Council approves £1.5m in cuts amid bid to 'protect vital services'

In preparation to set the local authority's 2026/27 budget, councillors agreed a variety of cost saving measures last week in an attempt to plug a £9.2m gap.

At a meeting on December 17, plans to supply more mini buses for ASN students, invest in CCTV at council depots and purchase a new gully cleaning vehicle were presented for approval.

The measures were taken as part of plan to 'invest to save' and was given the go ahead along with £1.3m of management adjustments.

These included the cease of milk fridge renting in schools, additional measures for council tax recovery, and a review of non-domestic rates that could create £930,000 in revenue.

West Dunbartonshire Council held a full council meeting on December 17. (Image: Newsquest)

A proposal about the rotation of temporary accommodation was excluded, subject to it being revisited as part of the budget setting meeting in March.

West Dunbartonshire Council say the changes will be implemented as part of normal business and will have no frontline impact.

Councillor Martin Rooney, leader of the council, said: "We are determined to protect vital services, and while we don’t want to see reductions or changes, taking these smaller steps now is essential to safeguard the future of our council services.

“After years of financial uncertainty, the options for savings are limited. However, our priority remains clear: to protect the services our communities rely on most.

“As we work towards closing the budget gap by March, confirmation of Scottish Government funding will give us a clearer picture of what further action is required.”

A noted cost pressure in the report for the 2026/27 in the budget was a £20,000 allocation to reflect the national review of Chief Executive pay.

Peter Hessett is due to see his salary increase by £17,104, giving him a yearly pay check of £177,073.

The national review by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) was undertaken as the first in 25 years to evaluate the pay of chief executives.

Following the framework report, a COSLA spokesperson added: "“Across Scotland, council Chief Executives, as Heads of the Paid Service, are accountable for the delivery of hundreds of diverse and vital public services.

"Tens of thousands of citizens across local areas rely on these every single day – from education and childcare, housing, social work and care, to roads and transport, waste and recycling, and leisure and culture.

“On October 31, COSLA Leaders considered an independent report on Chief Executive remuneration. This was jointly commissioned by COSLA and the ALACE Trade Union in line with a collective agreement made in 2010 that a review would take place.

"It was agreed that an updated pay framework will be implemented based on the independent recommendations."

A second tranche of savings options is currently under development and will be presented at a meeting on March 4, 2026, when elected members will consider more plans to close a remaining £7.5m gap.

Due to delays to the UK Autumn Budget mean the council will not be told of Scottish Government funding until after their budget is set on January 13.

Councillor David McBride, deputy council leader, added: “Bridging a £9.2 million gap is a significant challenge, but the decisions taken at this Council meeting show we are moving in the right direction.

“The road ahead will not be easy, but we are focused on making the necessary changes to deliver a balanced budget while continuing to provide the essential services our residents depend on the most."