CLACKS COUNCIL funding received from central government is "disproportionately low" considering local levels of deprivation, according to researchers.

The findings will be highlighted at Kilncraigs tomorrow (Thursday, June 27) as part of a report from the public spending watchdog.

Independent auditors from the Accounts Commission will highlight how the local authority is working with the University of Stirling "to determine whether existing central government funding reflects the level of vulnerability" in the area.

The report said: "The university considered indicators including childcare and education.

"It concluded that, relative to the levels of deprivation in its area, the funding the council receives is disproportionately low.

"The council is planning further research. The council has also agreed to create a funding officer post to identify sources of additional income and develop funding proposals."

The revelation comes amid a "very challenging" financial climate, which has seen the local authority slash its budget by £43million since 2011.

That is around a third of this year's £125.5m approved to spend on services across the Wee County.

The commission's report said: "The council's financial position has improved but remains very challenging.

"It recognises its finances are not sustainable in the longer-term without transformation and decisions on services."

Auditors did recognise the local authority's track-record of managing its finances year-on-year, adding its position improved "because it has sustained savings and because of wider changes in council funding".

Particularly, it singles out how the Scottish Government agreed to cover increases in teachers' pay and pensions.

Speaking of the current 2019-20 budget, the documents added: "The budget includes further recurring savings of £4.8million and the council will use one-off savings and a contribution from its capital receipts reserve.

"The council knows this approach is not sustainable and accepts that the £10.1m funding gap for 2020-21 is very challenging."

The findings went on to say that a combination of savings, ongoing organisational redesign, increased council tax, the use of reserves and increased grant funding meant some difficult decisions were avoided.

This included the closure of two schools, cutting the Leisure Bowl loose and stopping CAB funding.

However, auditors warned: "The council's very challenging financial position means it cannot continue to avoid or defer difficult decisions about the services it can afford to deliver."

The council has also taken steps to drive forward its organisational change, but there is still "much to do".

Auditors said: "The pace of change has increased significantly since August 2018 and the council is taking steps to secure the capacity it needs to maintain this momentum.

"The council still has much to do to implement and embed the changes required for service and financial sustainability."