Question to the Scotland Office:

If he will discuss with the Scottish Government steps to prevent accounting errors which are detrimental to local government budgets; and if he will make a statement.

Local Government is a devolved matter in Scotland and all issues relating to local government budgets and accounting are the responsibility of the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Government and Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government both attend the CIPFA/LASAAC Accounting Code Board, where accounting rules and best practice for local authorities across the UK are discussed.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government officials also have ad hoc contact with Scottish Government officials to share best practice and discuss matters of mutual interest for Local Government Finance in England and Scotland.