DESPITE Covid-19 pressures and overspends forecast, Clackmannanshire Council has delivered services within budget in 2020-21.

Draft statements for the past financial year have detailed local authority expenditure, with councillors set to scrutinise the 188-page document tomorrow, August 19.

Elected members will hear that the financial results for the past year "are positive and provide a platform from which to address the challenging times ahead".

Documents to be tabled said: "Against the background of reducing resources and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the council has successfully delivered services within budget and achieved a high percentage of its approved savings."

Running costs for the council amounted to £131.886million while the local authority also administered support grants of £12.834m.

At the end of the year, the council achieved an underspend of around £3m compared to its original budget, after ear-marked reserves were put aside.

This comes after earlier forecasts showing overspends to the tune of £1m.

Council papers added: "The results for the year are positive against the backdrop of the current economic climate.

"A surplus has been achieved in the year on General Fund which ensures our uncommitted reserves remain in excess of the council's minimum level.

"This position is an improvement on that previously forecast at budget setting in March 2021 due to a more favourable outturn than anticipated at that time.

"The position, although favourable, remains challenging in light of the current financial circumstances and the recent Covid-19 pandemic."