Councils in Scotland need to improve performance management significantly, according to the latest Accounts Commission report.

Overview of the local authority audits 2007 highlights the achievements made by local government in Scotland, but calls for ‘increased focus' on key areas to meet future challenges.

‘We have identified a number of key areas where there is a need for increased focus,' said Professor John Bailie, chair of the Accounts Commission.

‘For example, councils need to improve performance management significantly to enable them to show whether they are improving services for local people. This will support the shift towards an outcomes-based approach, as set out in the concordat between the Scottish Government and COSLA.

The commission has recommended councils focus on the following areas: