be met by the smoothing fund however this is offset by increased projection of recharges to capital projects for works undertaken (£250K). The remaining variance is due to small variances across the service. Transport services across WDC Employee Costs overspent by £199k due to staffing levels required to meet user needs some of which is undertaken through overtime. Transport and Plant costs have underspent by £192k due to a reduction in the number of vehicles being hired. Supplies and Services overspent by £179k mainly due to level of equipment required to undertake the current service. The under recovery in income is due to WDC MOT station (£60k) with the remaining £261k due to costs not being fully recharged out. The remaining £23k is due to small variances thourghout the service. This service covers the outdoor sporting facilities provided by WDC and public conveniences There is an underspend of £61k on employee costs due to current level of vacancies. Property costs have overspent by £71k mainly due to utility costs which relate to previous years. Income under recovered by £120k mainly due to the golf club as income assumed when setting the budget is higher than has been realised. This is an uncontrollable cost. The remaining £25k variance is due to small variances throughout the service. Roads and Neighbourhood This service relates to Roads operations, design, structures, street lighting, road safety and school crossing patrols Page 245
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 ANALYSIS FOR VARIANCES OVER £50,000 PERIOD END DATE Total Budget Actual Spend RAG Status £000 £000 £000 % 31 March 2025 Budget Details Variance Analysis Variance Burial Grounds (296) (185) 111 -38% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Crematorium (1,229) (983) 246 -20% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Waste Services 9,004 9,636 632 7% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Consultancy Services 816 735 (81) -10% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Waste Collection and Refuse disposal services Employee costs overspent by £188k mainly due to overtime costs to cover public holidays and periods of annual leave/sickness. Transport costs overspent by £432k principally due to internal recharges of £316k and vehicle hire costs of £113k. Supplies and Service underspent by £32k mainly due to an underspend of £160k which is partially offset by an overpsend on bin replacement of £109k. Various other areas are overspending by £18k which is due to current service requirements. Income is anticipated to under recover by £23k mainly due to sales being lower than anticipated. This service provides the architectural support to WDC Favourable variance due to disbanding of team and staff moving to HRA and HMTO for last two months of the year. This service provides burial services within the Council area Income from burials is less than budgeted (108k) which is uncontrollable. The remaining £3k is due to small variances in proprety and transport costs. This service provides crematorium services within the Council area Income from cremations is less than budgeted (£272k) which is uncontrollable. The remaining variance is due to small variances throughout the service. Page 246
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 ANALYSIS FOR VARIANCES OVER £50,000 PERIOD END DATE Total Budget Actual Spend RAG Status £000 £000 £000 % 31 March 2025 Budget Details Variance Analysis Variance Ground Maintenance & Street Cleaning Trading A/c (2,399) (2,158) 241 -10% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Grounds Maintenance & Street Cleaning Client 7,414 7,324 (90) -1% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Housing Maintenance Trading A/c (589) 0 589 -100% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance This service delivers maintenance and investment services to the council's housing stock At its meeting on 5 March 2025, Council agreed to transfer the 2024/25 HMTO surplus from the general fund to the Housing Revenue Account. This service provides the delivery of grounds maintenance and street cleaning The main reason for this favourable variance relates to costs being funded by Developer Contributions. Housing and Employability Trading operation providing grounds maintenance and street cleaning services Employee costs are underspending by £149k mainly due to current levels of vacancies and overtime anticipated. Property costs are anticipating an overspend of £74k mainly due to recharges from Grounds of £33k, and utilities of £30k. Transport costs are anticipating to overspend by £61k. This is due to an anticipated overspend on insurance costs of £150k and internal fleet maintenance charges of £43k, partially offset by a projected underspend of £132k in vehicle hire charges. The overspend on supplies and services is forecast to be £225k. This is mainly due to payments being made to contractors of £108k, £45k for materials and £43k for the repair and maintenance of vehicles. The remaining variance of £33k is due to small overspends in various areas. Page 247
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 ANALYSIS FOR VARIANCES OVER £50,000 PERIOD END DATE Total Budget Actual Spend RAG Status £000 £000 £000 % 31 March 2025 Budget Details Variance Analysis Variance Sundry Services 5,987 3,591 (2,396) -40% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Loan Charges 20,282 21,368 1,086 5% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Capital Receipts used to fund Loan Charges (2,884) (1,862) 1,022 -35% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Requisition (HSCP) 89,342 89,830 488 1% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance The Council budgets to use capital receipts to fund the repayment of the principle on loan charges and any premiums incurred when restructuring loans. Capital receipts were lower than anticipated as a number of land sales that were expected to have concluded as at 31 March are still ongoing. The budget for capital receipts is considered to be too high and as a result a budget pressure will be added to reduce forecast receipts in future years. This budget covers the servicing of the Council's external borrowing requirements Loan charges were higher than forecast due to the impact of IFRS 16 which moved lease expenditure from services to loan charges (£0.260m). In addition the unpredictability in the interest rates during 2024-25 makes the forecasting of final loan charges difficult. The budget represents the funding contribution towards the West Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership. At its meeting on 5 March 2025, Council agreed to pass through to the HSCP, their share of the 24/25 pay award funding made available by the Scottish Government, which reflects the adverse variance shown. Other Miscellaneous This service area budgets for non departmental specific costs such as pensions costs, external grants, external audit fees and insurance costs. The service heading also holds a number of general savings options which have still to be fully allocated eg procurement targets. This favourable variance relates mainly to the transfer in of income from suspense/earmarked reserves, namely: £0.920m ESF Income per June 2024 finance report, £0.325m Unutilised VR/VS provision and £1.058m released from suspense. Page 248
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 2 REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 ANALYSIS FOR VARIANCES OVER £50,000 PERIOD END DATE Total Budget Actual Spend RAG Status £000 £000 £000 % 31 March 2025 Budget Details Variance Analysis Variance Non GAE Allocation (9,055) (8,555) 500 -6% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Council Tax (40,920) (41,701) (781) 2% Service Description Main Issues / Reason for Variance Resources This funding details the amount of income anticipated to be collected from residents in the form of Council Tax. Council Tax income was higher than budget as collection rates were higher than forecast. Final council tax collected is only calculated as part of the year end clearout. The main reason for this adverse variance is due to a reduction in employee costs driven by the reduction in pension contributions. This budget represents the recharge of central support services to non GAE services ie HRA Page 249
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 3 HRA REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2024/25 PERIOD END DATE Budget 2024/25 Spend to Date 2024/25 Forecast Spend 2024/25 Annual RAG Status £000 £000 £000 £000 % Employee Costs 7,661 7,521 7,521 (140) -2% Property Costs 2,600 2,638 2,638 38 1% Transport Costs 148 172 172 24 0% Supplies, Services And Admin 406 395 395 (11) -3% Support Services 2,788 2,627 2,627 (161) -6% Other Expenditure 330 612 612 282 85% Repairs & Maintenance 15,208 11,323 11,323 (3,885) -26% Bad Debt Provision 876 1,176 1,176 300 34% Void Loss (Council Tax / Lost Rents) 1,109 1,304 1,304 195 18% Loan Charges 22,092 25,587 25,587 3,495 16% Total Expenditure 53,218 53,355 53,355 137 0% House Rents (51,049) (51,170) (51,170) (121) 0% Lockup Rents (215) (222) (222) (7) 3% Factoring/Insurance Charges (1,555) (1,556) (1,556) (1) 0% Other rents (130) (126) (126) 4 -3% Interest on Revenue Balance (146) 260 260 406 -278% Miscellaneous income (123) (183) (183) (60) 49% Transfer from Reserves 0 0 0 0 0% Total Income (53,218) (52,997) (52,997) 221 0% Net Expenditure 0 358 358 358 31 March 2025 Subjective Summary Forecast Variance 2024/25 Page 250
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 3 HRA REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2023/24 ANALYSIS FOR VARIANCES OVER £50,000 MONTH END DATE 31 March 2025 PERIOD 12 Budget 2024/25 Forecast Spend 2024/25 £000 £000 £000 % Employee Costs 7,661 7,521 (140) -2% Main Issues Budget 2024/25 Forecast Spend 2024/25 £000 £000 £000 % Support Services 2,788 2,627 (161) -6% Main Issues Budget 2024/25 Forecast Spend 2024/25 £000 £000 £000 % Other Expenditure 330 612 282 85% Main Issues Variance Analysis Subjective Analysis Forecast Variance 2024/25 RAG Status Subjective Description Subjective Analysis Forecast Variance 2024/25 RAG Status Subjective Description Recharge of Central Supports costs ( e.g. Finance, Legal, HR. ICT ) to the HRA Variance Narrative Employees charged directly to the HRA. Variance Narrative An employee cost underspend after management targeted staffing efficiencies, including tighter controls on staff recruitment and overtime. Variance Analysis Subjective Description Rent abatements, support for young tenants, legal and banking expenses, and other sundry costs. Variance Narrative A rent abatement overspend because demand exceeded the new abatement budget. It is worth noting that the 2024/2025 rent abatement spend was £170,000 less than the 2023/2024 spend. Payment of £84,000 to Womens Aid to support vulnerable tenants. Womens Aid payments stop on 1st April 2025. An underspend because the budgeted recharge of £2.788m did not account for reduced employer pension contributions across central services. Variance Analysis Subjective Analysis Forecast Variance 2024/25 RAG Status Page 251
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 3 HRA REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2023/24 ANALYSIS FOR VARIANCES OVER £50,000 MONTH END DATE 31 March 2025 PERIOD 12 Budget 2024/25 Forecast Spend 2024/25 £000 £000 £000 % Repairs & Maintenance 15,208 11,323 (3,885) -26% Main Issues Budget 2024/25 Forecast Spend 2024/25 £000 £000 £000 % Bad Debt Provision 876 1,176 300 34% Main Issues Budget 2024/25 Forecast Spend 2024/25 £000 £000 £000 % Void Loss (Council Tax / Lost Rents) 1,109 1,304 195 18% Main Issues Responsive and planned repair and maintenance services to houses and lockups and income recovered from tenant rechargeable and owner occupier repairs. Variance Narrative Officers reviewed the repairs spend and identified savings against the 2024/2025 repair and maintenance budget by transferring spend charged to revenue to the capital programme. A review of specific workstreams identified revenue funded works that extend the lifespan of the assets. Specifically work carried out in void properties to bring these back to relet standard are significant and include component renewals. Furthermore, the completion of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is complementary to the environmental sensor installation programme and the EICR spend has been capitalised in 2024/2025. Variance Analysis Variance Analysis Subjective Analysis Forecast Variance 2024/25 RAG Status Subjective Description The bad debt provision assessment was higher than budgeted because of increasing ret arrears and challenges recovering other HRA debt ( factoring charges, rechargeable repairs, owners contribution to HRA capital works) Variance Analysis Subjective Analysis Forecast Variance 2024/25 RAG Status Subjective Analysis Forecast Variance 2024/25 RAG Status Subjective Description Provision for uncollected rent across range of HRA debts, including rent arrears, rechargeable repairs, factoring repairs. Variance Narrative Subjective Description Lost rental income for void houses and lockups and the cost of council tax on long term void properties Variance Narrative The number of void properties and the length of time properties were void adversely affected performance. Council tax payments for longer term void houses also exceed budgeted. Performance has been hampered by utility company delays resolving debt on meters and meter reconnections. Page 252
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 3 HRA REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2023/24 ANALYSIS FOR VARIANCES OVER £50,000 MONTH END DATE 31 March 2025 PERIOD 12 Budget 2024/25 Forecast Spend 2024/25 £000 £000 £000 % Loan Charges 22,092 25,587 3,495 16% Main Issues Budget 2024/25 Forecast Spend 2024/25 £000 £000 £000 % House Rents (51,049) (51,170) (121) 0% Main Issues Budget 2024/25 Forecast Spend 2024/25 £000 £000 £000 % Interest on Revenue Balance (146) 260 406 -278% Main Issues Variance Analysis Subjective Analysis Forecast Variance 2024/25 RAG Status Subjective Description Subjective Analysis Forecast Variance 2024/25 RAG Status Subjective Description Rental income from the letting of housing stock to tenants, homeless units and other parties. Variance Narrative Loans Fund repayments and the payment of interest and expenses on outstanding HRA debt. Variance Narrative Local authority borrowing costs for medium / long term Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) debt and for short term debt have remained high. The higher interest rates are driving up HRA debt financing costs. The HRA budget assumed that borrowing rates would reduce in 2024/2025. Whilst the Bank of England base rates have reduced during the latter part of 2024/25, the final borrowing rates were higher than budgeted. Variance Analysis Subjective Description The interest charged or interest earned on HRA cash balances. Variance Narrative HRA reserves have reduced and HRA cash outflows have exceeded HRA cash inflows. The HRA has operated with negative cash balances during 2024/25 leading to an interest charge being payable as opposed to the HRA receiving an interest credit. A slight over-recovery reflecting some new build properties being available for let earlier than budgeted. Variance Analysis Subjective Analysis Forecast Variance 2024/25 RAG Status Page 253
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL APPENDIX 3 HRA REVENUE BUDGETARY CONTROL 2023/24 ANALYSIS FOR VARIANCES OVER £50,000 MONTH END DATE 31 March 2025 PERIOD 12 Budget 2024/25 Forecast Spend 2024/25 £000 £000 £000 % Miscellaneous income (123) (183) (60) 49% Main Issues Miscellaneous HRA income including grants, owners electricity recharges and income from recharging some overhead cost to the HMTO service. Variance Narrative The over-recovery reflects a Scottish Enterprise grant receipt to support property investment works Variance Analysis Subjective Analysis Forecast Variance 2024/25 RAG Status Subjective Description Page 254
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Summary at Period 12 Project Life Budget Project Life Forecast Spend Project Life Variance On Track/Complete Off Track £'000 £'000 £'000 Resources 52,610 52,610 0 13 0 Citizen, Cultural and Facilities 2,912 2,912 - 2 0 Regulatory and Regeneration 57,440 57,440 - 14 0 Roads and Neighbourhoods 130,634 130,772 138 35 0 Education 60,825 60,825 - 5 0 HSCP 9,330 9,330 - 3 0 People and Transformation 10,141 10,141 - 4 0 Total 323,893 324,031 138 76 0 APPENDIX 4 Page 255
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All Approved Projects at Period 12 Service Project Recurring/Non Recurring Budget Committee Completion Date Revised End Date Project Life Budget Spend to 31/3/24 Spend to Date Projected Future Spend Total Projected Spend Project Variance Approved Budget 2024/25 Actual to date 2024/25 In Year Variance Overspend Underspend Re- profiling £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 1 RES 1 Valuation Joint Board - Requisition of ICT Equipment NR CSC 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 24 6 17 7 24 0 11 11 0 0 0 0 2 RES 2 Cash Receipting system enhancements NR CSC 30/09/2023 31/03/2025 5 5 5 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 RES 3 Agresso Development NR CSC 30/04/2024 30/09/2024 92 62 86 6 92 0 30 24 -6 0 0 -6 4 RES 4 Cost of Living NR CSC 30/04/2024 31/03/2026 1,002 502 502 500 1,002 0 250 0 -250 0 -250 0 5 RES 5 IFRS 16 Database NR CSC 31/03/2026 31/03/2025 5 0 0 5 5 0 5 0 -5 0 -5 0 6 RES 6 Community Success Capital Fund NR CSC 31/03/2023 31/03/2023 150 0 0 150 150 0 150 0 -150 0 0 -150 7 RES 7 Community Sports Success NR CSC 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 250 0 10 240 250 0 250 10 -240 0 0 -240 8 RES 8 Strathleven Place (formerly part of Glencairn House project) NR IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 1,590 0 0 1,590 1,590 0 90 0 -90 0 0 -90 9 RES 9 New Sports Changing Facility Glen Lusset NR IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 32 32 0 0 10 RES 10 New Sports Changing Facility Dumbarton West (Old OLSP site) NR IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2025 349 9 9 340 349 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 RES 11 Building Upgrades and H&S - lifecycle & reactive building upgrades R IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/1933 25,370 0 3,384 21,986 25,370 0 3,202 3,384 182 182 0 0 12 RES 12 Direct Project Support R CSC 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 14,274 0 3,527 10,747 14,274 0 1,586 3,527 1,941 1,941 0 0 13 RES 13 Depot Rationalisation NR IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 8,500 649 2,335 6,165 8,500 0 1,500 1,686 186 186 0 0 14 RES 14 Finance Ledger System NR CSC 01/01/2025 31/03/2027 1,000 0 34 966 1,000 0 20 34 14 14 0 0 Total Resources 52,610 1,232 9,909 42,702 52,610 0 7,094 