Councils must "radically change" how they operate if they are to maintain and improve vital services in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Councillor Iain McMillan, Labour group leader, reiterated that view of the Accounts Commission, at a meeting last Thursday – warning that the impact of the crisis on local authorities has been "huge".
A report, published by the commission in May, said budget constraints and cost pressures are putting local authority finances under "severe strain", with signs of backlogs and a drop in performance emerging in some service areas.
It comes as Renfrewshire Council prepares to try to make savings of around £12 million each year, from 2024 to 2027, in a bid to balance the books.
A motion brought forward by Councillor McMillan, which was agreed in the chambers, acknowledged the commission's findings and accepted that "radical change" is needed across Scotland's councils.
It also called for the Scottish Government to work closely with councils, local authority umbrella body COSLA and communities to ensure "quality services" can still be delivered.
Councillor McMillan said: "I think this report is really a wake-up call for us all. This publication from the Accounts Commission shows us in stark reality what's happening there in the community.
"There's no doubt that Scotland's councils have suffered because of the pandemic, there's no doubt about that.
"The impact on councils has been huge. There's signs that there's backlogs on various issues and performances are getting worse.
"We see that in reports. There's concerns over adult social care, we've got rising rates of rent arrears, homelessness is going up as well, we've got a drop in recycling rates, street cleanliness is a big issue for us as well as other councils, the attainment gap seems to have stalled, there's some parents of ASN kids having a protest outside … they're obviously having real issues at the moment.
"A big issue for me is poverty in terms of working parents. Two thirds of kids in poverty come from or live in families where people are actually working.
"To me, that's an absolute disgrace that people are going out to work, working hard, but they're not even keeping their head above water. They're really, really struggling.
"I just really want this report to be noted and I would hope … that we acknowledge the report and in further reports in the coming months, that's alluded to, where we are at the moment.
"I suppose it's dead easy to shout and bawl about more money, that would be the easy thing to do and there's no doubt that's an issue.
"But there is radical change, as the report hints at, there is radical change needed."
Councillor McMillan added he felt there are "far too many councils" in Scotland for a country of its size.
He said: "I think it's maybe about time we had a look at the number of councils … That's not without its pitfalls, I know that, and it can be quite fraught as well.
"That's not the only solution, that's just me shoving something in the ring."
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