Investment and staffing restored to undertake additional grass cutting
Published 29 August 2025
Additional grass cutting will be undertaken across West Dunbartonshire after a decision to restore investment and seasonal staffing was approved by councillors.
Proposals to cut grass to the same level as undertaken in 2024 had been approved at both the IRED and Housing committees.
Due to the proposed spending commitment, those decisions had to be ratified at a meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council and on Wednesday, following discussion, it was agreed that work should progress.
It means a one-off investment of £280,000 will fund additional cuts for the rest of 2025/26, subject to available Greenspace operatives. It will also ensure seasonal workers can be retained to cut back areas with long grass over autumn and winter.
A further £400,000 will be invested from 2026/27 to fund and maintain the same level of grass cutting each year, as well as the reinstatement of twice yearly weed killing and retention of bedding plants in public parks.
West Dunbartonshire Council Leader, Councillor Martin Rooney, said: "This Council is in the midst of an ongoing and significant financial challenge and earlier this year, as we tried to protect the vital services our residents rely on, we had to make truly difficult decisions - one of which was around grass cutting.
"Since then it has become clear from the feedback we have received from our communities that well-maintained open spaces are a priority for them.
"The Council values that feedback, and have listened to it which is why the decision to make immediate improvements, as well as longer term changes, was agreed.
"The work will take on priority and targeted areas with a view to making a visible difference.
"As I said previously, while this is welcome news, the budget is limited, as is operative capacity, and it may take time to see a difference locally.
“The stepped approach means next year our grass cutting service capacity will be restored to the levels we undertook in 2024 in a planned and achievable way, which focuses on priority open areas and high amenity green spaces.”
The work will be funded from the Council’s general fund temporarily, with a report to be brought back to Council detailing which budgets it should be funded from going forward.