8,709 1,615 2,355 -255 -486 1 CCF 1 Heritage Capital Fund NR CSC 30/03/2024 31/03/2026 2,491 2,234 2,798 -306 2,491 0 257 564 306 306 0 0 2 CCF 2 Transformation of Infrastructure Libraries and Museums NR CSC 31/03/2024 31/03/2025 421 326 375 46 421 0 95 49 -46 0 0 -46 Total CCCF 2,912 2,560 3,173 -260 2,912 0 353 613 260 306 0 -46 1 RR 1 Legal Case Management System NR CSC 31/03/2024 31/03/2026 33 0 0 33 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 RR 2 Re -imagine Antonine Wall NR CSC 31/03/2024 31/03/2025 30 15 23 7 30 0 15 8 -7 0 -7 0 3 RR 3 Installation of Solar PV at Clydebank Leisure Centre NR IRED 31/03/2023 31/03/2025 61 4 4 57 61 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 RR 4 Replace failed heating controls/valves & recommission NR IRED 31/03/2023 31/03/2025 20 0 6 14 20 0 6 6 0 0 0 0 5 RR 5 Lighting upgrades to LED in schools and Corporate buildings NR IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 RR 6 Leisure Energy projects - air handling units, upgrade lighting, circulating pumps, and draught proofing NR IRED 31/03/2023 31/03/2025 290 64 64 226 290 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 RR 7 Regeneration/Local Economic Development R IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 7,922 0 194 7,728 7,922 0 210 194 -16 0 0 -16 8 RR 8 Regeneration Fund NR IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2028 10,931 7,107 7,107 3,824 10,931 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 RR 9 Place Based Investment NR IRED 31/03/2023 31/03/2027 1,806 1,398 1,401 406 1,806 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 10 RR 10 Clydebank Can on the Canal NR IRED 31/12/2022 31/12/2025 757 40 40 717 757 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 RR 11 Level Up Funding NR IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2026 22,100 6,770 11,851 10,249 22,100 0 5,325 5,081 -244 0 0 -244 12 RR 12 Level Up Capacity Funding NR IRED 31/03/2023 31/03/2026 320 160 160 160 320 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 RR 13 District Heating Network Expansion NR IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2028 11,104 -40 259 10,845 11,104 0 250 299 49 49 0 0 14 RR14 Clyde Mission Catalyst Fund NR IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2026 2,000 415 673 1,327 2,000 0 170 258 88 88 0 0 15 RR15 Securing sites NR IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 66 0 35 30 66 0 66 35 -30 0 0 -30 Total Regulatory and Regeneration 57,440 15,931 21,816 35,624 57,440 0 6,044 5,885 -160 137 -7 -290 1 RN 1 Infrastructure - Roads R IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2033 22,808 0 2,340 20,467 22,808 0 2,454 2,340 -114 0 0 -114 2 RN 2 Flood Risk Management R IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2033 2,215 0 215 2,000 2,215 0 400 215 -185 0 0 -185 3 RN 3 Street lighting and associated electrical infrastructure R IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2033 914 0 115 798 914 0 114 115 2 2 0 0 4 RN 4 Flood Prevention R IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 450 161 257 193 450 0 289 96 -193 0 0 -193 5 RN 5 Vehicle Replacement R IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2033 12,219 0 2,575 9,644 12,219 0 3,065 2,575 -490 0 0 -490 6 RN 6 Auld Street Clydebank - Bond NR IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2025 256 214 214 42 256 0 42 0 -42 0 0 -42 7 RN 7 River bank erosion repair - Levenhowe NR IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2025 20 0 0 20 20 0 20 0 -20 0 0 -20 8 RN 8 Clydebank Charrette, A814 NR IRED 31/03/2022 31/03/2025 4,303 4,215 4,251 52 4,303 0 88 36 -52 0 0 -52 9 RN 9 Roads Plant NR IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 80 14 79 1 80 0 66 65 -1 0 0 -1 10 RN 10 A813 Road Improvement Phase 1 NR IRED 31/03/2026 31/03/2027 1,700 1,057 1,379 322 1,700 0 643 321 -322 0 0 -322 11 RN 11 Pavement Improvements NR IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 1,000 958 1,002 -2 1,000 0 42 43 2 2 0 0 12 RN 12 Traffic Signal Updates NR IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 300 274 286 14 300 0 26 12 -14 0 0 -14 13 RN 13 Gruggies Burn Flood Prevention NR IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2028 15,028 576 987 14,042 15,028 0 550 410 -140 0 0 -140 14 RN 14 Electrical Charging Points - Rapid Charge NR IRED 31/03/2023 31/03/2025 314 299 315 0 315 0 15 15 0 0 0 0 15 RN 15 River Leven Flood Prevention Scheme NR IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2026 801 181 181 620 801 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 RN 16 Vehicle Replacement Strategy R IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2033 1,400 0 6 1,394 1,400 0 1,400 6 -1,394 0 0 -1,394 17 RN 17 Posties Park Sports Hub - New sports hub to include Gym & running track NR IRED 31/03/2022 29/11/2025 6,718 5,878 6,818 38 6,856 138 840 940 100 100 0 0 18 RN 18 Public non-adopted paths and roads R IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2033 2,419 0 303 2,116 2,419 0 619 303 -316 0 0 -316 19 RN 19 Cemetery Extension, North Dalnotter NR IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2025 264 14 14 250 264 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 RN 20 Vale of Leven Cemetery NR IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 828 741 912 -84 828 0 87 171 84 84 0 0 21 RN 21 Allotment Development NR IRED 31/03/2024 30/09/2024 492 215 312 180 492 0 154 97 -57 0 0 -57 22 RN 22 Waste Transfer Station NR IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2026 1,980 0 159 1,821 1,980 0 200 159 -41 0 0 -41 23 RN 23 Play Area Upgrade Programme NR IRED 31/03/2028 31/03/2033 1,907 149 594 1,313 1,907 0 417 445 29 29 0 0 24 RN 25 Whitecrook Tennis Court NR IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2024 45 44 45 0 45 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 25 RN 26 East End Park Resurfacing NR IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2025 385 6 183 202 385 0 379 177 -202 0 0 -202 26 RN 27 Park Improvements and Multi Games Area - Goldenhill Park NR IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2025 150 0 164 -14 150 0 150 164 14 14 0 0 27 RN 28 Balloch Mountain Bike Track NR IRED 30/11/2023 30/09/2025 450 0 7 443 450 0 20 7 -13 0 0 -13 28 RN 29 Pappert 2G Pitch NR IRED 31/03/2024 31/03/2025 250 8 8 242 250 0 242 1 -242 0 0 -242 29 RN 30 Kilmaronock Cemetery Extension NR IRED 31/03/2023 31/03/2025 50 45 45 5 50 0 5 0 -5 0 0 -5 30 RN 31 Exxon City Deal NR IRED 31/03/2027 31/03/2028 46,942 6,780 11,370 35,572 46,942 0 4,500 4,590 90 90 0 0 31 RN 32 Cycling, Walking, Safer Routes Tier 1 (Active Travel) R IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 1,033 0 397 636 1,033 0 646 397 -249 0 0 -249 Full Project Life In Year Page 256
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All Approved Projects at Period 12 Service Project Recurring/Non Recurring Budget Committee Completion Date Revised End Date Project Life Budget Spend to 31/3/24 Spend to Date Projected Future Spend Total Projected Spend Project Variance Approved Budget 2024/25 Actual to date 2024/25 In Year Variance Overspend Underspend Re- profiling £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Full Project Life In Year 32 RN 33 Creation of 3 new all weather pitches at Argyll Park, Posties Park and Mountblow playing fields. NR IRED 31/03/2026 31/03/2026 2,250 0 47 2,203 2,250 0 50 47 -3 0 0 -3 33 RN 34 Strathclyde Partnership for Transport - Bus, cycling and walking infrastructure improvements & Park and Rides NR IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 333 0 55 278 333 0 333 55 -278 0 0 -278 34 RN 35 Transport Scotland 24-25 Implementation 20MPH Speed Limits NR IRED 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 254 0 221 33 254 0 254 221 -33 0 0 -33 35 RN 36 Review of Schools speed limits NR IRED 31/03/2026 31/03/2026 75 0 0 75 75 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Roads and Neighbourhood 130,634 21,831 35,858 94,914 130,772 138 18,109 14,027 -4,082 321 0 -4,403 1 EDUC 1 AV Equipment - Education NR EDUC 31/03/2030 31/03/2030 859 292 356 503 859 0 60 64 4 4 0 0 2 EDUC 2 Digital Inclusion NR EDUC 31/03/2023 31/03/2025 356 324 328 28 356 0 32 5 -28 0 0 -28 3 EDUC 3 Schools Estate Improvement Plan - next Phase - Faifley Campus NR EDUC 31/03/2027 31/03/2027 36,515 2,491 24,767 11,748 36,515 0 20,896 22,276 1,380 1,380 0 0 4 EDUC 4 Early Years Early Learning and Childcare Funding NR EDUC 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 5 EDUC 5 Schools Estate Improvement Plan NR EDUC 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 21,904 18,734 19,921 1,983 21,904 0 3,170 1,186 -1,983 0 0 -1,983 6 EDUC 6 Free School Meals Expansion NR EDUC 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 1,191 0 23 1,168 1,191 0 75 23 -52 0 0 -52 Total Education 60,825 21,841 45,395 15,430 60,825 0 24,233 23,555 -678 1,385 0 -2,063 1 HSCP 1 Special Needs - Aids & Adaptations for HSCP clients R HSCP 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 6,765 0 886 5,879 6,765 0 867 886 19 19 0 0 2 HSCP 2 ICT Modernisation HSCP R HSCP 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 1,668 0 27 1,641 1,668 0 50 27 -23 0 0 -23 3 HSCP 3 Community Alarm upgrade R HSCP 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 897 0 305 592 897 0 273 305 32 32 0 0 Total HSCP 9,330 0 1,218 8,112 9,330 0 1,190 1,218 28 51 0 -23 1 P&T 1 ICT Modernisation R CSC 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 4,718 0 695 4,023 4,718 0 482 695 213 213 0 0 2 P&T 2 ICT Security & DR R CSC 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 4,143 0 697 3,446 4,143 0 642 697 55 55 0 0 3 P&T 3 365 Implementation NR CSC 30/09/2023 31/03/2026 983 418 757 226 983 0 325 339 14 14 0 0 4 P&T 4 Development of Workforce Management System NR CSC 31/03/2030 31/03/2030 298 0 0 298 298 0 46 0 -46 0 0 -46 Total P&T 10,141 418 2,149 7,993 10,141 0 1,494 1,730 236 282 0 -46 78 Overall Total 323,893 63,813 119,517 204,514 324,031 138 58,518 55,737 -2,781 4,838 -262 -7,357 Page 257
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All Approved HRA Capital Projects at Period 12 _ 31 March 2025 Appendix 5 Project Category Project Life Budget Expenditure to 31 /3/24 Expenditure to Date Projected Future Spend Project Life Forecast Spend Project Variance Approved Budget 2024/25 Expenditure to Date 2024/25 Projected Spend 2024/25 In Year Variance 2024/25 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 OCE1 Special Needs Adaptations Rolling 3,408 - 506 2,902 3,408 - 655 506 500 (149) OCE2 Capitalised Minor Works Rolling 10,945 - 3,904 7,041 10,945 - 3,000 3,904 4,100 904 OCE3 Better Homes Priority Budget Rolling 1,680 - 966 714 1,680 - 705 966 975 261 OCE4 Environmental Sensors Programme Project 10,000 103 1,525 8,475 10,000 - 2,000 1,422 2,000 (578) OCE5 Housing CCTV Installation Programme Project 750 - - 750 750 - 750 - - (750) OCE6 QL Development Rolling 109 - 16 93 109 - 21 16 21 (5) OCE7 Gypsy Travellers Site Rolling 141 - 46 95 141 - 34 46 46 12 OCE8 Airport Noise Project 96 - - 96 96 - - - - - Other Capital Expenditure 27,129 103 6,963 20,166 27,129 - 7,165 6,860 7,642 305- MCR1 Targeted SHQS /EESSH compliance works Rolling 32,632 - 5,233 27,399 32,632 - 6,537 5,233 6,500 (1,304) MCR2 External Component Renewal - Roofs Rolling 13,010 - 1,741 11,269 13,010 - 2,500 1,741 1,700 (759) MCR3 Doors/Windows Component Renewals Rolling 14,599 - 4,483 10,116 14,599 - 5,011 4,483 5,000 (528) MCR4 District Heating Project 6,400 - - 6,400 6,400 - - - - - MCR5 External Stores / Garages / Bin Stores Rolling 245 - 11 234 245 - 47 11 20 (36) MCR6 Secure entry component renewals Rolling 245 - 13 232 245 - 47 13 20 (34) MCR7 Statutory / Regulatory Compliance Works Rolling 976 - 23 953 976 - 294 23 22 (271) MCR8 Heating Improvement Works Rolling 8,800 - 2,100 6,700 8,800 - 1,900 2,100 2,200 200 MCR9 Energy Improvements / Energy Efficiency Works Rolling 295 - - 295 295 - 57 - - (57) MCR10 Kitchen Upgrade Rolling 12,102 - 3,556 8,546 12,102 - 2,652 3,556 3,500 904 MCR11 Bathroom & Shower Replacement Rolling 3,300 - 557 2,743 3,300 - 750 557 600 (193) Major Component Replacement 92,604 - 17,717 74,887 92,604 - 19,795 17,717 19,562 (2,078) VOC1 Void House Strategy Programme Rolling 19,212 - 5,414 13,798 19,212 - 4,902 5,414 5,300 512 Void Capital 19,212 - 5,414 13,798 19,212 - 4,902 5,414 5,300 512 STE1 Defective structures/component renewals Rolling 2,210 - 958 1,252 2,210 - 712 958 919 246 STE2 Environmental Renewal - Paths & Environment Rolling 5,559 - 904 4,655 5,559 - 1,068 904 936 (164) STE3 Asbestos Management Works Rolling 1,235 - 170 1,065 1,235 - 237 170 150 (67) STE4 Multi Storey Flat Strategy Project 5,171 65 83 5,088 5,171 - 750 18 100 (732) Structural & Environmental 14,175 65 2,115 12,060 14,175 - 2,767 2,050 2,105 (717) SUP1 Salaries / Central Support / Overhead Rolling 14,367 - 3,135 11,232 14,367 - 2,761 3,135 2,761 374 Support Costs 14,367 - 3,135 11,232 14,367 - 2,761 3,135 2,761 374 Full Project Life In Year Page 258
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All Approved HRA Capital Projects at Period 12 _ 31 March 2025 Appendix 5 Project Category Project Life Budget Expenditure to 31 /3/24 Expenditure to Date Projected Future Spend Project Life Forecast Spend Project Variance Approved Budget 2024/25 Expenditure to Date 2024/25 Projected Spend 2024/25 In Year Variance 2024/25 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Full Project Life In Year AHP1 Buy Backs Rolling 20,522 - 3,401 17,121 20,522 - 4,670 3,401 4,670 (1,269) AHP2 Demolition Programme Rolling 485 - 575 90- 485 - 485 575 485 90 AHP3 Contingency Rolling 520 - - 520 520 - 100 - - (100) AHP4 Clydebank East Project 32,894 22,334 32,952 58- 32,894 - 9,700 10,618 11,235 918 AHP5 Pappert Project 10,517 601 8,169 2,348 10,517 - 9,653 7,568 7,566 (2,085) AHP6 Mount Pleasant Project 6,005 555 4,900 1,105 6,005 - 4,396 4,345 4,311 (51) AHP7 7-9 Gilmour Avenue Project 574 40 459 115 574 - 534 419 497 (115) AHP8 Willox Park Phase1 Project 5,143 401 1,951 3,192 5,143 - 2,500 1,550 1,463 (950) AHP9 Bank Street Project 7,549 231 297 7,252 7,549 - 518 66 106 (452) AHP10 Bonhill Gap Sites Project 11,537 99 242 11,295 11,537 - 514 143 190 (371) AHP11 Clydebank Health Centre Project 10,595 705 1,017 9,578 10,595 - 390 312 390 (78) AHP12 Silverton Project 2,537 33 29 2,508 2,537 - 429 (4) 24 (433) AHP13 Queen Mary Avenue Project 4,556 32 40 4,516 4,556 - 120 8 10 (112) AHP14 Queens Quay Site C Project 8,231 31 31 8,200 8,231 - 1,000 - - (1,000) AHP15 Dennystoun Forge – New Build Project 4,000 - 59 3,941 4,000 - 250 59 50 (191) AHP16 Future New Build & Related Regeneration Projects Rolling 24,515 - - 24,515 24,515 - 515 - - (515) AHP17 Fees, Staffing Costs, contingency Rolling 2,073 - 169 1,904 2,073 - 500 169 400 (331) Affordable Housing Supply Programme 152,253 25,062 54,291 97,962 152,253 - 36,274 29,229 31,397 (7,045) Total Expenditure 319,740 25,230 89,635 230,105 319,740 - 73,664 64,405 68,767 (9,259) Project Category Project Life Budget Income to 31 /3/24 Income to Date Projected Future Income Project Life Forecast Income Project Variance Approved Budget 2024/25 Income to Date 2024/25 Projected Income 2024/25 In Year Variance 2024/25 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 CAPI1 Scottish Govt Buyback Grant Rolling (9,451) - (1,136) (8,315) (9,451) - (2,858) (1,136) (2,417) 1,722 CAPI2 Clydebank East Project (12,605) (12,605) (12,605) - (12,605) - - - - - CAPi3 Pappert Site Project (3,725) (172) (3,475) (250) (3,725) - (3,303) (3,303) (3,303) - CAPI4 Mount Pleasant Project (1,838) (467) (1,837) (1) (1,838) - (1,371) (1,370) (1,371) 1 CAPI5 7-9 Gilmour Avenue Project (195) - 191- (4) (195) - (195) 191- (192) 4 CAPI6 Willox Park Phase1 Project (1,489) (414) (1,644) 155 (1,489) - (1,075) (1,230) (1,116) (155) CAPI7 Bank Street Project (2,108) (258) (258) (1,850) (2,108) - - - - - CAPI8 Bonhill Gap Sites Project (4,789) (188) (377) (4,412) (4,789) - - (189) (189) (189) CAPI9 Clydebank Health Centre Project (3,785) (585) (967) (2,818) (3,785) - (200) 382- (200) 182- CAPI10 Silverton Project (1,000) - - (1,000) (1,000) - - - (429) 0 CAPI11 Queen Mary Avenue Project (1,600) (140) (140) (1,460) (1,600) - - - - - CAPI12 Queens Quay Site C Project (3,086) (2,086) (2,086) (1,000) (3,086) - (1,000) - - 1,000 CAPI13 Dennystoun Forge – New Build Project (2,000) - - (2,000) (2,000) - - - - - CAPI14 Future new build sites & related regeneration projects Rolling (6,900) - - (6,900) (6,900) - - - - - CAPI15 HRA Loan Repayments Rolling (5) - (1) (4) (5) - (1) (1) (1) - Total Income (54,576) (16,915) (24,717) (29,859) (54,576) - (10,003) (7,802) (9,218) 2,201 Prudential Borrowing Requirement 265,164 8,315 64,918 200,246 265,164 - 63,661 56,603 59,549 7,058- Full Project Life In Year Page 259
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APPENDIX 6 WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE TRUST FUNDS DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Page 260
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West Dunbartonshire Trust funds Draft Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Contents Page Trustees’ Annual Report 3 - 6 Statement of Receipts and Payments 7 Statement of Balances 8 Page 261
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West Dunbartonshire Trust funds Draft Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 3 | P a g e Trustees’ Annual Report Introduction The Trustees present the annual report together with the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. Administration Information West Dunbartonshire Council (the Council) is sole Trustee for all Trust Funds with the exception of Dunbartonshire Educational Trust Scheme 1962 and McAuley Prize for Mathematics. The table below identifies the Trustees for 2024/25. Charity Contact Trust Fund Number Trustees Local Authority Address Provost Karen Murray Conaghan West Dunbartonshire West Dunbartonshire Council Councillor Daniel Lennie Church Street Councillor June McKay Dumbarton Councillor Lawrence O'Neill G82 1QL Councillor Clare Steel Councillor Diane Docherty Councillor Jim McElhill Councillor Lauren Oxley Councillor Gordon Scanlan Councillor Sophie Traynor Provost Karen Murray Conaghan West Dunbartonshire West Dunbartonshire Council Laura Mason (Chief Officer – Education) West Dunbartonshire Church Street Laurence Slavin (Chief Officer – Resources) West Dunbartonshire Dumbarton Liz Connolly (Principal) West College Scotland G82 1QL Councillor Clare Steel West Dunbartonshire West Dunbartonshire Council Councillor John Millar West Dunbartonshire Church Street Councillor Hazel Sorrell West Dunbartonshire Dumbarton Councillor James McPhilemy North Lanarkshire G82 1QL Councillor Gordon Currie North Lanarkshire Councillor Lynda Williamson East Dunbartonshire Councillor Callum McNally East Dunbartonshire Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess Argyll and Bute Alexander Cameron Bequest SC025070 Dunbartonshire Education Trust SC025070 SC025070McAuley Prize for Mathematics UIE Award SC025070 Page 262
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West Dunbartonshire Trust funds Draft Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 4 | P a g e Objectives and 2024/25 Activity All trusts are advertised on the Council’s website and details have been passed to West Dunbartonshire Community and Volunteering Service (WDCVS) to publicise them. The objectives and activities of each of the Trusts are detailed below: Charity Trust Fund Number Objective 2024/25 Activity SC025070 Alexander Cameron Bequest The benefit of the people of Clydebank to assist those in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage. Two grants were awarded during 2024/25 as detailed within note 3. SC025070 UIE Award For students studying apprenticeships or training in industry. No awards. SC025070 McAuley Prize for Mathematics Provides prizes for those studying maths and computing No awards. SC025070 Dunbartonshire Educational Trust Scheme 1962 Awards educational prizes and bursaries. Nine grants were awarded during 2024/25 as detailed within note 3. Structure and Governance West Dunbartonshire Trust Funds are OSCR registered. The governance arrangements are under the control of the Council which appoints trustees as required. The current list of trustees are shown within the table on page 3. Following a review of the governance documents, it was agreed at Council on 31 August 2016 that the Alexander Cameron Bequest Trust Fund noted below would be delegated to the Alexander Cameron Committee. The trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring there are appropriate systems of control, financial and otherwise. They are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable accuracy, the financial position of the Trusts and enable them to ensure Financial Statements comply with Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and are therefore responsible for taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities and also provide reasonable assurances that: • The trusts are operating efficiently and effectively. • Assets are safeguarded against unauthorised use and disposition. • Proper records are maintained and financial information used by the charities is reliable. • The trusts comply with relevant laws and regulations. The systems of internal controls are designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. The systems of internal control follow those of the Council and, as such, much of this is delegated to the Council’s Chief Officer - Resources. The Council continually seeks to improve the effectiveness of its systems of internal control so that any irregularities are either prevented or quickly detected. The systems of internal control are based on a framework of regular management information, financial regulations, financial and administrative procedures (including segregation of duties), management supervision and a system of delegation and accountability. The Financial Statements and Trustees Report are prepared by the Council’s Finance Service. The appointed external auditors are Forvis Mazars. The Council has agreed to meet the cost of this audit and not pass this on to the Trusts. This is to provide additional financial support to the Trusts, ensuring that core funds are not eroded, and objectives can continue to be achieved. The Trustees only meet as and when required during the year and will ensure that the required accounting arrangements are adhered to. Page 263
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West Dunbartonshire Trust funds Draft Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 5 | P a g e Management of Funds and Investment Policy Decisions regarding the management of the Trusts are made by the Trustees. Trustees rely on the expertise of Council staff to manage the investments to ensure the maximum return at the least risk to the Trusts. In this way, the income stream for the future benefit of the Trusts is protected. Funds available are invested each year with interest earned. Investments are made both internally and externally, with the majority invested in the Council’s Loans Fund and externally managed by the Council. Performance (Investments) Income for West Dunbartonshire Trusts comes from investment returns. All Trusts (with the exception of those investments noted below) received income on their reserves held based upon the average interest rate used for internal investments within the Council’s loans fund which was 4.770%. Following a Trustee decision in 2019/20, Alexander Cameron had an element of their funds in a fixed interest agreement. Trustees met and agreed in February 2022 to continue this investment for a further fixed term of 2 years (the revised interest rate was 2.04%) and the overall impact of this was £1,987.38 of interest gained during 2024/25. Dunbartonshire Educational Trust Scheme 1962 continues to receive income from external investments i.e. 3% Clydeport and 4% Clydeport Consolidated Stock. These investments are managed by the Council and achieved investment income of £5 in 2024/25 (£5 in 2023/24). Financial Review The total balance of the Trusts as at 31 March 2025 (including stocks) is £266,833. On 8 July 2016 Clydeport Operations Ltd delisted 3% and 4% stocks from the London Stock Exchange. These are stocks held by Dumbarton Educational Trust. Until further information is available it has been assumed that the balance of this stock has remained the same as the previous year (£218). The Trusts held cash and bank balances at 31 March 2025 of £165,092. Reserves are held by the Council on behalf of the Trusts and revenue income, generated from investment interest that has not been disbursed at 31 March every year, is invested in line with the investment policy outlined above. Declaration This report was signed on behalf of the Trustees on 30 June 2025 by: Councillor Martin Rooney West Dunbartonshire Council 30 June 2025 Page 264
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West Dunbartonshire Trust funds Draft Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 6 | P a g e Statement of Receipts and Payments Account Receipts Payments (Surplus)/ Deficit Receipts Payments (Surplus)/ Deficit 2023/24 2023/24 2023/24 2024/25 2024/25 2024/25 £ £ £ £ £ £ (4,216) 0 (4,216) Dunbartonshire Educational Trust Scheme 1962 (4,557) 5,520 963 (1,020) 0 (1,020) McAuley Prize for Mathematics (1,114) 0 (1,114) (10,272) 300 (9,972) Alexander Cameron Bequest 1,035 6,000 7,035 (1,154) 0 (1,154) UIE Award (1,259) 0 (1,259) (16,662) 300 (16,362) Total (5,895) 11,520 5,625 Page 265
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West Dunbartonshire Trust funds Draft Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 7 | P a g e Statement of Balances as at 31 March 2025 Opening Balance (Surplus)/ Deficit Closing Balance Opening Balance (Surplus)/ Deficit Closing Balance 2023/24 2023/24 2023/24 2023/24 2023/24 2023/24 £ £ £ Note Other Assets £ £ £ (92,290) (4,216) (96,506) Dunbartonshire Educational Trust Scheme 1962 (96,506) 963 (95,543) (22,333) (1,020) (23,353) McAuley Prize for Mathematics (23,353) (1,114) (24,467) (14,485) (9,972) (24,457) Alexander Cameron Bequest (24,457) 7,035 (17,422) (25,248) (1,154) (26,402) UIE Award (26,402) (1,259) (27,661) (154,356) (16,362) (170,718) Total Other Assets (170,718) 5,625 (165,093) Investment (218) 0 (218) 5 Dunbartonshire Educational Trust Scheme 1962 (218) 0 (218) (103,020) 5,515 (97,505) 5 Alexander Cameron Bequest (97,505) (4,017) (101,522) (103,238) 5,515 (97,723) Total Investment (97,723) (4,017) (101,740) (92,508) (4,216) (96,724) Dunbartonshire Educational Trust Scheme 1962 (96,724) 963 (95,761) (22,333) (1,020) (23,353) McAuley Prize for Mathematics (23,353) (1,114) (24,467) (117,505) (4,457) (121,962) Alexander Cameron Bequest (121,962) 3,018 (118,944) (25,248) (1,154) (26,402) UIE Award (26,402) (1,259) (27,661) (257,594) (10,847) (268,441) 0 Overall Total (268,441) 1,608 (266,833) All funds are unrestricted which means they may be used for any purpose relevant to the Trust Fund. The draft Financial Statements were authorised for issue on 30 June 2025. Signed on behalf of the Trustees by:- Councillor Martin Rooney West Dunbartonshire Council 30 June 2025 Page 266
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West Dunbartonshire Trust funds Draft Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 8 | P a g e Notes to the financial Statements Note 1 - Basis of Accounting The Financial Statements have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and in accordance with the Charities & Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Note 2 – Trustee Remuneration, Expenses and Related Party Transactions No remuneration or expenses were paid to the Trustees or any connected persons during the 2024/25. The Trusts received interest of £7,882 from the Council at 31 March 2025, and all transactions incoming and outgoing are made via the Council’s bank accounts. The Council has not charged the Trusts any fees for legal, financial or administrative services provided during the year. Note 3 – Grants There were 11 grants awarded during 2024/25. Two awards of £3,000 by Alexander Cameron Bequest to Clydebank East Community Council and Lomond & Clyde Care and Repair. There were 9 grants awarded by Dunbartonshire Educational Trust Scheme to students at West of Scotland College. Note 4 – Other Assets During the year the Trust’s balances were held by the Council, which manages the administration of the funds on behalf of the Trustees. No costs were incurred by the Trusts for this administration. The Council also acts as the banker for the Trusts and, as detailed above, all transactions incoming and outgoing are made via the Council’s accounts. The balances are repayable on demand. Interest is paid on balances. Note 5 – Investment Dunbartonshire Educational Trust - The investment valuation of £218 (shown in the table below) is the market value as at 31 March 2016, as valued by the Council. Notification was received that the stocks were delisted in July 2016. There has been no further update on this and therefore the assumption is that the market price remains the same. Purchase Market Purchase Market Price as at Price as at Price as at Price as at 31-Mar-24 31-Mar-24 31-Mar-24 31-Mar-24 £ £ Investment £ £ (289) (199) 4% Clydeport Authority (289) (199) (35) (19) 3% Clydeport Authority (35) (19) (324) (218) Total (324) (218) Alexander Cameron – Following a decision on 23 February 2022, £20,000 was invested on a short term variable basis, with the remainder (£100,269) invested on a longer term fixed interest rate basis with the Council for two years at 2.04%. The closing value of the investment, including interest was £101,522. Note 6 – Audit Fee The audit fee for the year of £10,000 (£10,000 2023/24) was absorbed by the Council. Page 267
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DUMBARTON COMMON GOOD FUND APPENDIX 7 Statement of Income & Expenditure 23/24 24/25 24/25 Final Outturn Revised Budget Final Outturn Description £ £ £ Alcoholics Anonymous - Grant for Property 14,502 24,997 26,438 Alternatives 5,000 5,000 5,000 Bellsmyre Digital Project 35,602 35,602 35,602 Bellsmyre Schools Out - - - Bellsmyre Development Trust 36,000 36,000 36,000 Christmas Lights 15,000 15,000 15,000 Dumbarton Senior Citizens 10,000 10,000 10,000 Dumbarton Fireworks 12,369 12,864 12,864 Town Centre Management - Capital & Revenue - 142,547 88,653 Rockvale Rebound - Rent 2,600 2,630 2,630 Scottish Maritime Museum 50,000 50,000 50,000 Small Grants - 7,000 - West Dunbartonshire Citizen's Advice Bureau 40,000 40,000 40,000 Central Admin Allocation 24,000 45,342 43,929 Vacant Property Costs in relation to Overburn Ave 44,808 31,494 31,461 Estates Dept - Management Fee 10,840 10,840 10,840 WD Community Foodshare 17,403 18,403 17,403 Dumbarton library resources 10,000 10,000 10,000 Pipe Band Championships 50,000 50,000 50,000 Food For Thought SCIO 16,251 15,000 15,000 Corra Foundation 13,000 13,000 13,000 Dalreoch United Free Church (Women's Fellowship) 645 - - DUMBARTON RIVERSIDE FOOTBALL CLUB 2,000 ST AUGUSTINE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 6,500 Total Expenditure 408,021 575,718 522,319 Interest on Revenue Balance / Investments - 24,548 - 361 7,329- Rental Income - External - 142,141 - 144,333 143,754- Rental Income - Internal - 177,750 - 177,750 177,750- Total Income - 344,439 - 322,445 - 328,833 Net Expenditure 63,582 253,273 193,486 Balance b/fwd - 624,896 - 561,314 - 561,314 Balance c/fwd - 561,314 - 308,041 - 367,828 Page 268